Avalon vs Riviera

Last Updated: September 2025

Looking to sail on a European river cruise and not sure which line is best? Here at rivercruisecomparison.com we've brought you an Avalon vs Riviera head-to-head matchup. Do either of these river cruise lines get your knock out vote? Let us know in the comments below.

Round 1: Pricing & Booking Policies

Avalon offers limited time sales throughout the year that range from a reduced cruise fare, free cabin upgrades, prepaid gratuities, and airfare promotions. Riviera offers limited time sales throughout the year that range from reduced cruise fares to airfare promotions. In general, Riviera typically prices lower than Avalon – especially when they run a 50% off cruise fare promotion.

Neither Avalon nor Riviera are all-inclusive, but they come close! Avalon offers free beer and wine at lunch and dinner, but also provides an extra one-hour pre-dinner window where guests can choose from a drink menu of select complimentary mixed drinks, wines, and beers. Riviera also offers beer and wine at lunch and dinner, but provides their Superior drinks package as a free inclusion. The package provides drinks outside of meals from 10 AM to midnight, and includes house wines, draught beers, soft drinks, juices, cocktail/mocktail of the day, house spirits, and mixers.

Avalon does not include gratuities of any type in their cruise fare, so they will come out of pocket to the traveler. Though Avalon tends to offer more promotions throughout the year that could get you pre-paid gratuities included at no extra charge. Riviera also does not include gratuities in their cruise fare, but as a British owned and operated line their tipping policy is more optional then required (we always recommend tipping, though, to show appreciation for the hardworking crew).

Deposits for Avalon and Riviera are non-refundable. Avalon requires a $250 deposit per person, while Riviera typically requires $600 per person. The deadline for making final payment with Avalon is 90 days prior to your sail date, and with Riviera it is 101 days prior.

Traveling solo? If so, Avalon offers solo travelers options that reduce the supplement to as little as 0% (at least a few cabins per sailing have no single supplement – typically the entry level cabins on the bottom deck). But Riviera is probably the most solo accommodating cruise line operating. At least a few cabins on each sailing come with no single supplement (as with Avalon, typically the entry level cabins on the bottom deck). Riviera is the only line that offers solo only itineraries, and starting in 2027 is dedicating an entire ship for solo only bookings for the entire sailing season.

Looking to travel with kids under 18? Avalon allows children 8 years and older onboard, while Riviera allows children 12 and older. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by, and share a cabin with, a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult over the age of 21.

Avalon offers a discount for returning guests, while Riviera does not.

Verdict for this round of Avalon vs Riviera:

The verdict goes down to the wire, with Riviera getting the edge this round. Based on price alone, Riviera comes out on top, as they are consistently priced more competitively. Solo travelers will also find more options with Riviera, though Avalon is worth looking at if any solo supplement waivers are available for the specific itinerary of interest. For those that drink, Riviera gets the easy nod, with free drinks available most of the day.

Round 2: Cabins & Onboard Amenities

If design aesthetic is important to you, then you have only slight differences between both cruise lines to consider. Avalon presents a clean, contemporary interior with a neutral color palette, stylish lighting, and artistic accents. Riviera presents a modern, elegant interior with clean lines, sleek furnishings, and a tasteful color palette.

Cabin sizes offered by each line can vary quite a bit, but the most common cabins on each line are very similar in square footage – 200 square feet for Avalon and between 172 and 183 square feet for Riviera.

Avalon cabins on the middle and top deck offer bed placement that faces you towards the windows, while Riviera has the standard bed placement with the windows on the side. Avalon beds provide an option to adjust the level of firmness/softness, and they have a pillow menu for those that have specific preferences on the type of pillow to use. Both help ensure your sleeping comfort! Most cabins on either line will be French Balconies (not a step-out, rather panoramic windows that open to bring the outside into your cabin).

All of Avalon’s ships have elevator access to all cabin decks, while only some of Riviera’s ships go to the lowest level; requiring navigating a set of stairs for those on the bottom deck. Neither line offers connecting rooms, and neither have cabins that can accommodate triple/quad occupancy.

Onboard amenities with Avalon and Riviera are almost identical, with both including free Wi-Fi, onboard bicycles, fitness room, a whirlpool (or pool). Riviera also offers massage and a hair salon, while Avalon does not.

Avalon offers a Wellness Program on each of its ships, where a Wellness Host will lead morning and afternoon yoga, stretches, etc. The host will also lead any hiking and biking excursions. Riviera does not have an official program or guide, and while some of these options might be available on certain ships they are not guaranteed.

Verdict for this round of Avalon vs Riviera:

This round is an easy win for Avalon. Their most common cabin size is larger than Riviera’s, and offer beds facing outward – a subtle, but well received difference by most travelers. The ability to adjust the mattress and select specific pillows is a welcomed luxury. Avalon’s Wellness Program also helps tip the scale in their favor, as might elevator access to all cabin decks.

Round 3: Excursions

Avalon offers one free excursion per port, and typically gives you multiple options to choose from (especially if you are on one of their ‘Active & Discovery’ sailings) – maybe a city walking tour or panoramic bus tour, a hike or bike ride, or a more culturally immersive option such as a visit to a local landmark, museum, or concert. Riviera offers one free excursion per port, but typically does not have multiple options to choose from. Both lines also offer at least a few additional excursions that come with an extra charge, if desired.

Verdict for this round of Avalon vs Riviera:

The win for this round goes to Avalon. Providing multiple included options to choose from per port tips the scale in their favor, providing guests the opportunity to select how they want to explore and experience each place visited.

Round 4: Dining Experience

Food is probably one of the most talked about comparisons when selecting a river cruise. The problem with this is that dining experiences are subjective, and mostly dependent on the execution by onboard staff (both front and back of the house). For every traveler that says they absolutely loved their food on either of these lines, you will find another who complains about the experience. So, comparisons are really about an overall impression on the consistency of service across each cruise line’s fleet.

Both Avalon and Riviera offer buffet-style dining for breakfast and lunch, as well as some limited full-service ordering during both meals. Dinners on both lines are multi-course affairs with at least two or three options to choose from for each course. Special diet requests can be accommodated on either cruise line. Both lines market themselves as offering locally sourced ingredients, with dishes inspired by the places visited during the cruise. Avalon provides continental breakfast and dinner through room service, while Riviera does not.

A wonderful addition to Avalon’s dining experience is their more casual dining option in the Panorama Lounge. Every dish being served in the dining room is available in smaller portions, allowing guests to pick and choose what they want (and as many as they want!).

Verdict for this round of Avalon vs Riviera:

The winner for this round is Avalon. While you might have a wonderful culinary experience on either line, the more formal dining option paired with the casual option in the lounge tips this over to Avalon.