2027 Balkans on the Danube Riverboat Cruise
Riverboat

2027 Balkans on the Danube Riverboat Cruise

Apr 05, 2027  -  Apr 12, 2027
  • Budapest, Hungary
  • Ilak/Vulkovar, Croatia
  • Novi Sad, Serbia
  • Belgrade, Serbia
  • Golubac-Donji Milanovac, Serbia
  • Vidin/Belogradchik, Bulgaria
  • Rousse/Veliko Tarnovo/Arbanasi, Bulgaria
  • Oltenita, Romania
Cruise the Danube through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania!BOOK ONLINE OR CALL AN OLIVIA TRAVEL™ CONSULTANTBook Your Perfect Trip

Avalon Waterways

  • Best European River Cruise Line

    Best European River Cruise Line

    Cruise Critic

  • Best River Cruise Line Shore Excursions

    Best River Cruise Line Shore Excursions

    Cruise Critic

  • Best River Cruise Line Cabins

    Best River Cruise Line Cabins

    Cruise Critic

  • Activity Level: Easy-Moderate

    Activity Level: Easy-Moderate

    This trip requires some mobility without the use of a wheelchair or scooter, as most tours are walking tours for up to 3 hours, which may include walking on cobblestone streets, gentle uphill  walks, unpaved pathways and stairs. A ‘Gentle Walkers’ group is offered on most included walking tours, which accommodate those needing a little extra time and sometimes offers a shortened version of a tour, designed to encounter as few stairs as possible. 

    If you are bringing a portable wheelchair or collapsible travel scooter, you must be able to collapse it and store it in your cabin. It cannot be used to get around the ship, only while off the ship on tours that are wheelchair/scooter accessible. On tours, the usefulness of a portable wheelchair or scooter may be limited because we will be navigating cobblestone streets with hard curbs (no curb ramps) and stairs.  

    If you have limited mobility, you are required to travel with someone who can assist you. 

  • Gentle Walkers Group

    Whenever possible, we will create a Gentle Walkers group on each included tour for any guests who need a little extra time walking, perhaps guests with scooters or canes or photographers who like to stop frequently to take photos. For those with mobility issues, we suggest purchasing a cane that can also fold out to be a seat so you can rest while the group stops to listen to the guide. There are many different styles to choose from online on sites such as amazon.com. 

    Please note that on the optional tours, we are not able to offer a Gentle Walkers group. If you are unsure of your ability to take a specific tour, please discuss your concerns with the cruise director on board. 

What's Included

  • Accommodations for 8 days/7 nights on the Avalon Illumination, one of the finest riverboats on the Danube
  • All meals while on board
  • Complimentary sparkling wine with breakfast; coffee, tea, and juices with all meals; beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Daily Happy Hour with included selected drinks (top shelf drinks additional cost)
  • Filtered water refilled in reusable bottles in cabins daily
  • Standard wifi in all cabins and public areas
  • Olivia entertainment and programming, as well as local entertainment
  • Included sightseeing tours in each port
  • Gratuities to ship crew and Avalon cruise director
  • Team Olivia assistance throughout
  • Group transfer from the ship to the Bucharest Airport for flights after 10 am on April 12th 
What's Included
  • What's Not Included
    • International Airfare
    • Transfer from the Budapest airport to the ship on April 5th
    • Optional excursions
    • Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and soft drinks (except where indicated)
    • Phone/fax
    • Gratuities to the tour guides and bus drivers on included and optional excursions
    • Travel insurance & personal incidentals

Itinerary

  • Day 1Budapest, HungaryembarkationMonday, Apr 5, 2027

    Welcome to Hungary! Your Suite Ship® is ready for boarding. Flights into Budapest must arrive by 3:30 pm. Guests must be on board ship by 5 pm. Begin your journey in Budapest, the dazzling “Pearl of the Danube”. This vibrant capital enchants with its grand architecture and thermal baths. From the majestic Parliament building to the twinkling lights of the Chain Bridge, Budapest sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure down the Danube.

    Overnight cruise to Vukovar (-/-/D)

  • Day 2Ilok, Croatia/Vukovar & Novi Sad, SerbiaTuesday, Apr 6, 2027

    Vukovar invites you to witness resilience and beauty along the Danube, where baroque architecture and poignant memorials tell the story of a city reborn. Enjoy a brief cruise to Ilok while having lunch onboard. Ilok, Croatia’s easternmost gem, is a wine lover’s paradise wrapped in medieval elegance.

    Overnight docking in Novi Sad (B/L/D)

    Choose from Discovery, Classic, or Active tours:

    • Discovery: Take a guided walking tour through Vukovar to uncover its cultural roots and traditions, topped off with a local beer tasting experience.
    • Classic: Explore Vukovar’s rich history and vibrant culture on a guided city tour that highlights its enduring heritage and charm.
    • Classic: Discover Ilok’s 1,000-year-old winemaking legacy on a guided tour through its historic streets and medieval fortress, a treasured symbol of Croatian heritage. Enjoy a wine tasting in a local cellar while soaking in stories of tradition and the natural beauty of Eastern Croatia.
    • Active: Venture through Ilok on a guided bike tour that traces the city walls, visits the central church and town museum, and leads you to the elegant Principovac Castle and Estate.

  • Day 3Novi Sad, SerbiaWednesday, Apr 7, 2027

    Known for its elegant architecture, café culture, and the stunning Petrovaradin Fortress, Novi Sad is a cultural gem that radiates warmth and creativity.

    Overnight cruise to Belgrade (B/L/D)

    Choose one of the Classic, Active, or Discovery tours:

    • Classic: Discover the charm of Serbia’s second-largest city on a guided tour through Novi Sad’s Austro-Hungarian old town, where baroque architecture and historic fortifications tell stories of a rich past.
    • Active: Set out on a guided hike through the Petrovaradin district, perched across the Danube, and take in sweeping views and cultural landmarks that make this area truly unforgettable.
    • Discovery: Dive into the sweet side of Novi Sad with a guided visit to the Honey Museum, where you’ll learn about the art of beekeeping and sample delicious local honey specialties.
  • Day 4Belgrade, SerbiaThursday, Apr 8, 2027

    Belgrade is bold, gritty, and full of soul. Situated where the Danube meets the Sava, it’s a city that never sleeps—offering centuries of history, buzzing nightlife, and an energy that’s impossible to ignore. Choose one of the Classic, Active, or Discovery tours below. 

    Spend your afternoon exploring Belgrade at your own pace along Knez Mihailova Street, the city’s lively pedestrian zone filled with cafés, shops, and cultural gems. This evening, consider joining an optional excursion for a traditional Bohemian dinner in the atmospheric Skadarlija Quarter.

    Overnight cruise to Golubac (B/L/D)

    Choose one of the Classic, Active, or Discovery tours:

    • Classic: Take a guided sightseeing tour of Belgrade, where the Danube and Sava Rivers meet, and explore iconic landmarks including the magnificent Saint Sava Church—one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world.
    • Active: Stroll through Belgrade’s vibrant central walkway, soaking in the city’s energy and charm.
    • Discovery: Enrich your understanding of the Balkans with an onboard lecture that delves into the region’s fascinating history, diverse destinations, and cultural heritage.
  • Day 5Golubac/Donji Milanovac/Iron Gates, SerbiaFriday, Apr 9, 2027

    Sail through one of the most breathtaking stretches of the Danube as you pass Golubac and Donji Milanovac, Serbia, and into the dramatic Iron Gates Gorge. Towering cliffs, medieval fortresses, and winding river passages showcase the raw beauty and rich history of this legendary region. Enjoy a Classic tour option today.

    Later, sail through the breathtaking Iron Gates Gorge—a narrow, awe-inspiring passage that marks the natural border between Serbia and Romania.

    Afternoon/overnight cruise to Vidin (B/L/D)

    Classic: Step back in time with a visit to the remarkably preserved Fortress of Golubac, a medieval stronghold that once served as a strategic border defense and witnessed centuries of conflict between Serbia, the Habsburg Monarchy, and the Ottoman Empire. Continue your journey to the Mesolithic site of Lepenski Vir, offering stunning views of the dramatic Danube Gorge.

  • Day 6Vidin/Belogradchik, BulgariaSaturday, Apr 10, 2027

    Discover Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest riverside towns, where history and charm meet along the Danube. Journey to the nearby Belogradchik Rocks, a stunning natural wonder of towering sandstone formations crowned by the ancient Belogradchik Fortress, offering unforgettable panoramic views.

      Afternoon/overnight cruise to Rousse (B/L/D)

      Choose one of the Active, Classic, or Discovery tours today:

      • Active: Pedal through Vidin on a guided bike tour with your Adventure Host, taking in the city's highlights from a fresh perspective.
      • Classic: Step into history with a guided visit to Baba Vida Fortress, followed by a scenic tour of Belogradchik, where you'll be awed by the surreal rock formations shaped over 200 million years by nature’s hand.
      • Discovery: Uncover over two centuries of Bulgarian winemaking tradition with a tour and tasting at a local winery, where you'll sample regional wines in the atmospheric cellars.
    • Day 7Rousse/Veliko Tarnovo/Arbanassi, BulgariaSunday, Apr 11, 2027

      Explore Rousse, Bulgaria’s elegant “Little Vienna,” known for its grand architecture and vibrant riverfront. Venture to Arbanassi and nearby Veliko Tarnovo, where cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and the medieval Tsarevet’s Fortress bring Bulgaria’s rich past vividly to life.

        Later, enjoy a lively onboard performance featuring traditional Bulgarian folklore.

        Overnight cruise to Oltenita (B/L/D)

        Choose one of the Active or Classic tours today:

        • Active: Discover the charm of Rousse’s historic center on a guided bike tour with your Adventure Host, weaving through its scenic streets and landmarks.
        • Classic: Embark on a full-day guided tour to Veliko Târnovo, the former Bulgarian capital, where ancient stone homes perch above the Yantra River. Explore one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns and admire the 15th-century Bulgarian Revival architecture in nearby Arbanassi.
        • Classic: Take a guided sightseeing tour of Bulgaria’s largest inland port, including a visit to the impressive Holy Trinity Church. Then, enjoy a short scenic drive to the UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo, carved into the cliffs with centuries of history etched into their walls.
      • Day 8Oltenita, RomaniadisembarkMonday, Apr 12, 2027

        Your cruise ends in Oltenita, Romania with breakfast this morning.

        (B/-/-)

      Itinerary

      *Itinerary is subject to change.

      Entertainment

      Enjoy nightly entertainment with two Olivia entertainers and local performers. We will announce our Olivia entertainment soon. 

      Your Ship: Avalon Illumination

      Shining bright in Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Illumination features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform your living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. With 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning to splendid passing scenery from your window-facing bed. Stretch out on your Comfort Collection bed and cruise with the world at your feet. Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, a Fitness Center, complimentary Starlink wifi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck. Make yourself at home at the Club Lounge with a 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate, and premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day. The Avalon Illumination truly shines on Europe's rivers.

      Total Occupancy: 166

      Your Ship: Avalon Illumination
      • Ship Amenities
        • An entirely non-smoking interior 
        • Covered Observation Lounge 
        • Beautiful bars and lounges
        • Sun deck with premium lounge chairs and shade awnings 
        • Laundry service (not self-service; check pricing on board) 
        • Fitness center  
        • Panoramic windows throughout the ship 
        • Elegant, contemporary design throughout 
        • Elevator 
        • Bikes, walking sticks, binoculars, and daypacks 
        • Maps for hiking, biking and jogging routes 
        • Included shore excursions with local guides (tipping to guides / bus drivers not included)  
        • Headsets for shore excursions 
        • Complimentary wifi  
        • Space to relax & unwind 
        • Premium coffees, cappuccinos, and lattes 
        • Club Lounge with 24-hour self-serve beverage station with complimentary cappuccinos, lattes, tea, hot chocolate, and premium coffees, as well as treats throughout the day 
        • A lounge serving premium spirits (extra charge) 
        • Sky Deck with whirlpool, shade awnings, game area and premium lounges 
        • Daily early- and late-riser breakfast 
        • Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine, with complimentary juices and made-to-order egg station* 
        • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner 
        • Daily “Happy Hour” with complimentary alcoholic drinks as indicated on drink menu 
        • Al fresco lunches on the Sky Bistro 
        • Remarkable service throughout the cruise 
        • English-speaking crew 
      • Room Amenities
        • 172-300 sq. ft. Staterooms and Suites, some of the largest on the river  
        • Most with floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors  
        • Comfort Collection BedsSM
        • Egyptian super-combed cotton linens
        • Bathrobes & slippers
        • Premium L'Occitane bath products
        • Large bathroom featuring shower with glass door
        • Flatscreen satellite TV with free movie channels
        • Individual climate control and in-room safe
        • Full-size closet and mirror
        • Additional under-bed storage
        • Well-stocked minibar
        • Nonallergenic duvets and pillows 
        • Filtered water replenished in bottles daily 
        • And much more
      • Dining
        • Chef-prepared onboard meals with regional cuisine and familiar favorites. 
        • Seasonal cuisine featuring the freshest local ingredients.
        • Avalon Fresh® healthy cuisine options at every meal.
        • Spacious, open-seating Panorama Dining Room.
        • Daily breakfast buffet with full range of classic breakfast items, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and daily à la carte specials.
        • Complimentary room service for Continental breakfast.
        • Daily lunch buffet featuring regional specialties, classic dishes, healthy Avalon Fresh® options and rotating chef’s features, including carving & pasta stations. Alternatively, you may dine al fresco at our Sky Grill on the Sky Deck (weather and itinerary permitting) or enjoy a light lunch in the Panorama Lounge.
        • Afternoon Tea featuring tea, coffee, and sweet treats.
        • Four-course dinners with choice of appetizers, soups, salads, entrées, and desserts or cheese.
        • Complimentary wine, beer, or soft drinks with lunch and dinner
        • Vegetarian options at every meal, as well as vegan, low calorie, low fat, high fiber, low cholesterol, high energy, and allergy-free selections.
        • Panorama Lounge & Bar with premium spirits*, cozy seating, panoramic windows, & dance floor.
        • Welcome & farewell cocktails with sparkling wine & canapés.
        • Included Happy Hour every evening featuring house beer, wine, cocktails, and a drink of the day as specified on the drink menu.
        • Cocktails* with a view on the Sky Deck (weather permitting).
        • Specialty coffees, espresso drinks, and beWell Essence flavored and infused water available throughout each day.

        *extra charge

      • Observation Lounge
      • Sky Deck
      • Club Lounge
      • Dining Room
      • Club Lounge Refreshments
      • Panorama Suite

      Virtual tour is from the Avalon Envision, a 168-passenger sister ship. Actual layout will vary slightly. Click images to view full size.

      Payment Plans

      Two payment plan options are available when booking online or through a Travel Consultant:

      1. Olivia 6-Month Interest-Free Payment Plan: Olivia's No-Interest Payment Plan gives you the ability to pay for your vacation, without interest, over 6 monthly payments. This option is available for trips departing 12 months or more after the booking date.

      2. Flex Pay Loans: Need to extend your payments over more time? Apply for a Flex Pay loan!

      Cancellation Policy & Travel Insurance

      Unexpected events can cause you to cancel your vacation. Because we are committed to this charter, we must strictly adhere to our cancellation policy as outlined in our Olivia Terms & Conditions. Transfer funds are nonrefundable and nontransferable from the point of sale forward.

      Olivia recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your trip investment against the unexpected. Visit our Insurance page for more information. For a travel insurance quote, more information or to purchase a protection plan, please call Olivia at 800-631-6277 and select option 1 for a Travel Consultant. You may also purchase insurance online after your checkout.

      Cancellation Fees 

      • 365 days or more prior to trip date: on or before 4/5/2026

        Cancellation Penalty: 50% of trip cost

      • 0-364 days prior to trip date: 4/6/2026 - 4/5/2027

        Cancellation Penalty: 100% of trip cost (no refund)

      Vacation Stretchers

      We will offer a pre-cruise vacation stretcher in Budapest and a post-cruise vacation stretcher in Bucharest. More information will be available approximately 9 months prior to the trip. 

      Traveler Information

      • About Our Destination

        Being Gay in The Balkans

        Being LGBTQ+ is accepted in all of the countries we visit.

        Climate

        In spring, the weather in this part of the Balkans has ranged from a chilly and rainy 40°F, to a sunny, mild 67°F. Plan to dress in layers and prepare for anything. Check www.weather.com for the most current weather.

        Currency

        Local currency is as follows:
        Bulgarian lev in Bulgaria; Serbian dinar in Serbia; Euro in Croatia; Romanian leu in Romania; and Hungarian forint in Hungray. Check www.xe.com for current rates.

        Languages

        The languages most spoken in the countries we’ll visit are Hungarian, German, Bulgarian, Serbian, Croatian, and Romanian, but most people also speak English in tourist cities.

      • Before Your Trip

        Community: Joining the Online Trip Group

        If you'd like to chat with people who are going on the trip, join Olivia’s official 2027 Balkans on the Danube Riverboat Cruise group on Facebook.

        Olivia Honeymoons and Celebrations Registration

        Register at Olivia Honeymoon Wishes for your honeymoon, anniversary, or other special celebration; browse through the selections and let your friends know just how easy it is for them to purchase a gift for you.

        Special Occasions

        If you will celebrate a birthday or any other special event during the week of your trip that you have not already told your Olivia Travel Consultant about, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.

        Specific Needs: Dietary, Medical, Mobility, and Other

        If you have any medical, mobility, dietary, or other special requirements that you haven't yet shared, please reach out to [email protected] as soon as possible. To verify if we can accommodate your needs, kindly do so at least 90 days before your trip.

        Travel & Entry Requirements

        We’ve provided an easy tool to allow you to check the latest requirements and provisions for your travel plans: please click here. For specific entry requirements to your chosen destination, simply click on your arrival country under "Where to?" and enter your travel dates.

        Passports & Visas: All travelers will need a passport that is valid for six months after the last day of your trip. If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa.

        If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with both your country’s consulate and the consulates of the other countries we will be visiting to ensure that you do not need an entry visa or other additional documentation.

        IMPORTANT: The European Union is introducing the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) in 2026. ETIAS is designed as an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling from 60 countries, including the United States and Canada. This system is being implemented to enhance security and streamline the entry process for travelers visiting the European Union.

        Starting in 2026, if you are planning to visit one of the 30 EU countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, you will be required to complete a digital application through the official ETIAS website or mobile application. This requirement will apply to travelers who do not currently need a visa for entry into these countries. While this might be an additional step in your travel preparations, it is designed to improve your overall experience by reducing waiting times and enhancing security measures. You can fill out your applications at: https://www.etiaseu.com/ once the site goes live. Please be aware that most ETIAS applications will incur a processing fee of 20 Euros. It is free for people over the age of 70. These ETIAS are good for up to 3 years with unlimited entries.  (dates and prices subject to change)

        Canadians: Please visit the Canadian ETIAS for more information and to fill out your application when it goes live in 2026. ETIAS Application Form | Apply ETIAS from Canada

        Vacation Stretchers

        We will offer a pre-cruise vacation stretcher in Budapest and a post-cruise vacation stretcher in Bucharest. More information will be available approximately 9 months prior to the trip.   

        Vaccinations 

        Please check with your local Public Health Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov. Just click “Travelers’ Health” followed by “Vaccinations.” 

      • Travel and Arrival

        Air Travel

        Airports: You will need to fly into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) and out of Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP). We encourage all guests to arrive at least one day early to avoid the stress of unexpected delays. 

        Flight Arrival and Departure Times:
        Arrival: Your flight into Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) should arrive by 3:30 pm on April 5, 2027.  

        Departure: Your flight home should be booked after 10 am on April 12, 2027 to be eligible for the included group transfer from our riverboat to Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP). If your flight departs prior to 10 am, you may need to arrange for your own taxi transfer to the airport, which can be costly.

        Luggage Allowances: The included group transfer from the ship to Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport limits luggage to one piece per person, plus a carry-on. Airlines often restrict (or charge) excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances. For ease of travel in Europe, we recommend bringing no more than one large piece and a smaller carry-on.

        Ship Embarkation

        Check-In: Official check-in will be available in the late afternoon. If arriving to the ship prior to check-in, you can board the ship after 8:30 am, drop off your luggage, and enjoy the lounge with small snacks and coffee, tea, and water. You can also venture out on your own to enjoy Budapest or choose an optional afternoon tour. Suites and staterooms will be available to access after 4 pm.

        Port Location and Transfer to the Ship: The riverboat will be docked in Budapest at a location approximately 45 minutes from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD). Exact location will be shared in your final trip documents, which will be sent 2–3 weeks prior to departure, or on the AvalonGo app a few days prior to embarking.

      • During Your Trip

        Electricity

        The cabins have 110- and 220-volt electricity. Adapters should have 2 round prongs (type C). One USB outlet is also available.

        Entertainment & Programming

        We will bring two Olivia entertainers to perform on several evenings, as well as enjoy some local entertainment along the way.

        River cruising is all about port destinations. Don’t expect the same ship-activity packed schedule you might find on a big ship or resort! On a typical day, following breakfast, we will enjoy a walking tour of the new city we have arrived in, followed by lunch on board and either an optional extra walking (or other) tour or free time to explore. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a fun and informative lecture on the history of the area or take that well-deserved nap. It’s your vacation! In the evenings, we will be delighted by local entertainers or one of our two Olivia artists. After the shows, enjoy our riverboat version of “Club O,” with our talented staff taking turns being a “guest DJ” to provide dancing music in the main lounge. Or you may choose to get to bed early for your next full day!

        Excursions

        A walking and/or city tour is included in each of the ports visited. Optional tours, ranging in price from approximately €39 to €79, may be booked on the Avalon website about 30 days prior to the trip or on board and will not conflict with your included tours.

        Gratuities

        Gratuities are provided to your Avalon cruise director, cabin steward, dining room steward, bus person, maître d', reception, bar staff, and other behind-the-scenes crew members and are included in the cost of the cruise.

        Tipping is not included for the local guides and bus drivers on included tours and optional tours. We recommend the following as a guideline:
        Local guide: half day—2-3 Euros pp / full day—5+ Euros pp
        Bus driver: half day—1 Euro pp / full day—2 Euros pp

        Should you receive exceptional service and wish to tip more, this is completely at your discretion. 

        Internet and Email

        Complimentary wifi is included on board in public spaces and in your cabin for use on your personal digital devices (phone, laptop, or tablet computer). There is an onboard internet center with two desktop computers for guest use. Faxes can be sent from the reception desk for a charge.

        Laundry Services

        Laundry and pressing services are available; prices will be available onboard the ship. Dry-cleaning and self-service laundry facilities are not available.

        Medical Services

        The ship will be minutes away from hospitals when we are docked and will be close to local towns when we are cruising along the river. The ship does not have an onboard doctor.

        Money: On-Board Purchases

        The currency used on board is Euros (€). All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you will create when you first check in. Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Please check with the ship’s front office for further details.

        Phone

        Each cabin has a phone for calling other cabins and for making international and local calls. There is an additional fee to use this phone for international or local calls; cost is available on board. We suggest that you check with your cell phone provider for international service.

        Smoking policy

        The interior of the Avalon Illumination is entirely nonsmoking. Smoking is not permitted in your cabins or on your cabin’s Open-AirSM balcony. A smoking area will be designated on an outdoor deck.

      • After Your Trip

        Transfers to the Airport

        Your cruise includes a group transfer from the ship in Oltenita to Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport limits (OTP) on April 12, 2027 for flights departing after 10 am.  Should you have a flight departing earlier than 10 am, the taxi cost can be upwards of 85 euros ($100 USD). The ship will be happy to assist in arranging for a taxi at a specific time. Payment for the taxi can be made with the driver.

        Vacation Stretchers

        We will offer a pre-cruise vacation stretcher in Budapest and a post-cruise vacation stretcher in Bucharest. More information will be available approximately 9 months prior to the trip.  

      Personalized Programs on this Trip

      • Solo Travelers

        Solo Travelers

        Meet your Solos Coordinator at the Solos Welcome on day 1  and enjoy a week of meet-ups, designated dining, and reserved show seating! Travel alone, together! 

        Please note: Solo guests who want to book a shared room on our Riverboat trips must already have a confirmed roommate at the time of booking. While we’ll do our best to help connect you with another guest, Olivia’s Room Share program is not available for Riverboats, and the trip may sell out before a match is found.

        Find Out More
      • Refer a Friend

        Refer a Friend

        Refer a friend who is new to Olivia and you both win—your friend gets $50 off and you earn a $50 trip credit. Share the love, and earn unlimited future trip credits!

        Find Out More