Avalon Waterways has record-breaking results for 2024 – and 2025 – as demand for the company’s river cruises continues to surge.

Pam Hoffee, President, Avalon Waterways, says: “We’re coming to the finish line of our strongest sales year ever. And I’m thrilled to share that 2025 is on another record pace and gaining. In recent weeks, 2025 bookings are outpacing 2024 by more than 50% year-over-year.”

Hoffee adds that France and Portugal itineraries are leading the way, as well as off-season, special interest cruises, including Avalon’s ‘Active & Discovery’ sailings.

In 2025 Avalon is adding another Suite Ship to the rivers of France and cruising Bordeaux on the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, said Hoffee. “Our new, week-long Bordeaux itinerary ‘Bonjour Bordeaux: Châteaux, Wineries & Charming Villages’ can also be combined for new, longer cruises on the Seine, Saône, Rhône and Rhine Rivers, creating an incredible, in-depth opportunity to enjoy France and Western Europe, as a whole.”

Other, popular France itineraries leading sales for Avalon for 2025 are Burgundy & Provence, Paris to Normandy and Grand France.

Avalon Waterways also made its Portugal debut on the Douro River in 2024, with a new itinerary and Suite Ship – the Avalon Alegria. This new ship sailed at full capacity its inaugural year. For 2025, Douro sales are outpacing 2024.

Meanwhile the company has increased its off-season cruise offerings by 88% since 2023. Among those cruises with the highest year-over-year sales increase are Festive Season itineraries including Christmas in Alsace & Germany, Festive Season in the Heart of Germany and Christmas on the Danube.

“Every year, our November and December Festive-themed cruises sell-out, encouraging us to add more departures. We’re also seeing an increase in sales in the Spring season, adding to the cooler weather cruise trend,” says Hoffee.

Among the company’s best-selling itineraries for 2025 are Avalon’s Tulip Time, Highlights of Holland & Belgium and Treasures of Holland & Belgium cruises.

“Our cruisers are not passive. They want to activate their mind, heart, body and tastebuds on vacation,” says Hoffee.

Avalon’s Active & Discovery departures on the Rhine, Danube, Rhône and Seine Rivers are among the company’s most popular sailings for next year.

“A recent survey of 16,600 past Avalon guests indicated that 25% want to be active while cruising, immersing themselves in new, passion-packed ways. And in 2025, we’re giving them more options than ever before to move and be moved on all Avalon cruise departures,” says Hoffee.

Source: Travelweek