Avalon Imagery II

The 2016-built MS Avalon Imagery II cruises on the Rhine River, with departures from Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Basel/Zurich (Switzerland).

Imagery II is part of Avalon's Suite Ship class, offering an exceptional way to experience Europe and its most scenic inland waterways.

In 2024, Avalon Waterways began a renovation and refurbishment project for its Suite Ship fleet. Upgrades included updated interiors (decor, flooring, and furniture in all public areas), improved Starlink Internet connectivity (with a second antenna added to each vessel), redesigned Sky Decks (with new furniture), expanded seating in the Observation Lounge, updated Gym equipment (Kinesis One machines, additional free weights), and enhanced onboard cycling options (15 new conventional bicycles and 4 e-bikes per ship). The refurbishments are phased over three years: 2024 (Passion, Imagery II, Poetry II, Panorama, Vista), 2025 (Artistry II, Impression, Illumination, Tapestry II, Tranquility II), and 2026 (Expression, Visionary).

Cabins

Avalon Imagery II has a total of 65 staterooms, including 2 Royal Suites, 51 Panorama Suites, and 12 staterooms with non-opening windows, distributed across 6 categories. This elegant riverboat features some of the largest staterooms on Europe's rivers. Each room is outfitted with premium bedding, a spacious private bathroom with a full shower, a well-stocked minibar, nightly turndown service, complimentary Wi-Fi, and more.

Cabin Types, Sizes, and Categories (highest to lowest):

• All staterooms include: two twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed, 3-door closet with shelves, private bathroom (glass-door shower, hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers), sofa, coffee table, flat-screen TV, vanity/writing desk, private French balcony (floor-to-ceiling sliding door), individual climate control, telephone, minibar, safe, deluxe pillow menu, and complimentary bottled water. Maximum occupancy is 2 guests per room.
• 2 Royal Suites (Category R) – Deck 4, size 300 ft² / 28 m²
• Panorama Suites – Categories P (Deck 4, x25), A (Deck 3, x17), B (Deck 3, x8) – size 200 ft² / 18.6 m²
• Deluxe Staterooms – Categories D (x6), E (x6) – size 172 ft² / 16 m²

Shipboard Facilities

MS Avalon Imagery II features a range of innovative amenities designed for passenger comfort, including the panoramic Sky Deck, bar, lounge, and a well-equipped Fitness Center/Gym. The ship is fitted with a Silent Drive System, which separates the engines from guest areas for a quieter and more comfortable cruising experience.

Dining options include the Imagery Dining Room, Panorama Bistro, and Sky Bistro (al-fresco dining). Additional onboard venues include the Panorama Lounge & Bar (with an outdoor viewing deck), Club Lounge, Library/Internet Corner, Imagery Atrium Lobby, Hair Salon, Fitness Room, and Sun Deck with Sky Lounge & Bar, Whirlpool, shaded seating areas, and a deck games zone.

Avalon Imagery II cruise fares are inclusive of Wi-Fi, room service, guided shore excursions (led by certified local guides), port taxes, flights, motorcoach transfers, live evening entertainment (featuring local performers), daily enrichment lectures, ship tours (“behind-the-scenes” experiences), food and wine tastings, and 24-hour premium coffee, tea, and hot chocolate service. Bottled water is replenished daily in all staterooms.

River cruise prices aboard Avalon Imagery II are per person, based on double occupancy. These are indicative rates and may vary based on booking time, agency promotions, special offers, discounts, group bookings, or last-minute deals. Avalon Waterways also offers USA flight-inclusive cruise packages with discounted airfares and complimentary airport transfers.

River Cruise Itineraries

Below are the themed itineraries offered aboard Avalon Imagery II, as officially announced by Avalon Waterways:

Note: Cruise itinerary codes are included in brackets for booking reference.

7-night "Romantic Rhine" cruisetour:

• Southbound (Code WAZ): Amsterdam to Basel
• Northbound (Code WZA): Zurich to Amsterdam

WAZ Itinerary Highlights:

• Day 1: Embarkation in Amsterdam
• Day 2: Amsterdam canal cruise on Avalon Imagery II
• Day 3: Cologne – choice of guided city walk or Jewish Heritage walking tour
• Day 4: Koblenz (guided sightseeing), Rhine Gorge cruising, Rüdesheim (Musical Instrument Museum visit)
• Day 5: Mainz – excursion to Heidelberg (guided walk, Gutenberg Museum, Heidelberg Castle, Great Vat)
• Day 6: Strasbourg – guided tour, La Petite France district, Cathedral visit, woodcarving demo onboard
• Day 7: Breisach – Black Forest excursion (outdoor museum or woodcarving workshop)
• Day 8: Disembarkation in Basel, with optional transfer to Zurich and hotel package

WZA Itinerary: Embarkation in Basel, with included bus transfer from Zurich (optional hotel package available).

Avalon Imagery II (ENI number 02336343) is the 4th vessel in Avalon Waterways' "Suite Ship" class. Notable features include two full decks of Suite cabins—each with wall-to-wall sliding windows and French Balconies—and spacious, diverse public areas featuring full-length floor-to-ceiling windows.

Each Avalon "Suite Ship" is powered by two Caterpillar Marine diesel engines (model C32 ACERT) with a total output of 1420 kW / 1930 HP, along with an emergency diesel generator. The vessel utilizes a diesel-electric propulsion system, featuring one azimuth thruster at the bow and a "Silent Drive System," which isolates the ship’s engines from the passenger staterooms to reduce noise and vibration.

Note: You can find CruiseMapper's complete list of river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub, where all companies and their fleets are listed.