Avalon Waterways Sails Into 2026 with Record Bookings

Avalon Waterways says it is cruising into 2026 at full speed – with record bookings, surging demand and a growing portfolio of experiences. 

The line says sales are 17% ahead of 2024 and 7% higher than 2025 at the same time of year. 

“We didn’t just elevate river cruise ships – we reimagined the entire river cruise experience,” said Avalon president Pam Hoffee. “The record demand we’re seeing is more than cruising’s popularity. It’s about Avalon’s difference: Suite Ships with a view, passion-filled excursions and the freedom to cruise your way.”

Avalon’s Europe Trends for 2026:

• The Rhine River continues to captivate with castles, cobblestones and endless charm from Amsterdam to Basel. Avalon’s Romantic Rhine itinerary is its most popular.

• On the Danube, Avalon says guests are embracing two distinct stories and itineraries: Danube Dreams for the classic upper stretch and Balkan Discovery for a deeper dive into the less-travelled Lower Danube.

• France is Avalon’s strongest growth market, and Paris to Normandy remains a bestseller, followed closely by the company’s newest cruise – the wine-rich Bonjour Bordeaux itinerary.

• Avalon says that, as always, its Christmas Cruise itineraries are popular, led by Christmastime on the Danube, which glows with festive spirit and European tradition.

Outside of Europe, Avalon says Mekong River bookings are up 76% over 2025. The company’s ‘Suite Ship’ there carries just 36 guests and winds through the heart of Vietnam and Cambodia.

Avalon’s ‘Suite Ships’ are distinguished by characteristics including:

• Two full decks of Panorama Suites – 30% larger than the industry standard.
• Open-Air Balconies with the widest-opening windows in river cruising.
• Beds that face the view – not the wall.

Avalon says that it while it excels on the classic cruises that are leading the bookings bonanza, it is the company’s Active & Discovery cruises that continue to “carve-out a bold new category.”

With up to 28 included Active, Discovery and Choice excursions, the line says these special cruise itineraries have redefined what’s possible on a river cruise – enabling Avalon guests to dive deeper and experience destinations in new ways. 

Avalon Waterways is hosting the ACTA European River Cruise Summit in November, aboard Avalon Illumination.