Avalon Artistry II

Avalon Artistry II at a Glance

Avalon Artistry II is a river cruise ship operated by Avalon Waterways, sailing itineraries through France. Current sailings depart from two of France's most storied cities — Bordeaux and Paris — and take guests along the Seine and beyond. Here is what to know at a glance:

• Operator: Avalon Waterways
• Sailing regions: France, including the Seine
• Departure ports: Bordeaux and Paris
• Cabin grades: Royal Suite and Deluxe Outside Cabin
• Ideal for: Couples and travellers seeking an intimate French river cruise

Because every sailing currently on sale departs from France, most guests will be flying out — something Cruise1st can arrange alongside your cruise as one complete package.

Cabins on Avalon Artistry II

Avalon Artistry II offers two cabin grades, each designed for two guests and well-suited to the rhythms of river cruising.

The Royal Suite (Grade S) is the flagship accommodation on board. At 27.9 m², it is 50 per cent larger than the Panorama Suites, giving you genuine space to relax and move around — the kind of suite that truly earns the name. It sleeps two and is the right choice for guests who want their cabin to feel like a retreat after a day ashore.

The Deluxe Outside Cabin (Grade D) is a 16 m² outside cabin for two, featuring two picture windows that bring in natural river light and keep the ever-changing scenery part of your day. The brightness and outlook make it feel more open than an inside cabin, and it is a smart, comfortable base for exploring France.

Full deck plans and a detailed look at both grades are available on the Avalon Artistry II cabins and deck plans page.

Where Avalon Artistry II Sails

Avalon Artistry II currently sails in France, with itineraries on the Seine departing from Le Havre (Paris) as well as sailings starting from Bordeaux. Sailings run from late September 2026, with voyages of up to seven nights available.

France by river is a quite different experience from France by road or rail. The Seine carries you past Normandy's chalk cliffs, riverside châteaux and market towns that don't appear on the standard tourist circuit. Bordeaux, meanwhile, sits at the heart of one of the world's great wine regions — a river cruise here is as much about what is on the table as what is on the bank.

Booking Avalon Artistry II with Cruise1st

As one of the UK's leading cruise specialists, Cruise1st brings specialist knowledge of Avalon Waterways — not the generalist approach of a high-street travel agent. If you want to talk through the itinerary options, cabin grades or fare inclusions before you commit, our cruise experts are on the phone to help you choose what suits your trip.

Because every current sailing on Avalon Artistry II departs from France, you will need to fly — and that is where a Cruise1st Package earns its keep. We can arrange the flights, a hotel in Paris or Bordeaux either side of the cruise, and the transfers between them, putting the whole holiday on a single booking. The cruise is the middle of a longer trip, and we take care of the rest.

Common Questions About Avalon Artistry II

What Cabin Grade Should I Book on Avalon Artistry II?

If space is your priority, the Royal Suite at 27.9 m² is the stand-out choice — it is substantially larger than the Deluxe Outside Cabin and gives you room to genuinely unwind between port calls. If you want good natural light and river views at a more accessible level, the Deluxe Outside Cabin's twin picture windows do the job well. Both grades sleep two.

Do I Need to Fly to Join Avalon Artistry II?

Yes — all current sailings depart from France, so guests travelling from the UK will need to fly. Cruise1st can book your flights, pre- or post-cruise hotel and transfers alongside your cruise as a single Cruise1st Package, so there is only one booking to manage.

How Long Are the Sailings on Avalon Artistry II?

Current sailings run up to seven nights, departing from late September 2026. Itineraries are available on both the Seine (departing from the Paris area) and from Bordeaux in south-west France.

Who Operates Avalon Artistry II?

Avalon Artistry II is operated by Avalon Waterways, a dedicated river cruise line. Their page on Cruise1st covers the wider fleet and gives a fuller picture of what sailing with them is like — useful if you are still deciding between itineraries or ships.

What Is the Price of an Avalon Artistry II Cruise?

River cruises on Avalon Artistry II are available from £1,550pp* for departures from late September 2026. Prices vary by cabin grade, sailing date and whether you add flights and accommodation as a Cruise1st Package. Speak to one of our cruise experts for a quote tailored to your travel plans.