I know it’s already March, but I can’t help but be excited about our Christmas market cruise with Avalon Waterways in November 2025. Our journey with Avalon isn’t just another tick on the travel bucket list; it’s a heartwarming tradition with the backdrop of Europe’s twinkling festive markets. Since our first magical voyage in 2018, Avalon has become our home away from home, and here’s why we chose Avalon for our groups.

A Room with a View (And What a View!)

Imagine waking up to the gentle flow of the river and the sight of ancient castles drifting by your window. Avalon’s staterooms are a dream come true, with open-air balconies, wall-to-wall seven-foot windows inviting the outside in, and beds perfectly angled for you to soak in every moment. It’s your personal, cozy observatory of the world’s beauty. Avalon rooms are 30% bigger because they don’t have the traditional cramped balconies you see on other ships.

Active Discovery for the Eager Explorer

Avalon doesn’t just take you places; it gives us options to really experience the destinations by being hands-on. With Active Discovery cruises, you can opt to hike or bike or pursue interests in cooking, baking or art throughout Europe, turning each stop into something you can take home. For those of us who crave a deeper connection with the places we visit, Avalon’s itineraries are a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be unveiled.

Culinary Delights with a Local Twist

You know me. I love food. I want to eat good food, but I care about where my food comes from. The Avalon Fresh concept brings the essence of each region to your plate, focusing on local, fresh, and delectably healthier options. It’s like a love letter to the culinary traditions of the places we explore, inviting us to taste the journey in every bite.

More Connection. Be known.

There’s something extraordinary about travelling with a close-knit group, where faces become familiar. My clients that explore together forge good and, in some cases, long-term relationships. Because Avalon ships are designed with larger staterooms and more of them, the ships can only fit 150 passengers and, in some cases, only 36 passengers!

The intimate scale of their ships makes every interaction more personal. It’s where conversations flow as freely as the rivers we sail on, creating bonds that last long after we’ve docked back home.

As we gear up for another enchanting trip through Europe’s Christmas markets, I find myself excited for the Avalon experience again.

It’s special that we’ll be in Europe at Christmastime, but the fact that we’re cruising with Avalon will make it an extraordinary experience that is just a few steps above what other travellers are experiencing at the same time.

The Details:

Christmastime from Budapest to Vienna
November 24, 2025, to November 29, 2025

Deposit: $250
Final payment due: August 2025

The Ship: Avalon Expression

• Staterooms: 16
• Suites: 67
• Length: 443 ft
• Crew: 47
• Decks for Panorama Suites: Two full decks
• Size of Panorama Suites: 200 sq. ft. (more than 30% larger than the industry standard)
• Amenities:
• Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi throughout the ship
• Wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows
• Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area, and premium lounges
• Covered Observation Lounge
• Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station (complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate, and premium coffees)
• Fitness Center
• Non-smoking interior and staterooms
• Elevator

Dining Options

• Panorama Bistro
• Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck for light al fresco lunches

Room Options

• Deluxe Stateroom: 172 sq. ft.
• Panorama Suite: 200 sq. ft.
• Royal Suite: 300 sq. ft.