AVALON VISIONARY Ship Review

In 2012, Avalon Waterways launched Avalon Visionary. She was one of two sister ships that were launched in 2012, the other being Avalon Vista.

Avalon Visionary in Cochem, Germany. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

Avalon Visionary, docked in Remich, Luxembourg, at the end of our cruise. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

Avalon Visionary, docked in Remich, Luxembourg, at the end of our cruise. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

Sunrise on the Moselle in Remich, Luxembourg. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

From the Club Lounge on Avalon Visionary: Sunset on the Moselle in Remich, Luxembourg. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

Designed to raise the stakes in the highly-competitive river cruise market, Avalon Visionary has been dubbed a “Suite Ship,” and as such, features two decks of suites with wall-to-wall panoramic windows that are capable of transforming into what the line calls an Open Air Balcony™.

View from my Panorama Suite and its Open Air Balcony. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

View from my Panorama Suite and its Open Air Balcony. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

View from my Panorama Suite and its Open Air Balcony. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

View from my Panorama Suite and its Open Air Balcony. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

Together with her sisters Avalon Panorama (2011) and Avalon Vista (2012), Avalon Visionary offers passengers greater comfort than ever before on some of Europe’s most stunning waterways.

AVALON VISIONARY Staterooms

My Panorama Suite, 318, 200 square feet. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

The bathroom in my Panorama Suite, with L'Occitane bath amenities. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

Spacious living area in the 300-square-foot Royal Suite © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

The Royal Suite. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

View from my Panorama Suite and its Open Air Balcony. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

On Indigo Deck, 172-square-foot staterooms. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

There are six different categories of staterooms aboard Avalon Visionary:

• Located on Indigo Deck, Category D and E staterooms start at 172 square feet, and feature two windows located near the ceiling of the stateroom. These staterooms also feature a full bathroom complete with a glass door enclosed shower, a writing desk, vanity, and of Avalon’s deluxe beds with premium mattress covers, Egyptian linens, European-style duvets, and a choice of firm or soft pillows.
• Categories A, B and P measure 200 square feet, and are located on the Sapphire and Royal decks. These “Panorama Suites” feature wall-to-wall windows that retract to create an open-air balcony capable of seating up to six fully-grown adults. The suites feature all the amenities of the above categories but with the addition of a coffee table and sitting area.
• At the top end of the scale are Avalon Visionary’s 300-square foot Royal Suites. Located side-by-side on Royal Deck, these suites pull out all the stops, featuring all the amenities of the previous categories but with more space, larger sitting areas, and segmented bathrooms that feature separate toilets, showers, and vanity areas with dual sinks.

All guests have access to a welcome list of amenities, including nightly turn-down service, spacious three-door closets, flat-screen TV with movie channels, bathrobes and slippers, complimentary bottled water and L’Occitane toiletries.

AVALON VISIONARY Public Areas

Possibly the best Belgian Waffles on the rivers. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

A healthy start to the day is possible, thanks to Avalon Fresh. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

Grilled Red Pepper with mushroom filling and cress espuma. Delicious and part of Avalon Fresh. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

Health smoothies are at each morning's breakfast buffet. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

The honey doesn't get much fresher than on Avalon Visionary's breakfast buffet. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

A healthy selection of seeds and berries on the breakfast buffet. Part of Avalon Fresh. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

We enjoyed a dinner in the Panorama Bistro on Avalon Waterways. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

Avalon Waterways' new Director of Culinary Jorg Penneke and Managing Director Terri Burke were on our cruise. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

While it may be tempting to never leave your stateroom, Avalon Visionary offers a host of amenities designed to ensure your stay aboard is pleasurable.

Throughout the ship you’ll find wall-to-wall panoramic windows so that you never miss the incredible scenery passing by.

I spent 60 minutes in the gym on Avalon Visionary. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

I spent 60 minutes in the gym on Avalon Visionary. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

Fitness center. © 2017 Ralph Grizzle

The ship is also fully equipped with Wi-Fi access and a dedicated internet center, as well as a fitness center, an outside viewing deck, the Sky Deck featuring a unique shade system and premium lounge chairs, and a whirlpool.

River Cruisers Should Know!

• Avalon Visionary’s interior is non-smoking.
• Headsets are available for guests on guided shore excursions.
• Room service, including continental breakfast, is available.
• Avalon Visionary has a dedicated cruise director and onboard lecturers, as well as nightly entertainment.

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Click to download Avalon’s 2018 brochure (62mb PDF).