Avalon Waterways, known for operating Europe’s only fleet of suite ships, will introduce two new vessels this spring: the 128-passenger Avalon Artistry II in April and the 166-passenger Avalon Expression in May. The company also confirmed plans to add three more river ships in 2014. The additions—Avalon Impression, Avalon Illumination, and Avalon Poetry II—will expand Avalon’s suite-ship fleet to a total of eight vessels.
Each new Avalon ship continues the line’s focus on roomy accommodations and comfortable onboard living. The suite configuration typically includes spacious staterooms, many with large windows or private balconies, and public spaces designed for relaxation and scenic viewing. Avalon’s new additions are intended to appeal to travelers who value generous onboard space, modern amenities, and itineraries that highlight Europe’s rivers and towns.
Separately, International Expeditions will debut a new 31-passenger river ship on the Peruvian Amazon this summer. Although the vessel has not yet been named, the company has revealed several design features and amenities intended for comfort and regional character. The ship will include 15 outward-facing cabins with private balconies, locally handcrafted furniture produced by Peruvian artisans, and a dedicated multimedia lecture room for educational briefings and presentations about the Amazon’s ecology and cultures.
Passenger-focused amenities on the new Amazon ship will also include a fitness center, a fleet of kayaks for guided excursions, and a large observation deck—about 1,000 square feet—designed to maximize wildlife viewing and landscape appreciation. In the evenings, the ship will host nightly receptions that serve complimentary Peruvian cocktails, wine, and beer, offering guests a chance to socialize and sample local flavors.
Both Avalon Waterways and International Expeditions are emphasizing enhanced onboard experiences as they expand their river fleets. Avalon’s expansion strengthens its presence across European waterways with additional suite-class choices, while International Expeditions’ new Amazon vessel is tailored to small-ship exploration, with features that support wildlife viewing, educational programming, and comfortable, regionally influenced design.
These fleet updates reflect broader trends in river cruising: a move toward ships that combine intimate capacity with well-appointed public spaces, a focus on scenic immersion, and increased interest in culturally informed design. Travelers considering a river cruise this year will find new options whether they seek the cultural and architectural richness of Europe’s rivers or the biodiversity and remote landscapes of the Amazon.