Avalon Waterways · Suite Ship

Avalon Artistry II

Avalon Artistry II is a 128-passenger Suite Ship river cruise vessel operated by Avalon Waterways. Launched in 2013, she measures approximately 110 metres in length and offers 64 staterooms and suites across 3 passenger decks. Avalon Artistry II primarily sails the Douro, with seasonal repositioning to additional waterways.

Launched2013
Guests128
Cabins64
Decks3
Length110 m

About Avalon Artistry II

Avalon Artistry II belongs to Avalon Waterways's Suite Ship series and entered service in 2013. Built to navigate the lock systems and bridge clearances of European waterways, she measures roughly 110 metres in length and accommodates up to 128 guests in 64 staterooms across 3 passenger decks.

Avalon Waterways introduced the Suite Ship concept in 2011 — a vessel where every standard cabin was reimagined as an open-air suite with the bed turned to face an eleven-foot panoramic window. The fleet sails the Rhine, Danube, Seine, Rhône-Saône, Douro, Po, Mekong, Irrawaddy and Galápagos. Avalon Artistry II reflects that brand DNA — from the design of her public spaces to the inclusions in her base fare.

The ship's typical home waters are the Douro, where she runs 2 distinct itineraries during the operating season. Repositioning sailings, themed wine cruises and Christmas-market voyages may be added in autumn and early winter.

Background reading: our long-form explainer of the Avalon Waterways fleet philosophy covers the design choices that distinguish Suite Ship ships from the rest of the European fleet.

Cabin categories

The following stateroom and suite categories are offered onboard. Square-foot figures are quoted from the operator's published deck plans and exclude balcony floor space.

CategorySquare feetDeckWindow / viewMax guests
Deluxe Stateroom 172 sq ft Indigo Deck Fixed window 2
Panorama Suite 200 sq ft Sapphire Deck Open-air balcony 2
Panorama Suite 200 sq ft Royal Deck Open-air balcony 2
Royal Suite 300 sq ft Royal Deck Open-air balcony 2

Deck plan

Avalon Artistry II is laid out across 3 passenger decks plus the open-air sun deck. Public spaces, cabins and crew areas are arranged in the configuration described below.

Sun Deck
Open-air sun deck with putting green, walking track, herb garden and shaded lounge.
Upper Deck
Most premium staterooms and suites, plus the panorama lounge and library.
Middle Deck
Mid-tier staterooms with French balconies and the main restaurant.
Main Deck
Standard staterooms with fixed windows, the reception, the gift shop and the spa.
For cabin-selection strategy across this class, see our deck-by-deck guide to choosing a cabin on a Suite Ship-style vessel.

Onboard amenities

  • Sun deck with shaded lounge area
  • Panoramic lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows
  • Main restaurant serving open-seating regional cuisine
  • Casual bistro for breakfast, lunch and late-night snacks
  • Reception with 24-hour staff and concierge service
  • Lift between most passenger decks
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi throughout the ship
  • Hair salon and small fitness room

Featured itineraries

The voyages below are representative of those Avalon Artistry II sails during her primary season. Exact ports, departure dates and durations vary by year — consult the operator for current schedules.

ItineraryLengthSample portsRegion
Portuguese Vintage 8 nights Porto · Régua · Pinhão · Vega de Terron · Salamanca · Barca d'Alva Douro
Douro Wine Country 8 nights Porto · Entre-os-Rios · Régua · Pinhão · Pocinho · Salamanca Douro
Planning notes: our pre-departure logistics guide for Douro river cruises covers visa requirements, port-of-embarkation transfers and pre-cruise hotel options.

Sister ships in the Avalon Waterways fleet