DENVER, Colorado – 28 April 2026 – Avalon Waterways has unveiled a new range of seasonal shore excursions for 2027, with the river cruise line saying the experiences are designed to be offered only at specific times of year. The programme spans spring, summer, autumn and winter, and the company says it is intended to give guests a different way to experience destinations depending on when they travel.
The announcement says the excursions are built around fleeting local moments, including seasonal produce, harvest customs and traditions linked to local life. Avalon Waterways said the new experiences are designed to be more immersive and personal than activities available year-round.
“Where you go matters. When you go can change the experience entirely,” said Pam Hoffee, president of Avalon Waterways. “Our new seasonal excursions connect our guests more deeply – and authentically – to the places they’re exploring. These are experiences that exist for a moment, and that’s exactly the point.”
Seasonal experiences announced
Among the examples listed by Avalon Waterways are apricot picking and tastings in the South of France, lavender visits and distillery experiences, and apple picking with cider tastings in Normandy. The company also highlighted hands-on culinary classes using fresh regional ingredients from local markets, strawberry harvest experiences, flower picking with essential oil workshops, and vineyard visits focused on harvest traditions across Europe.
The press release says these excursions are tied to particular seasons and are intended to reflect the time and place in which they take place. Avalon Waterways described them as “Only-Here, Only-Now” experiences.
Choice at each port
Avalon Waterways said the seasonal programme builds on its existing shore excursion model, Avalon Choice Excursions. That framework gives guests three options in each destination: Classic sightseeing, Active exploration or deeper cultural Discovery.
According to the release, the new seasonal experiences add another layer to that structure by offering time-sensitive activities that fit the way different travellers want to explore a destination.
Travel patterns cited
The company linked the launch to changing traveller preferences, saying more guests are choosing to travel outside the busiest months. It said 75% of 10,000 Avalon cruisers prefer to travel outside peak months. The release also stated that off-season sailings increased by 18% year-over-year in 2025, helped in part by additional capacity in late autumn and early winter.
Hoffee said: “Travelers are realizing that shifting when they go doesn’t compromise the experience. Instead, timing can enhance it,” She added: “With fewer crowds, cooler temperatures and in some cases, more value, we’re opening the door to different experiences year-round. The introduction of seasonal excursions takes that concept even further.”
Wider cruise programme
Avalon Waterways said its seasonal travel offer also includes the Cozy Cruise Collection, which features Harvest, Festive and Christmastime cruises, as well as spring sailings such as Tulip Time cruises. The company said these sit within its broader approach to small ship cruising, with Suite Ships designed for fewer guests and more space.
The release said the line continues to expand its seasonally focused cruises in response to demand. It also said the itineraries are designed to support both guided discovery and independent exploration.
Source: Avalon Waterways official press release, 28 April 2026.
