Avalon Poetry II

Avalon Poetry II at a Glance

Avalon Poetry II is a river cruise ship operated by Avalon Waterways, sailing itineraries along the Rhône in the south of France. She offers two cabin grades — a Royal Suite and a Deluxe Outside Cabin — and currently sails round trips departing from either Arles or Lyon. All sailings available through Cruise1st depart from France, so the cruise sits naturally in the middle of a longer trip.

Cabins on Avalon Poetry II

Avalon Poetry II offers two cabin grades, both designed for two guests. Full deck plans and cabin details are available on the Avalon Poetry II cabins and deck plans page.

• Royal Suite S — At 27.9 m², this balcony suite gives you separate sleeping and living areas and genuine room to unwind. It is among the most generous spaces on board, and the balcony keeps the Rhône landscape close throughout the day.
• Deluxe Outside Cabin D — At 16 m², this well-proportioned outside cabin has two windows that bring in natural light and river views from morning to evening. A comfortable choice for travellers who want to spend most of their time out on the river or ashore.

Where Avalon Poetry II Sails

All current sailings on Avalon Poetry II follow the Rhône, one of France's great rivers, winding through Provence and the southern Rhône Valley. Departures run from two French cities: Arles, the sun-drenched Provençal city whose Roman arena and Van Gogh associations draw visitors from across the world, and Lyon, France's gastronomic capital and a UNESCO World Heritage city. Itineraries are up to seven nights, allowing time to absorb the landscapes, villages and cuisine of this part of France at a genuinely unhurried pace. Browse all available sailings by departure to find the route and start point that works best for you.

Booking Avalon Poetry II with Cruise1st

Every sailing currently on sale departs from France, which means the cruise is the middle of a longer trip — and that is exactly where Cruise1st's expertise earns its place. As one of the UK's leading cruise specialists, we book the flights, the hotel either side and the transfers as one holiday, so there is a single booking, a single point of contact and no gap between your arrangements. That is what our Cruise1st Packages service is built around.

If you prefer to talk it through before committing, our expert advisers are available by phone. They know Avalon Waterways and the Rhône itineraries in detail — not as a general travel agent, but as cruise specialists — and they can help you weigh up the cabin grades and fare inclusions before you decide.

Common Questions About Avalon Poetry II

Which Cabin Grade Should I Book on Avalon Poetry II?

If space and a private balcony are priorities, the Royal Suite S at 27.9 m² is the clear choice — the separate living and sleeping areas make a meaningful difference on a seven-night voyage. If you are happy with a well-lit, river-view cabin without a balcony and want to spend your time ashore or in the ship's communal areas, the Deluxe Outside Cabin D at 16 m² is a practical and comfortable option. Our cruise experts can talk through which suits your travel style if you call before booking.

Do I Need to Fly to Join Avalon Poetry II?

Yes — all sailings currently available depart from France, so UK travellers will need to fly to join the ship. Cruise1st can arrange your flights, any hotel nights you need either side of the cruise, and your transfers, all as part of a single booking. You do not need to piece the trip together yourself.

How Long Are the Avalon Poetry II Itineraries on the Rhône?

Current sailings are up to seven nights. Departures run from both Arles and Lyon, so you can choose whether to start your voyage in Provence or in the heart of France's gastronomic capital, depending on which end of the river appeals most.

Who Operates Avalon Poetry II?

Avalon Poetry II is part of the fleet operated by Avalon Waterways, a specialist river cruise line. You can read more about the line and see its other ships on the Avalon Waterways cruise line page.

What Prices Should I Expect for Avalon Poetry II Cruises?

Sailings currently on sale through Cruise1st start from £1,550pp* for departures from autumn 2026. The price you see includes the cruise itself; when you add flights, hotels and transfers through a Cruise1st Package, our advisers will give you a full combined price before you commit to anything.