Avalon Passion

The 2016-built MS Avalon Passion cruises on the Danube, Main, and Rhine rivers. The riverboat also offers flight-inclusive Black Sea river cruises, with departures from Amsterdam, Vienna, and Istanbul.

In 2024, Avalon Waterways launched its Suite Ship fleet renovation and refurbishment project. The upgrades included interior enhancements (decor updates and renovations across all public spaces, new flooring, and furniture), improved Starlink Internet connectivity (with a second antenna added to each ship), redesigned Sky Decks (with new furniture), expanded seating in the Observation Lounge, upgraded gyms (with Kinesis One machines and more free weights), and onboard bicycles (15 new conventional and 4 e-bikes per vessel). The refurbishments are being phased over three years—2024 (Passion, Imagery 2, Poetry 2, Panorama, Vista), 2025 (Artistry 2, Impression, Illumination, Tapestry 2, Tranquility 2), and 2026 (Expression, Visionary).

Cabins

Avalon Passion is part of Avalon Waterways’ innovative Suite Ship fleet. This elegant riverboat features two full decks of Panorama Suites, each with wall-to-wall windows that transform the living area into a unique open-air balcony. Panorama Suites measure 200 sq. ft.—over 30% larger than the industry standard—and provide guests with an unmatched opportunity to wake up to scenic river views.

Avalon Passion offers a total of 84 staterooms (including 2 Royal Suites, 66 Panorama Suites, and 16 cabins with non-opening windows), available across six categories.

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

• Amenities in all staterooms include two twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed, 3-door closets 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. Each cabin accommodates up to two guests.
• 2x "Royal Suites" (RS) – Deck 3, size 300 ft² / 28 m²
• Panorama Suites – P (33 cabins on Deck 3), A (23 cabins on Deck 2), B (9 cabins on Deck 2), each 200 ft² / 18.6 m²
• Deluxe Staterooms – D (10 cabins on Deck 1), E (6 cabins on Deck 1), each 172 ft² / 16 m²

Shipboard Facilities

MS Avalon Passion features onboard amenities such as the Panorama Bistro for alternative dining, an expanded fitness center, a spacious Sky Deck with lounge chairs, complimentary Wi-Fi, a whirlpool, and al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro.

Dining venues include the Passion Restaurant (main dining room), Panorama Bistro, and Sky Bistro (al fresco). Other public areas include the Panorama Lounge & Bar (with an observation and outside viewing deck), Club Lounge, Library/Internet Corner, Atrium Lobby, Hair Salon, Fitness Center, and the Sun Deck (featuring the Sky Lounge & Bar, Sky Bistro, whirlpool, shaded seating areas, and a deck games zone).

Avalon Passion cruise deals are inclusive of Wi-Fi Internet, room service, all land tours and 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"), food and wine tastings, and 24-hour premium coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, plus daily replenished bottled water.

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

Avalon Passion (ENI number 02336601) is the 11th riverboat in the fleet’s "Suite Ship" class. Among her top features are two full decks of Suite cabins, each equipped with wall-to-wall sliding glass doors and French Balconies, as well as spacious and 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 power output of 1420 kW / 1930 HP), plus an emergency diesel generator. The ship uses diesel-electric propulsion, with a bow-mounted azimuth thruster and a "Silent Drive System" that isolates engine noise from passenger staterooms.

The ship’s Godmother is Jill Ellis, head coach of the USA women's national soccer team. The christening ceremony took place on April 13, 2016, in Linz, Austria.

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