AVALON Waterways is introducing its ‘Avalon After Dark’ program, Cruise Weekly can reveal, ushering in a new way to experience river cruising when the sun goes down.
The program will include dedicated entertainment, more after-dark port adventures, and dinners under the stars.
New for next year as part of will be, an open-air dining experience, ‘Sky Grill Dinners’.
This will be complemented by an all-new bar menu, which will include a collection of premium and non-alcoholic cocktails.
Each ship’s Panorama Lounge will light up as the sun sets, with live music, special performances, themed trivia, karaoke and impromptu dance parties.
Guests are invited to belt out a classic, test their knowledge over nightly cocktail specials, and enjoy live entertainment.
Avalon After Dark will also encourage guests to experience some of Europe’s best destinations, with more overnight docking in cities such as Budapest, Vienna, Amsterdam, Rudesheim am Rhein, and more.
The line hopes the program will help dispel stereotypes that suggest there is nothing to do at night on a river cruise, President Pam Hoffee said.
“For some ocean cruise guests, this stereotype was a barrier, Hoffee told Cruise Weekly.
“Of course, river cruising remains strongly about the destination, so, our nightlife will include opportunities to experience our ports at night.
“A thrill often not possible in ocean cruising where they sail to put the focus on the ship, casino, and often on-board revenue…that simply isn’t a driver for river cruising and especially Avalon.”
The program’s introduction comes as the cruise line posts impressive numbers for its new voyages on the Garonne.
“We launched Bordeaux for 2025 a bit later than the rest of our itineraries so there is room still to book where other itineraries might be fuller, although that gap is closing and we’re seeing good numbers for this first year,” Hoffee said.
“2026 is selling in line with the rest of our fleet and on track to be another record-breaking selling season.” MS