Rhine & Rhône Revealed for Wine Lovers (Northbound) 2021

15 Day River Cruise Port-Saint-Louis to Amsterdam

Showing 2021 Information

Immerse yourself in French and German culture on this fabulous European river cruise along the Rhine, Saône, and Rhône Rivers. With a Master of Wine accompanying you on the French portion of your cruise, you’ll hear interesting presentations on winemaking and be hosted for delicious wine tastings and pairings. Begin in Port Saint Louis and cruise to Avignon for a guided tour of Châteauneuf du Pape. Visit charming Arles and Viviers, and enjoy a wine-and-chocolate tasting at the Cité du Chocolat at Valrhona or hike in the vineyards in medieval Tournon. Take a guided tour of Beaujolais, and join a culinary tour in the gastronomic capital of Lyon. In Mâcon, go on an excursion to a Chardonnay wine cellar.

Transfer from St. Jean Losne to embark on your Rhine River cruise from Basel, Switzerland. Cruise to Breisach, Germany—gateway to the Black Forest, and visit Strasbourg, France. Sail to Mainz, with your choice of a guided walk with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, or an excursion to nearby Heidelberg Castle. Visit the vineyard town of Rüdesheim, and sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River dotted every mile with ancient castles. Arrive in Cologne, a 2,000-year-old city best known for its gothic architecture and famous twin-spired cathedral

Conclude your cruise in Holland’s popular, modern capital of Amsterdam. The best way to see the treasures of this 700-year-old city is on a canal cruise along the elegant Grachten. A lovely way to celebrate your wine-lover’s cruise on the Rhine and Rhône Rivers.
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River Cruise Map of Rhine & Rhône Revealed for Wine Lovers (Northbound)

Cruise at-a-Glance

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Day 1 Port St. Louis (Embarkation):Onboard welcome receptionDay 2 Arles:Choice of guided sightseeing, visit the Roman Amphitheater, or painting workshop; onboard lecture about wineDay 3 Avignon:Guided sightseeing, visit the Palace of the Popes; guided tour to Châteauneuf du PapeDay 4 Viviers:Guided walk, visit Old Town and the cathedral; onboard food and wine pairing dinnerDay 5 Tournon-Vienne:Guided walk in Tournon; onboard chocolate and wine tasting; guided walk in VienneDay 6 Lyon:Guided sightseeing, picture stop on Fourvière Hill; guided tour to Beaujolais Day 7 St. Jean de Losne:Chardonnay excursion; onboard cheese and wine tasting Day 8 St. Jean de Losne (Disembarkation)-Beaune-Basel (Embarkation):Visit the Hôtel-Dieu in Beaune; transfer to Basel; onboard welcome receptionDay 9 Breisach:Choice of excursion to Black Forest, or visit to Badische WinzerkellerDay 10 Strasbourg:Guided sightseeing, visit La Petite France district and the gothic cathedralDay 11 Mainz:Choice of guided tour of Heidelberg Castle, see the Great Vat, or hike up Philosophers' Way, or visit the Gutenberg Museum in MainzDay 12 Rüdesheim-Rhine Gorge-Koblenz:Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim; cruise through the Rhine Gorge; free time in KoblenzDay 13 Cologne:Choice of 'Cologne Highlights' walking tour, or Jewish Heritage walking tourDay 14 Amsterdam:Canal cruiseDay 15 Amsterdam (Disembarkation):Your cruise ends this morning

Cruise

Avalon makes it easy to experience vacation your way with seamless extension options before and after your cruise. Your Way offers added nights in a selection of locales. From Budapest to Barcelona, you can spend a little or a lot more time getting to know more on shore with Your Way custom itineraries.

View 13 Your Way Cruise Options »

Always Included

You've always forged your own path...with your own distinct perspective of looking at the world. Avalon Waterways presents a river cruise experience with your unique style in mind—offering expansive views and wider perspectives. That's why we've designed a cruise experience that's just a bit different.

Here are just some of the features and amenities you'll experience on board our Avalon ships. See the Ship Amenities Section below for more information about the amenities in our fleet’s unique ships.

Throughout the Ship

Suites & Staterooms

Health & Fitness

Dining

Throughout the Ship:

Complimentary Wi-Fi
Panoramic windows
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day

Suites & Staterooms:

Comfort Collection Beds^SM with choice of mattress firmness
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Bathrobes & slippers
Premium L'Occitane bath products
Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
Individual climate control and in-room safe
USB Ports
Complimentary bottled water daily
And, much more.

Health & Fitness:

Bikes
Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
Fitness and wellness activities
Fitbits®
All through your Avalon Adventure Host^SM

Dining

FlexDining® for more venue and seating options, including flexible seating times in our Panorama Dining Room
Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal
Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; wine, beer, or soft drinks with every lunch and dinner
Early and Late Riser breakfast options
Daily a la carte breakfast with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily specials*
Daily a la carte lunch including regional specialties, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and classic dishes*
Alternative light lunch at Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather permitting)
Daily Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, sweet treats & sandwiches
Daily four-course a la carte dinner in the Panorama Dining Room with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and desserts. Includes selections of regional recipes, Western dishes and vegetarian options.
Enjoy a tasting menu with a view in the Panorama Bistro - a less formal "sit-down" atmosphere while lingering over several satisfying selections
Captain’s welcome & farewell receptions and dinners with sparkling wine and canapés
Panorama Lounge featuring premium spirits and Avalon specialty cocktails, along with local entertainment special guests
Cocktails available on the Sky Deck
Fresh fruit available throughout the day

*Due to heightened health & safety measures, Avalon has replaced self-serve buffets with crew-served buffets and/or full a la carte menu options until further notice

Avalon Choice

Avalon has designed included activities with a choice of experiences. We invite you to select the tours, activities, and events that interest you most, so you can experience your cruise your way. There are 3 types of included shore excursion on every Europe cruise:

Classic

Your local expert is ready to guide you through the history and heritage of local destinations. You’ll marvel at the legends, lore, and spectacular architecture of iconic and historic sites.

Discovery

We’ve found inspiring and interactive activities to speak to your interests - from cooking classes, to painting workshops - to immerse yourself in each culture you explore.

Active

Embark on energetic excursions to keep you in motion and on the go - from a guided jogging tour of Amsterdam, to biking, paddling, and hiking your way through scenic locales.

Plus independent exploration options and use of our exclusive AvalonGO APP.

Day-By-Day Itinerary

(B) = Breakfast (L) = Lunch (D) = Dinner

Day 1

(D)

PORT ST. LOUIS, FRANCE (EMBARKATION)

Welcome to France. Your Suite Ship® is Ready for Boarding

Flights into Marseille must arrive by 3 pm.

Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm.

EVENING CRUISE TO ARLES

Day 2

(B, L, D)

ARLES

Inspiring Sights and Avant-Garde Lights

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

Active

Grab a Nordic walking stick for a hike with your Adventure Host.

Classic

Enjoy a Guided Walking Tour of Arles—the captivating city of the Provence region. You’ll visit the Roman Amphitheater in this visually stunning city

Consider a Guided Optional Excursion to the Carrières de Lumières (Cathedral of Images) a unique experience of art, sound, and light in the old quarries of Val d’Enfer.

Take free time to stop in Le Café Van Gogh for a glass of wine.

Discovery

Join a lecture about wine hosted by your Master of Wine

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON

Day 3

(B, L, D)

AVIGNON

The City of Popes in Picturesque Provence

Classic

Take a Guided Sightseeing Tour of the fortress city of Avignon—with its ramparts encircling the city—and a visit to the amazing Palace of the Popes.

Discovery

Enjoy a trip to the famed wine cellars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape for a true taste of the Rhône wine region.

Later, enjoy onboard live entertainment.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AVIGNON

Day 4

(B, L, D)

VIVIERS

World History in a Charming French Country Village

Enjoy a leisurely morning sail to Viviers.

Classic

Explore the pale-stone buildings of Viviers on a late afternoon Guided Walking Tour of this charming village. You’ll see its Romanesque cathedral and Old Town with a mix of historical Christian, Roman, and medieval influences.

Discovery

This evening, join an onboard food and wine pairing dinner hosted by your Master of Wine

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNON

Day 5

(B, L, D)

TOURNON

A Rendezvous with Castle Views and Vineyards

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

Classic

Take a morning Guided Walking Tour to explore Tournon—one of France’s oldest medieval cities. See its 16th-century castle, and Roman ruins between the Rhône River and the granite slopes of the Hermitage.

Discovery

Enjoy an onboard chocolate and wine tasting hosted by your Master of Wine while sailing to Vienne.

VIENNE

Roman and Middle Age History

Classic

Join a Guided Walking Tour of Vienne and discover this charming little town surrounded by steep hills.

Enjoy live entertainment while sailing to Lyon.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN LYON

Day 6

(B, L, D)

LYON

Adventures in Food and Wine in the Gastronomy Capital of France

Classic

Join a Guided Sightseeing Tour to survey Lyon from Fourvière Hill with its numerous churches. You’ll also explore the Old Town with its maze of medieval alleyways, and the lively cafés, monuments, and famed fountain of Place des Terreaux.

Discovery

Take a guided tour to the lovely Beaujolais area and learn more about its light and pleasant wine.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO TOURNUS

Day 7

(B, L, D)

TOURNUS–ST. JEAN DE LOSNE

Wine and Cheese on the Stunning Saône

Discovery

Join an excursion that will take you to Chardonnay cellar for a wine tasting. This afternoon enjoy a leisurely cruising along the majestic Saône River on your way to St. Jean de Losne.

Discovery

Later, enjoy a delicious cheese and wine tasting hosted by your Master of Wine while sailing to St Jean de Losne.

Enjoy live entertainment on board this evening.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN ST. JEAN DE LOSNE

Day 8

(B, D)

ST. JEAN DE LOSNE (DISEMBARKATION)–BEAUNE–BASEL, SWITZERLAND (EMBARKATION)

Drive to Beaune and transfer to Basel

Classic

Visit the Hôtel-Dieu Charity Hospital in Beaune, built in 1443, today home of the Van der Weyden’s painting of the Last Judgment and is one of France’s architectural highlights.

This afternoon, travel by motorcoach to Basel to board your Rhine river cruise.

EVENING CRUISE TO BREISACH

Day 9

(B, L, D)

BREISACH, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO BLACK FOREST

German Winemaking and the Beautiful Black Forest

Visit the Adventure Center for today’s activities with your Adventure Host.

Discovery

Join a full-day Guided Tour to the magical Black Forest to experience the Vogtsbauernhof open-air-museum, visit an authentic water mill, and see a traditional butter-making demonstration, OR:

Discovery

Visit to Badischer Winzerkeller, the largest German wine producer in Europe. Learn about German winemaking in the vineyards of Baden, and enjoy a wine tasting.

You may choose to join a Guided Optional Excursion to visit the charming village of Colmar in the morning.

EVENING CRUISE TO STRASBOURG

Day 10

(B, L, D)

STRASBOURG, FRANCE

A Grand Cathedral and La Petite France

Classic

Join a City Sightseeing Tour, including Strasbourg’s Gothic, stained-glass cathedral with its celebrated ancient murals and astronomical clock, as well as the magical La Petite France District.

Choose a Guided Optional Excursion to the historic Maginot Line—the pre-WWII fortifications designed to protect the eastern border of France, or visit Alsace’s wine country today.

Alternatively, take some free time in Strasbourg to visit a museum, or stroll across the city center.

EVENING/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO LUDWIGSHAFEN

Day 11

(B, L, D)

LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY. EXCURSION TO HEIDELBERG

Castle Walls, and the World’s Biggest Barrel of Wine

Classic

Enjoy a Guided Tour to Heidelberg Castle to see the ruins of the magnificent renaissance treasure towering above the city, and its famed Great Vat, the “World’s Largest Wine Barrel,” OR:

Active

Join your Avalon Adventure Host for a Hike up Philosophers’ Way for an inspiring view of the city below.

Alternatively enjoy a brief cruise to Mainz this afternoon and join our included tour.

MAINZ

Turning the Pages of History

Classic

Enjoy a Guided City Walk including a visit to the Gutenberg Museum to see the captivating history of printing.

Enjoy live entertainment on board your ship this evening.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN MAINZ

Day 12

(B, L, D)

RÜDESHEIM–RHINE GORGE

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Wine Country

Discovery

Take a Guided Tour of the incredible Mechanical Music Museum for a one-of-a-kind instrumental experience; based on your departure enjoy a local special treat, OR:

Active

Enjoy a hike with your Avalon Adventure Host through the picturesque vineyards of Rüdesheim.

Relax on the Sky Deck for an afternoon cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge to Koblenz. Sail past the legendary rock of The Lorelei—where the siren of mythology sang songs to lure ill-fated sailors.

KOBLENZ

Travel Through 2000 Years Of Monumental History

Enjoy free time in Koblenz before a relaxing evening on board with dinner and live entertainment.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN KOBLENZ

Day 13

(B, L, D)

COLOGNE

Prost! Celebrate in the Rhineland

Join your Adventure Host for today’s special activities.

Classic

Take a Guided City Walk of Cologne—with its soaring twin-steepled gothic cathedral, OR:

Discovery

Choose a Guided Walking Tour of Cologne’s important Jewish heritage sites.

Spend free time over a glass of Kölsch pale lager—locally brewed for over 100 years!

AFTERNOON/OVERNIGHT CRUISE TO AMSTERDAM

Day 14

(B, L, D)

AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND

Canals of Colorful Amsterdam

Classic

Explore the iconic waterways of Amsterdam on a Guided Canal Cruise past stately homes of Amsterdam’s “Golden Age.”

During tulip season, you may take a Guided Optional Excursion to Keukenhof gardens—with more than seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths, as well as other bulbs, planted each year. Outside of tulip season, join a Guided Optional Excursion to Zaanse Schans to see historic windmills and charming Dutch houses. You may also choose an Optional City Biking Tour to discover the countryside.

OVERNIGHT DOCKING IN AMSTERDAM

Day 15

(B)

AMSTERDAM (DISEMBARKATION)

Your cruise ends with breakfast this morning.

In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.

Amsterdam is the capital and largest city of the Netherlands

View of Strasbourg, situated on the banks of the Rhine River

Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands

See the seemingly never ending lavender fields in Provence

Pay a visit to Cologne’s awesome gothic cathedral

Heidelberg Castle on the hillside behind Old Bridge

Cruise YourWay

Rhine & Rhône Revealed (Northbound)

Start Sooner, Stay Longer

Start your vacation earlier or stay longer with destination options before or after your Avalon cruise.

Rhine & Rhône Revealed (Northbound)
15 Day River Cruise Port-Saint-Louis to Amsterdam
See Map
Starting at $6,048
Cruise Details Get a Quote
With 1 Night in Marseille
16 Day River Cruise Marseille to Amsterdam
See Map
Starting at $6,048
Cruise Details Get a Quote
With 1 Night in Marseille, 3 Nights in Paris & 3 Nights in London
22 Day River Cruise Marseille to London
See Map
Starting at $6,048
Cruise Details Get a Quote
With 1 Night in Marseille, 2 Nights in Paris & 2 Nights in London
20 Day River Cruise Marseille to London
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Starting at $6,048
Cruise Details Get a Quote
With 3 Nights in Paris & 3 Nights in London
21 Day River Cruise Port-Saint-Louis to London
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Starting at $6,048
Cruise Details Get a Quote
With 2 Nights in Paris & 2 Nights in London
19 Day River Cruise Port-Saint-Louis to London
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Starting at $6,048
Cruise Details Get a Quote
Rhine & Rhône Revealed (Southbound)
15 Day River Cruise Amsterdam to Port-Saint-Louis
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Starting at $6,048
Cruise Details Get a Quote

« »

1 2 3 4

Special Interest Cruises

Looking to enrich your adventures while you cruise? The special interest cruises below are available to help you delve deeper into what you’re passionate about.

Currently Selected
Rhine & Rhône Revealed for Wine Lovers (Northbound)
15 Day River Cruise Port-Saint-Louis to Amsterdam
See Map
With 1 Night in Marseille, 3 Nights in Paris & 3 Nights in London for Wine Lovers
22 Day River Cruise Marseille to London
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Starting at $6,048
Cruise Details Get a Quote
With 1 Night in Marseille, 2 Nights in Paris & 2 Nights in London for Wine Lovers
20 Day River Cruise Marseille to London
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Starting at $6,048
Cruise Details Get a Quote
With 3 Nights in Paris & 3 Nights in London for Wine Lovers
21 Day River Cruise Port-Saint-Louis to London
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Starting at $6,048
Cruise Details Get a Quote
With 2 Nights in Paris & 2 Nights in London for Wine Lovers
19 Day River Cruise Port-Saint-Louis to London
See Map
Starting at $6,048
Cruise Details Get a Quote
With 1 Night in Marseille for Wine Lovers
16 Day River Cruise Marseille to Amsterdam
See Map
Starting at $6,048
Cruise Details Get a Quote

« »

1 2 3 4

Ship Details

Poetry II

Expression

Poetry II

The Avalon Poetry II offers a delightfully intimate cruise setting. Like its sister Suite Ships, the Poetry II features two full The Avalon Poetry II offers a delightfully intimate cruise setting. Like its sister Suite Ships, the Poetry II features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that create river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With a spacious 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard. Stretch out at day's end and wake to the world at your feet with Comfort Collection bed that faces the view. It truly is a view with a room! Onboard amenities include an alternative dining option in the Panorama Bistro, complimentary computer use in public areas and Wi-Fi access, a Fitness Center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro. The Avalon Poetry II truly is poetry in motion!

Included Amenities

Avalon Suite Fleet

Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
Panoramic windows throughout the ship
Elegant, contemporary design & decor
Friendly, English-speaking crew & Cruise Director
Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges
Covered Observation Lounge
Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate & premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day
Elevator
Non-smoking interior and staterooms

Fitness & Wellness

Fitness Center
Avalon Adventure Center
Your place for active gear and excursions, including

Bikes
Canoe, kayak and jogging excursions
Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes
Fitness and wellness activities
Fitbits®

^SM

Active shore excursions, both included and optional

Avalon Panorama Suites & Staterooms

Open-Air Balconies^SM and Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows in all Panorama Suites
Comfort Collection Beds^SM with choice of mattress firmness
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Bathrobes & slippers
Premium L'Occitane bath products & hairdryer
Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
Wide selection of free movie channels and English-speaking TV
Individual climate control and in-room safe
Full-size closet and mirror
Additional under-bed storage
Complimentary bottled water daily

Staterooms & Suites

Avalon Deluxe Stateroom (Cat. D, E) - 172 sq. ft.

Features

Comfort Collection Beds
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Soft & firm pillows
Choice of bed configuration
Bedside tables with reading lamps
L'Occitane bath products
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Alarm clock
Bathrobes & slippers
Complimentary water
Individual climate control
Large mirror in bathroom
USB Ports
Full shower with glass door
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror

Luxurious mattress toppers
European-style duvets
Extra blankets
Nightly turn-down service
Hairdryer
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Direct-dial telephone
Well-stocked minibar
In-room safe
Elegant, contemporary design
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Two windows
Writing desk and chair

Panorama Suite (Cat. A, B, P) - 200 sq. ft.

Features

Comfort Collection Beds
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Soft & firm pillows
Choice of bed configuration
Bedside tables with reading lamps
L'Occitane bath products
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Alarm clock
Direct-dial telephone
Well-stocked minibar
In-room safe
Elegant, contemporary design
Marble countertops in bathroom
USB Ports
6-person sitting area
Writing desk and chair
Sofa

Luxurious mattress toppers
European-style duvets
Extra blankets
Nightly turn-down service
Hairdryer
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Make-up mirror
Bathrobes & slippers
Complimentary water
Individual climate control
Large mirror in bathroom
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
Full shower with glass door
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
Coffee table

Royal Suite - 300 sq. ft.

Features

Comfort Collection Beds
Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
Soft & firm pillows
Choice of bed configuration
Bedside tables with reading lamps
L'Occitane bath products
Easy under-bed luggage storage
Alarm clock
Direct-dial telephone
Well-stocked minibar
In-room safe
Elegant, contemporary design
Marble countertops in bathroom
USB Ports
6-person sitting area
Writing desk and chair
Sofa
Double sinks

Luxurious mattress toppers
European-style duvets
Extra blankets
Nightly turn-down service
Hairdryer
Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage
Flatscreen satellite TV with English-speaking channels & over 100 free movie options
Make-up mirror
Bathrobes & slippers
Complimentary water
Individual climate control
Large mirror in bathroom
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony
Full shower with glass door
Vanity and lighted makeup mirror
Coffee table

DECK PLANS

Expression

Part of Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Expression features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning to splendid passing scenery from your window-facing bed. Stretch out on your Comfort Collection bed and cruise with the world at your feet. Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, a Fitness Center, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck. Express yourself while cruising your way on the Avalon Expression!