All you need to know about themed cruises with Avalon Waterways

Come together with like-minded travellers for a special interest river cruise along Europe’s favourite waterways. From beer tasting, to cultural history, active exploration and festive fun, Avalon Waterways has a collection of themed cruises to match all tastes.

So, what does a themed cruise look like? Well, it’s all of the luxury of an Avalon Waterways cruise, plus a little extra sparkle thrown in for good measure. You’ll also find that your fellow passengers have selected to sail on that voyage because of your shared interest, which creates a wonderful social environment onboard.

As with all Avalon Waterways sailings, you’ll relish the freedom that a river cruise offers, with mesmerising destinations away from the crowds. As always, your itinerary prioritises time in ports, and even the sailing times are paired with the most incredible views.

And your stateroom is designed to maximise those views. The vast majority of rooms are presented with an open-air balcony, so if this sounds like your kind of river cruise dream, be sure to book a Panorama Suite.

Why pick a themed cruise?

Whether you think you already know a destination or it’s your first time in the area, a themed cruise with Avalon Waterways is an ideal way to embrace a whole new take on the region, with the benefit of expert enrichment speakers and specially curated entertainment and shore excursions that connect with the overall theme of the cruise.

Another key reason so many people love seeking out themed cruises are the other guests that you’ll share the journey with.

Thanks to Avalon Waterways’ extensive collection of themed cruise options, you’re sure to find an option that appeals to you… and chances are you’ll bond with fellow guests over your shared interest.

Our favourite Avalon Waterways themed cruises

Ranging from fast and active to perfectly chilled wine lovers’ escapades through Europe’s famed wine zones, here are our favourite options to explore.

• Avalon Waterways’ standout storyteller series of cruises whisks you away to the sites of some of the world’s most tantalising stories, with celebrated authors to share the tale with. Sail around Belgium and the Netherlands with Jen Hatmaker (For The Love, Fierce Free Fire) in August 2024, or journey from Germany to Hungary with New York Times-bestselling author Diana Gabaldon (Outlander series) in April 2024.
• Europe is well-loved for its statement gardens and diverse horticulture. It’s a continent that has mastered the spread of styles from shabby-chic to exquisitely pruned geometric perfection. See the tulips in bloom on a ‘Tulip time highlights for garden and nature lovers’ itinerary, which visits the Dutch flower farms of Zaandam and Haarlem, as well as the 70 acre Keukenhof park, where over seven-million bulbs are in bloom. Perfectly timed for the tulips, set sail in April 2024.

• If photography is your passion and you love taking gorgeous photos wherever you go, then you’ll have the most amazing time on the ‘Grand France for photography enthusiasts’ itinerary. On this 15-day voyage, you’ll be joined by world-class photographer Brenda Tharp who’ll share pro tips throughout the cruise. Setting sail in August 2024 and covering two independent stretches of river, you’ll cover the full length of France from north to south.
  
  
• With two options departing in September 2023 and monthly from May 2024, the ‘Active & Discovery on the Danube with 2 nights in Prague’ voyage adds a little extra activity to your exploration of Europe’s mighty Danube. Excursions are included in every port of call and include cycling and guided hikes in both rural and urban settings. Starting in Budapest, you’ll disembark the ship in Vilshofen and enjoy a further two days in Prague.

And for a limited time only, you can save up to £3,000 per couple on 2024 departures – bargain.

To discover more and find your ideal themed river cruise, explore Avalon Waterways complete collection of special interest cruises.