I flew to Europe with Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong in Premium Economy. A front-row seat proved especially helpful after I injured my knee a few days before departure and had to travel on crutches. The seat offered a footrest, generous recline and a large entertainment screen, while the meals were very good.
Before the cruise, I stayed at the Radisson Blu Zurich Airport, the meeting point for Avalon’s transfer to the ship. The room was large, comfortable and spotless, while the included breakfast offered an excellent selection. Hotel dining was expensive, so walking back to the airport for a meal was a more practical option.
The transfer to Basel took around 45 minutes and included the novelty of passing through Switzerland, Germany and France within minutes. Our ship was docked on the French side of the river. Travellers exploring independently should keep their passports with them, as police checks can occur on local transport.
Avalon Envision was launched in 2019 and accommodates 164 guests, supported by 47 crew. Our sailing carried around 120 passengers, giving the ship an intimate feel. Check-in was refreshingly simple. We walked aboard, were welcomed by the crew, received a brief orientation and were handed our cabin cards before enjoying a light lunch.
My Panorama Suite was a standout. Its wall-to-wall panoramic window opened to create an open-air balcony, allowing uninterrupted views even on colder days. The suite included a king-size bed, two-seater sofa, table, desk, stocked minibar, generous wardrobe space and safe. The spacious bathroom had excellent storage and towels in two colours, a thoughtful touch for guests sharing a cabin. Twice-daily servicing kept everything immaculate.
The Panorama Lounge was the social heart of the ship, serving as a bar, entertainment venue, dance floor and comfortable place to watch the scenery. The smaller Club Lounge at the rear of Deck 3 offered quiet seating, work tables and self-service refreshments, with outdoor access to the stern and upper deck. One afternoon, I stepped outside just as snow began to fall.
Dining exceeded expectations. The main restaurant felt elegant yet relaxed, with fresh flowers and river views from most tables. Breakfast included a generous buffet with eggs and omelettes cooked to order. Lunch featured regional dishes alongside salads, cheeses, desserts and simple options from the menu.
Afternoon tea in the Panorama Lounge was especially welcome on colder days. Dinner was a four-course experience featuring local flavours, freshly baked bread and a different butter, oil or tapenade each evening. The service was excellent. After explaining how I liked my tea on the first night, it arrived automatically every evening afterwards.
For a lighter option, the Bistro served smaller portions of dishes from the dining room in the Panorama Lounge. Wine, beer and soft drinks were included with lunch and dinner, while cocktails were available during the pre-dinner happy hour. Complimentary tea, coffee, flavoured water and snacks were available around the clock. Wi-Fi was included and remained fast and reliable.
Avalon includes shore excursions in every port, and booking in advance through the app is recommended. Because of my knee injury, I needed to change most of my plans. Our cruise director, Tomas, carefully reviewed each excursion and helped me choose suitable alternatives. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly and considerate of my mobility limitations.
My favourite excursion was a beer tour in Heidelberg, including a visit to a monastery brewery and time to explore the city. Amsterdam was another highlight, with a visit to the beautiful Keukenhof Gardens. One port was unsuitable due to steep hills and cobblestones, so I stayed aboard and enjoyed having the ship almost to myself while watching the countryside pass by.
Sailing through the locks became one of my favourite parts of the journey. In the evenings, I would open the balcony window, wrap myself in the thick cabin blanket and watch the ship’s forward-facing camera on the television as we moved through each lock. The Romantic Rhine was equally impressive, with castles and fortresses appearing around almost every bend between Rüdesheim and Koblenz.
I absolutely loved my Avalon river cruise. Travelling on crutches highlighted challenges for guests with mobility issues, particularly in destinations with steep streets and cobblestones, but the crew and guides made every effort to help. Although the journey was not quite what I had originally planned, it remained memorable and rewarding.
