Avalon Waterways is reporting record-breaking booking levels globally—with the Rhine and Danube itineraries proving the most popular.
While there’s no New Zealand-specific data available, the river cruise line says sales for 2026 cruises are currently 17% ahead of 2024, and up 7% on 2025 sales for the year so far. The Rhine is leading the way, with itineraries on this river listed as the top booked for 2026, especially the eight-day Romantic Rhine itinerary between Amsterdam and Basel. Also in demand, says Avalon, is the Danube River, including the eight-day Danube Dreams between Budapest and Vilshofen and the eight-day Balkan Discovery sailing Budapest to Oltenita and vice versa. France too is proving popular, including the eight-day Paris to Normandy Paris-Paris, and the eight-day Bonjour Bordeaux, which sails roundtrip Bordeaux.
The cruise line’s Christmas cruise itineraries are also extremely popular for 2026, it says, led by the seven-day Christmastime on the Danube sailing ex Nuremberg to Vienna, as are it voyages on the Mekong River, with bookings for the latter up 76% over 2025 levels.
Speaking on these booking levels, Globus family of brands md for Asia Pacific Chris Hall says it is about more than cruising’s popularity. “The record demand we’re seeing, it’s about Avalon’s difference: Suite Ships with a view, passion-filled excursions and the freedom to cruise your way,” he claims.
For more on Avalon Waterways’ 2026 offerings, see HERE.
