Avalon Waterways vs. Riviera River Cruises | Honest Comparison

Avalon Waterways or Riviera River Cruises — which one delivers the better Burgundy & Provence experience? Join RTE-Travel Talk as we compare these two leading European river cruise lines side by side to help you decide which is the perfect fit for your next journey through France. In this episode of RTE-Travel Talk | Ask a Real Travel Expert, host Ken sits down with Susan Blume, owner of Personal Escape Travel, who recently sailed with Avalon Waterways and also toured Riviera’s Lord Byron. Together they break down what sets these two river cruise lines apart — from ship design and onboard vibe to inclusions, dining, and overall value. Ship Design & Comfort: Avalon’s modern, contemporary ships feature its signature Panorama Suites with beds facing the river and wall-to-wall windows that open to the water. Riviera’s Lord Byron embraces timeless Art Deco luxury with gleaming brass, polished wood, and a more traditional European flair. Onboard Atmosphere: Avalon attracts a younger, more active traveler, offering sunrise yoga, cycling, kayaking, and its lively “Avalon After Dark” evenings. Riviera delivers a slower, sophisticated pace — elegant yet relaxed, perfect for travelers who enjoy fine conversation and classic comfort. Inclusions & Value: Avalon includes daily excursions in three styles — Classic, Active, and Discovery — plus beer and wine with meals and a nightly happy hour. Riviera features an open bar from 10 a.m. to midnight and is introducing a dedicated ship for solo travelers with 50 departures next year — a first in river cruising. Dining & Service: Avalon’s menus emphasize regional cuisine, flexibility, and 24-hour room service, while Riviera offers refined multi-course dining in beautifully appointed settings. Both lines earn high marks for attentive, personalized service. Who It’s For: Choose Avalon Waterways for an active, contemporary experience with diverse excursions and American-style service. Choose Riviera River Cruises for European elegance, open-bar value, and a relaxed onboard rhythm. If you’re comparing Avalon vs. Riviera, this detailed discussion offers the insight you need to make the right choice for your Burgundy & Provence river cruise — straight from an expert who’s experienced both. Contact Real Travel Experts: questions@realtravelexperts.com https://realtravelexperts.com/​ https://www.facebook.com/RealTravelExperts/ https://www.instagram.com/realtravelexperts/ Contact Personal Escape Travel: sblume@personalescapetravel.com Website:​ https://www.personalescapetravel.com/ Image & Video Credits: Avalon Clips and Images: Courtesy of Avalon Waterways Riviera Clips and Images: Courtesy of Riviera Travel Hostellerie de Perouges Image: Courtesy of https://www.hostelleriedeperouges.com/ Other Images Courtesy of Susan Blume and Abobestock RTE Travel Talk does not endorse any of their guests' products or services. The opinions of the guests may or may not reflect those of the host and RTE Travel Talk. 00:00 Introduction 00:58 Special guest, Susan Blume 01:35 Overview of Avalon Poetry Cruise 02:33 Pre-extension recommendation 02:59 Does Avalon live up to the hype? 03:43 On board experience 05:15 Highlights 06:38 What excursions are included in your fare 09:19 Riviera's Lord Byron 10:10 The typical Riviera guest vs Avalon 11:05 Travel Club 11:31 Price point comparison 11:56 New Riviera ship dedicated to solo travelers 13:16 Staterooms 13:49 Chacuterie cafe 14:20 Drinks included or not? 15:24 Entertainment on Avalon 17:04 Demographics 18:04 Mobility issues 19:11 Atmosphere on Riviera vs Avalon 21:10 Final words of advice 22:04 Contacting Susan 22:38 Susan's future travel