Jenny’s Blog: My Danube river cruise with Avalon Waterways

The last time I experienced a river cruise was on the Nile back in the 80s, and wow – how river cruising has evolved since then! So, when I was invited to join Avalon Waterways for a 4-night cruise on the Danube, alongside a handful of my Travel Counsellor colleagues, I jumped at the chance.

We started with an early morning flight to Munich, where we were met and transferred to the embarkation port of Vilshofen. This is the starting point for cruises sailing west to east along the Danube, and as we arrived, I was amazed by the sheer length of our floating home for the next few days – the Avalon Impression.

Warmly welcomed aboard by the Cruise Director, we enjoyed a light lunch in the Panorama Bistro while waiting for our cabin keys. The menu featured a lovely selection of soups, salads and savoury dishes – perfect after an early start.

Before the rest of the guests boarded, we were treated to a quick tour of the ship. Most of the cabins are Panoramic Suites, featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling sliding windows with beds perfectly positioned to face the river views. A couple of larger suites offered even more space, but honestly, the Panoramic Suites were spot-on for comfort and those amazing views as we sailed.

With all guests now aboard, we headed up to the Sky Deck as we set sail to take in the stunning scenery.

The pretty riverside Austrian villages drifting by were picture-perfect, and it wasn’t long before Happy Hour (included in the package) called us to the Panorama Lounge. Over pre-dinner cocktails, the Cruise Director introduced us to key staff, gave us an overview of the facilities, safety information and the exciting itinerary for the days ahead.

Dinner followed in the Main Restaurant, where Avalon’s commitment to local produce really shines. With ingredients sourced from nearby farms, the menu was full of mouth-watering dishes, as well as familiar favourites.

Dietary requirements were no problem at all, and the service was impeccable – my wine glass was never empty! Local wines, beers and soft drinks are included with dinner, which was such a lovely touch.

Dining onboard is flexible, so you can eat when you like and with whom you choose. If you’re looking for something lighter or a bit more intimate, the Panorama Bistro offers romantic tables for two, while the Sky Grill on the upper deck is perfect for al fresco dining when the weather allows.

Every morning, yoga was offered before breakfast – and as a yogi, I couldn’t resist starting my day this way. By the time lunch rolled around, we’d arrived at a new destination ready to explore.

I tried a mix of tours during the trip, each offering something different. The classic guided tours were excellent, starting with Passau, the city of three rivers – the Danube, Inn and Ilz – and followed by Linz, where we admired the Patrician houses, St Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hauptplatz – Austria’s largest medieval square.

To balance out all the delicious food onboard, I opted for an active tour, hiking up to castle ruins in Dürnstein.

My personal highlight, though, was the Discovery Tour in the Wachau Valley, where we visited a pumpkin and pig farm. It was fascinating to learn about their farming practices while sampling the incredible local food and wine.

The variety of tours at every stop was fantastic. And if guided excursions aren’t your thing, it’s so easy to explore on your own. You can take a stroll into town or borrow one of the onboard bikes for a scenic ride along the river!

I also loved the days we spent sailing during daylight hours. It was so peaceful and relaxing to sit on the Sky Deck with a blanket (thoughtfully provided) and take in the stunning autumnal colours reflected in the river. Passing by picturesque villages and hearing the crew call out to “duck!” as we approached low bridges added a bit of fun, too. And trust me, you did need to duck!

Evenings onboard were all about socialising with fellow guests. A pre-dinner cocktail or two, a wonderful dinner and then some low-key entertainment – often a local band or singer – rounded off the day perfectly.

In Linz, we even wandered into town after dinner for a few drinks on the Hauptplatz – a lovely way to end the evening.

On our final day, we disembarked in Vienna and were transferred to the airport, which meant I sadly missed out on exploring the city or taking part in the Waltz Concert – an optional excursion that’s very popular.

The full itinerary continues for 7 nights, sailing on to Bratislava and ending in the stunning city of Budapest. Now I can’t wait to return to complete my Danube River journey!

I’ve already got my eye on another Avalon cruise – this time sailing down the Saône and Rhône through Provence to the Côte d’Azur.

For anyone looking for a relaxing and easy way to visit multiple cities, a river cruise with Avalon is absolutely perfect. The combination of fantastic service, exceptional food and a variety of activities makes it ideal for first-time cruisers.

If you’re tempted to try small-ship cruising, this is a brilliant introduction – and it might just inspire you to explore ocean cruising too, perhaps on a smaller ship like Azamara, which I experienced on my holiday last year.

A big thank you to Avalon Waterways and our wonderful host, Jayne, for their kind hospitality and for showcasing the delights of their superb itineraries. If you’re curious about river cruising, please get in touch – I’d love to chat and share more about this fantastic experience. I hope my little reel below provides a flavour. 😊