Illumination
The Illumination's two full decks of suites feature Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Windows that transform the living space into a unique Open-Air Balcony. Cruise along the legendary Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers, enjoying fresh breezes and enchanting scenery from the comfort of your suite.
-
-
443
-
Length
-
-
2014
-
Built Year
-
-
47
-
Crew
-
-
166
-
Pax Capacity
-
-
67
-
Suites
-
Review: Avalon – Romantic RhineBy: Linh Nguyen, Senior Travel Consultant I recently spent 8 days on the Rhine River with Avalon Waterways on their Illumination ship. Even though this was not my first river cruise, I can say that I was still absolutely impressed with the whole experience. The ship is modern and comfortable with enough things to do…
-
Review: Festive Season On The Legendary Danube With Avalon WaterwaysFestive Season on the Legendary Danube with Avalon Waterways is the perfect 10 day river cruise from Prague to Budpest, with tours of iconic sites.
Sailings
Sail Date | Operator | Ship | Departs | Returns | Length | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apr 29, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Munich | Budapest | 8 | $3,259 |
May 05, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Prague | 11 | $4,397 |
May 05, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Munich | 9 | $3,768 |
May 06, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Prague | 10 | $4,088 |
May 06, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Munich | 8 | $3,459 |
May 11, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Munich | Budapest | 9 | $3,877 |
May 11, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Munich | Budapest | 8 | $3,598 |
May 13, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Munich | Budapest | 6 | $2,749 |
May 13, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Munich | Budapest | 7 | $3,028 |
May 18, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Prague | 10 | $4,438 |
May 18, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Munich | 8 | $3,809 |
May 23, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Prague | Budapest | 10 | $4,438 |
May 25, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Munich | Budapest | 8 | $3,809 |
Jun 01, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Amsterdam | 16 | $8,449 |
Jun 16, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Amsterdam | Budapest | 15 | $7,819 |
Jun 29, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Prague | 11 | $5,147 |
Jun 29, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Munich | 9 | $4,518 |
Jun 30, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Prague | 10 | $4,838 |
Jun 30, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Munich | 8 | $4,209 |
Jul 05, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Prague | Budapest | 10 | $4,738 |
Jul 07, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Munich | Budapest | 8 | $4,109 |
Jul 13, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Prague | 11 | $5,047 |
Jul 13, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Munich | 9 | $4,418 |
Jul 14, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Prague | 10 | $4,738 |
Jul 14, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Munich | 8 | $4,109 |
Jul 19, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Prague | Budapest | 10 | $4,738 |
Jul 21, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Munich | Budapest | 8 | $4,109 |
Jul 28, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Amsterdam | 16 | $7,549 |
Aug 12, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Amsterdam | Budapest | 15 | $7,219 |
Aug 26, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Prague | 10 | $5,138 |
Aug 26, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Munich | 8 | $4,509 |
Aug 31, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Prague | Budapest | 10 | $5,238 |
Sep 02, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Munich | Budapest | 8 | $4,609 |
Sep 09, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Prague | 10 | $4,738 |
Sep 09, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Munich | 8 | $4,109 |
Sep 14, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Prague | Budapest | 12 | $6,598 |
Sep 16, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Munich | Budapest | 10 | $5,969 |
Sep 25, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Amsterdam | 16 | $8,449 |
Oct 10, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Amsterdam | Budapest | 15 | $7,719 |
Oct 24, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Prague | 10 | $4,938 |
Oct 24, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Munich | 8 | $4,309 |
Oct 29, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Prague | Budapest | 10 | $4,738 |
Oct 31, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Munich | Budapest | 8 | $4,109 |
Nov 07, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Amsterdam | 16 | $7,549 |
Nov 22, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Amsterdam | Zurich | 10 | $4,962 |
Nov 22, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Amsterdam | Zurich | 8 | $4,009 |
Dec 06, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Amsterdam | Zurich | 10 | $4,812 |
Dec 06, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Amsterdam | Zurich | 8 | $3,859 |
Dec 11, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Zurich | Amsterdam | 10 | $5,129 |
Dec 13, 2025 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Zurich | Amsterdam | 8 | $4,109 |
Apr 07, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Prague | 10 | $4,719 |
Apr 07, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Vilshofen | 8 | $4,030 |
Apr 30, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Bucharest | 10 | $4,338 |
Apr 30, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Bucharest | 12 | $5,148 |
May 01, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Bucharest | 11 | $4,849 |
May 01, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Bucharest | 9 | $4,039 |
May 01, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Bucharest | 8 | $3,830 |
May 05, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Bucharest | Amsterdam | 26 | $13,543 |
May 05, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Bucharest | Budapest | 13 | $5,631 |
May 05, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Bucharest | Budapest | 12 | $5,332 |
May 07, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Bucharest | Budapest | 11 | $4,821 |
May 07, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Bucharest | Budapest | 10 | $4,522 |
May 07, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Bucharest | Amsterdam | 24 | $12,733 |
May 08, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Bucharest | Budapest | 9 | $4,313 |
May 08, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Oltenita | Amsterdam | 23 | $12,524 |
May 16, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Amsterdam | 15 | $7,961 |
May 30, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Amsterdam | Budapest | 15 | $7,961 |
Jun 12, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Prague | 11 | $5,468 |
Jun 12, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Vilshofen | 9 | $4,779 |
Jun 13, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Prague | 10 | $5,119 |
Jun 13, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Vilshofen | 8 | $4,430 |
Jun 26, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Prague | 11 | $5,368 |
Jun 26, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Vilshofen | 9 | $4,679 |
Jun 27, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Prague | 10 | $5,019 |
Jun 27, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Vilshofen | 8 | $4,330 |
Jul 02, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Prague | Budapest | 10 | $5,019 |
Jul 04, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Vilshofen | Budapest | 8 | $4,330 |
Jul 11, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Amsterdam | 15 | $7,261 |
Jul 25, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Amsterdam | Amsterdam | 8 | $4,330 |
Aug 01, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Amsterdam | Budapest | 15 | $7,261 |
Aug 14, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Munich | 9 | $3,842 |
Aug 14, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Vilshofen | 7 | $2,963 |
Aug 15, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Vilshofen | 6 | $2,664 |
Aug 15, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Munich | 8 | $3,543 |
Aug 18, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Prague | Budapest | 10 | $5,319 |
Aug 20, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Vilshofen | Budapest | 8 | $4,630 |
Sep 01, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Prague | Budapest | 12 | $6,885 |
Sep 03, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Vilshofen | Budapest | 10 | $6,196 |
Sep 12, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Amsterdam | 15 | $7,961 |
Sep 26, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Amsterdam | Budapest | 15 | $7,861 |
Oct 15, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Prague | Budapest | 10 | $5,319 |
Oct 17, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Vilshofen | Budapest | 8 | $4,630 |
Oct 24, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Prague | 10 | $5,219 |
Oct 24, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Vilshofen | 8 | $4,530 |
Oct 29, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Prague | Budapest | 10 | $5,119 |
Oct 31, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Vilshofen | Budapest | 8 | $4,430 |
Nov 27, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Prague | Budapest | 10 | $4,669 |
Nov 29, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Nuremberg | Budapest | 8 | $3,980 |
Dec 04, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Basel | 19 | $10,444 |
Dec 04, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Prague | 12 | $5,688 |
Dec 04, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Nuremberg | 10 | $4,999 |
Dec 04, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Frankfurt | 15 | $7,913 |
Dec 06, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Nuremberg | 8 | $4,430 |
Dec 06, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Basel | 17 | $9,875 |
Dec 06, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Frankfurt | 13 | $7,344 |
Dec 06, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Budapest | Prague | 10 | $5,119 |
Dec 11, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Prague | Basel | 12 | $6,134 |
Dec 11, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Prague | Frankfurt | 8 | $3,603 |
Dec 13, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Nuremberg | Basel | 10 | $5,445 |
Dec 13, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Nuremberg | Frankfurt | 6 | $2,914 |
Dec 18, 2026 | Avalon Waterways | Illumination | Frankfurt | Basel | 5 | $2,406 |
Ship Information
- Maiden Voyage: 2014
- Length: 443
- Passenger Capacity: 166
- Normal Crew Size: 47
- Staterooms: 83
- Suites: 67
Dining
Early Riser Coffee, 6 a.m. Start your day right with self-service coffee, hot water, croissants, cookies, and assorted finger foods. Breakfast Buffet, 7 a.m.-8:30 a.m.
Enjoy a tempting selection of breads, cereals, fruits, cold cuts and cheeses, smoked salmon, pastries, yogurts, and juices. Hot items such as eggs, sausage, and bacon vary daily.
*Buffet breakfast items are conveniently color coded on all Avalon Waterways river cruise ships to indicate foods that are low calorie, low fat/low calorie, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy
Lunch Buffet, 12:30 p.m. Select from intriguing appetizers, hearty soups, hot dishes, homemade breads, cold cuts and cheeses, salads, and delectable desserts. Afternoon Tea, 4 p.m. Take a mid-day break with coffee or tea and cake or cookies served in the lounge or on the top deck. Dinner, 7:30 p.m.
Dine elegantly with a sit-down meal served in a single sitting. The chef will delight you with gourmet selections and the perfect, complimentary wines (complimentary beer or soft drinks also available). Menus typically feature an appetizer, soup, entree, dessert, and coffee or tea.
Note: Meal times may vary depending on cruise schedule.
Age Restrictions
Travelers who are less than 18 years old on the departure date must be accompanied by an adult throughout the duration of the vacation. We do not accept children less than 8 years old on any Avalon Waterways vacations. If a child will be traveling with adults other than the parents or with only one parent, it is recommended that a notarized letter be written by the parents or non-traveling parent granting authorization to travel, including the dates of travel.
Tipping
Gratuities on board and on land are not included in the cruise price. Tipping is a personal way to show your satisfaction for good service and is always appreciated. It is recommended that tips be paid in cash.
Cabins

Square Footage: 172
Category E
Staterooms have comfort collection beds, deluxe beds with memory foam mattress toppers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets, choice of soft or firm pillows, extra blankets, choice of bed configuration, nightly turn-down service, bedside tables with reading lamps, hair dryer, L'Occitane bath amenities, spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage, easy under-bed luggage storage, flat screen satellite TV with movie channels, alarm clock, direct-dial telephone, bathrobes & slippers, well-stocked minibar, complimentary bottled water, in-room safe, individual climate control, elegant, contemporary design throughout, and a large mirror in bathroom. Located on Indigo Deck Forward.

Square Footage: 172
Category D
Staterooms have comfort collection beds, deluxe beds with memory foam mattress toppers, egyptian super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets, choice of soft or firm pillows, extra blankets, choice of bed configuration, nightly turn-down service, bedside tables with reading lamps, hair dryer, L'Occitane bath amenities, spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage, easy under-bed luggage storage, flat screen satellite TV with movie channels, alarm clock, direct-dial telephone, bathrobes & slippers, well-stocked minibar, complimentary bottled water, in-room safe, individual climate control, elegant, contemporary design throughout, and a large mirror in bathroom. Located on Indigo Deck Aft.

Square Footage: 200
Category B
Panorama Suites feature comfort collection beds, deluxe beds with memory foam mattress toppers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets, choice of bed configuration, nightly turn-down service, bedside tables with reading lamps, hair dryer, L'Occitane bath amenities, spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage, easy under-bed luggage storage, flat screen satellite TV with movie channels, wall-to-wall panoramic window with open-air Balcony, open-air balcony with full 6-person seating area, full shower with glass door, well-stocked minibar, writing desk, and a coffee table. Located on Sapphire Deck Aft.

Square Footage: 200
Category A
Panorama Suites feature comfort collection beds, deluxe beds with memory foam mattress toppers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets, choice of bed configuration, nightly turn-down service, bedside tables with reading lamps, hair dryer, L'Occitane bath amenities, spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage, easy under-bed luggage storage, flat screen satellite TV with movie channels, wall-to-wall panoramic window with open-air Balcony, open-air balcony with full 6-person seating area, full shower with glass door, well-stocked minibar, writing desk, and a coffee table. Located on Sapphire Deck Forward.

Square Footage: 200
Category P
Panorama Suites feature comfort collection beds, deluxe beds with memory foam mattress toppers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets, choice of bed configuration, nightly turn-down service, bedside tables with reading lamps, hair dryer, L'Occitane bath amenities, spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage, easy under-bed luggage storage, flat screen satellite TV with movie channels, wall-to-wall panoramic window with open-air Balcony, open-air balcony with full 6-person seating area, full shower with glass door, well-stocked minibar, writing desk, and a coffee table. Located on Royal Deck.

Square Footage: 300
Category Royal Suite
Suites include Comfort Collection Beds, Deluxe beds with memory foam mattress toppers, Egyptian super-combed cotton linens, European-style duvets, Choice of bed configuration, Nightly turn-down service, bedside tables with reading lamps, Hair dryer, L'Occitane bath amenities, Spacious 3-door closets with shelves for ample storage, Easy under-bed luggage storage, Flatscreen satellite TV with movie channels, Alarm clock, Direct-dial telephone, Bathrobes & slippers, Well-stocked minibar, Complimentary bottled water, In-room safe individual climate control, Marble countertops in bathroom, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Complimentary use of iPad mobile digital devices, Wall-to-Wall Panoramic Window with Open-Air Balcony, Open-Air Balcony with full 6-person seating area, Full shower with glass door, Writing desk, Vanity, Sofa, Coffee table, and Double sinks. Located on Royal Deck.
Life on Board

Dining Room
When it comes to dining, you'll savor your destination in more ways than one. Professional chefs will delight your taste buds with regional specialties as well as Western favorites. Located on the Sapphire Deck.
Panorama Bistro
An alternate dining experience with regional specialties and lighter fare in the Panorama Bistro. Located on the Royal Deck.
Sky Bistro
Why not sit outside and enjoy your lunch while watching the passing scenery. Located on the Sky Deck.
Observation Lounge
Enjoy onboard lectures, activities & nightly entertainment with any outside viewing area. Located on the Royal Deck.
Panorama Lounge
Sit back and relax meeting new friends while having a drink at the lounge. Located on the Royal Deck.
Sky Deck
Relax at the Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs and a shade system or have fun at the game area. Located on the Sky Deck.
Fitness Center
The Fitness Center is well equipped so you can stick to your fitness program while on vacation. Take advantage of state-of-the-art cardio equipment while enjoying the view of unforgettable passing landscapes. Located on the Indigo Deck.
Salon
Of course you want to look your best on vacation, there is a salon for all your hair and manicure needs. Located on the Royal Deck.
Whirlpool
The whirlpool is the perfect place to unwind after an exciting day of sightseeing. Located on the Sky Deck.I can not say enough to praise the hospitality and professional service aboard the Avalon Illumination! Everyone was so helpful and engaging from our tour guide to our housekeeper. the food and food service staff were equally amazing!
Don't be afraid to try the active excursions. They were amazing and they were honest if they felt a guest wouldn't be comfortable with the level of difficulty.
The overall dining experience was ok, not great
We enjoyed the Avalon Magnificent Europe River Cruise very much. It was everything we expected and more. The crew and staff on the ship were outstanding.
We had a wonderful time and are very grateful to our agent for her professional assistance