There’s something special about a river cruise—drifting along the water, watching incredible places go by without the stress of airports, trains, or figuring out where the best local bakery is (spoiler: there are loads). Recently, I got to experience this firsthand onboard Avalon Waterways' View ship, sailing down the Danube River. From the moment I stepped on, I knew this wasn’t going to be one of those packed, chaotic cruises. It was relaxed, effortless, and, honestly, just really nice.
First Impressions: More Hotel, Less Cruise Ship
Walking onto the Avalon View, I could tell straight away this wasn’t your typical cruise. It felt more like a boutique hotel than a ship, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows in the Panorama Suites instead of a tiny balcony. Waking up to views of castles, vineyards, and historic towns—without even having to leave my bed—was an experience I could definitely get used to.
Food: Definitely a Highlight
Speaking of food—wow. Every meal onboard felt like a little foodie adventure. Breakfast was easygoing, with fresh pastries, omelets, and proper coffee (none of that weak, tasteless stuff). Lunch and dinner featured everything from hearty Hungarian goulash to Austrian schnitzel and strudel. Basically, a dream for someone like me who believes calories don’t count on holiday.
One night, I went for Avalon’s FlexDining, which lets you eat whenever and wherever suits you. So, naturally, I picked an outdoor table and had dinner under the stars while we sailed into Budapest. Sounds fancy, right? It was. Though I did spend half the meal hoping I wouldn’t drop my napkin into the river and look like an idiot.
Exploring the Danube: Effortless & Interesting
One of the best things about a river cruise is how easy it is to get off the ship and explore. No queues, no hassle—just step off and go.
- Vienna: I wandered around the city, stopping for coffee and cake (because that’s what you do in Vienna), then visited Schönbrunn Palace to pretend I was fancy for an afternoon.
- Dürnstein & Wachau Valley: Picture-perfect little towns, vineyards everywhere, and some very good local wine. Safe to say, I didn’t say no to a tasting or two.
- Budapest: Sailing in at night was unreal—the Parliament building all lit up made it one of those proper “wow” travel moments.
- Bratislava: A smaller, less touristy stop, but still full of charm, cobbled streets, and some surprisingly good wine (again, not complaining).
Why Avalon Works So Well
I’ve done my fair share of different trips, and what I loved about Avalon was how easy and relaxed everything felt. The staff were friendly without being over-the-top, the cabins were genuinely comfortable, and there was no pressure to do everything or stick to a rigid schedule.
Would I Do It Again? Absolutely.
Sailing the Danube on Avalon View wasn’t just a great trip—it was a proper break from the usual holiday stress. No early morning flights, no packing and unpacking, just good food, amazing views, and easy exploring. Whether I was watching the world go by from my suite, finding hidden coffee spots in Vienna, or just enjoying a glass of wine on deck, every part of the trip felt special without trying too hard.
If you’re looking for a laid-back, comfortable way to see Europe, I’d 100% recommend Avalon Waterways. This was my first river cruise, but it won’t be my last. Now, if only I could get that breakfast service at home!