When the captain says you’re about to sail on his favorite river, you know you’re in for a treat. That’s just how my eight-day Avalon Waterways Active & Discovery cruise on the Moselle River began, with a ringing endorsement from captain Tamas Harsanyi as we toasted our upcoming journey onboard Avalon Imagery II.
As the next days unfurled, words like “storybook” and “fairytale” danced in my head. Swans kept us company on the mirror-smooth river as we floated past vine-covered slopes, castle-topped hills and half-timbered villages with cobblestone lanes. With relatively low levels of river traffic, the Moselle feels calm and peaceful.
Turns out, I’m not the only one who has fallen under the river’s spell.
“The Moselle is wonderful for guests who enjoy off-the-beaten-path discoveries in new ports and new places — those who may have already sailed the Danube or Rhine rivers,” said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways, who calls the Moselle “Europe’s best-kept secret.”
The Moselle is wonderful for guests who enjoy off-the-beaten-path discoveries in new ports and new places — those who may have already sailed the Danube or Rhine rivers.
She went on to explain that Avalon operates on the river in a strategic way that gives passengers the best access to its attributes.
“We only use our smaller ships for sailings on the Moselle, as only smaller vessels can sail into Luxembourg,” Hoffee said. “Other companies that are using their longer ships can only go as far as Trier, Germany.”
Panorama Suites have sliding doors that open wide for scenic views.
Credit: 2024 Avalon WaterwaysSailing the Moselle
Launched in 2022, the itinerary I enjoyed is one of Avalon’s Active & Discovery cruises, following the Moselle from Remich, Luxembourg, to Koblenz, Germany, and then continuing along a stretch of the castle-rich Middle Rhine River before finishing with a short jaunt on the Main River to Frankfurt, Germany.
The range of daily shore activities — both included choices and optional ones (for an extra fee) — are categorized as “Active,” “Discovery” or “Classic,” giving guests a chance to vary the rhythm of each day. During my cruise, I was able to examine Roman ruins on an evening tour of Trier, stroll along the shore of a volcanic lake, hike to a castle, hoist a beer at a brewery and wander through an abbey before sampling wine among the vines. (For clients who enjoy Riesling, this Moselle voyage is especially tasty.)
An onboard adventure host leads small-group cycling tours on the trail beside the river (the ship carries 14 bikes, plus two e-bikes), and can also provide energetic passengers with Nordic walking sticks, binoculars and Fitbits. Picnic baskets are available for guests who venture out on their own.
What to Expect Onboard Avalon Imagery II
Onboard, the 128-passenger Avalon Imagery II (built in 2016) offers 172-square-foot Deluxe Staterooms, 200-square-foot Panorama Suites (Avalon’s signature accommodation type) and two 300-square-foot Royal Suites. There are no single staterooms on the Imagery II, but Avalon waives the single supplement on a limited number of first-come, first-served bookings.
Dining options include the main Panorama Dining Room and the more casual Panorama Bistro, which also offers some outdoor tables. Culinary options include “Avalon Fresh” heart-healthy menu items, plus daily local specialties and familiar salmon, chicken and steak dishes. House wine and beer are included at lunch and dinner, along with select happy hour drinks. And a special alfresco lunch at the upper-level Sky Grill is normally offered twice per cruise.
The Club Lounge is a cozy gathering spot.
Credit: 2024 Avalon WaterwaysThe cozy Club Lounge has informal seating, games, books and a large television, with a variety of coffee, tea and flavored waters on offer, plus light bites including morning donuts and freshly baked cookies.
And while it may not be a classic fairytale ending, sipping a crisp, local Riesling is a pretty enchanting way to wrap up an adventure-filled day on the Moselle.
