Wellness on the Waterways
By Sarah Etinas

Wellness on the Waterways
By Sarah Etinas

Make wellness the highlight of your Avalon Waterways European river cruise, for all-around nourishment.
There are countless ways to embrace wellness on an Avalon Waterways voyage, particularly on their European river cruises. From active excursions and healthy menu options to complimentary bikes and revitalizing fitness classes, Avalon makes it easy to feel like your best, most refreshed self as you sail through the Old Continent.

Active Excursions
One of the most exciting ways to introduce wellness to your Avalon Waterways cruise is through its selection of Active Excursions. Bike through the centuries-old streets of Avignon, France; kayak the Douro River in Pocinho, Portugal; or hike through the castle-dotted Rhine Gorge in Germany, just to start. With your blood pumping and your heart racing, you’ll get to experience these European ports of call in a whole new way.
Drink It All In
With all of the exertion you’ll be putting into your Active Excursions, you’ll need to stay hydrated. Avalon Waterways makes it easier than ever with its complimentary BeWell vitamin-infused water station. Load up a glass or a reusable bottle with your choice of still, sparkling or naturally flavored waters from BeWell’s refreshing selection before heading out into town.


Heart-Healthy Menus
Avalon Waterways food offerings are a core facet of its wellness experience. First and foremost, the dishes are created using the freshest ingredients from local farms in recent ports of call. Avalon also caters to dietary restrictions and preferences—including vegetarian, vegan, low sodium, low carb, and high protein—without sacrificing flavor. By seamlessly blending nutritional mindfulness with culinary artistry, Avalon ensures that eating well feels less like a restriction and more like a mouthwatering centerpiece of the journey.
The Well-Equipped Adventure Center
Every Avalon Waterways ship lobby is home to an Adventure Center. There, you can check out any gear you might need for an outdoor excursion. Think complimentary bicycles to blend in with the locals in Amsterdam or Nordic walking sticks for a hike in the Swiss Alps. Really want to up your activity? The Adventure Center also has stretch bands and yoga mats for guests, so you can make the world your playground.


Strike a Pose
Kick start each day on your Avalon Waterways voyage with a series of yoga poses, Pilates exercises, and gentle stretches. Every morning, Avalon Adventure Hosts lead these refreshing morning routines to help you find your flow before you venture into port for a day of activity. Head to either the Sky Deck for fresh morning air or to the Panorama Lounge for stunning views.
Take the Plunge
Round out each day of active adventures and yoga poses, healthy eats and hydrating drinks, with a dip in the ship’s Sky Deck whirlpool or swimming pool (on the Douro). Just sit back, decompress, and watch the landscapes of riverfront Europe pass right on by.


Fitness Center
Avalon makes it easy to feel your best every step, pedal and sunrise of the journey, and that energy continues on board. Although heart rates are naturally elevated on an Avalon cruise, every Avalon Suite Ship features an updated fitness center—complete with the latest cardio and weight-training equipment—for those not looking to give their abs, biceps or triceps a vacation. The space keeps you moving between adventures and even a quick session can leave you feeling refreshed and ready for whatever the river brings next.
Activate your mind, heart & body
Enjoy a retreat on the world’s most beautiful waterways.

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Jessika's enduring passion for travel began on Pine Island in South Florida, where the beauty of the Gulf of Mexico and later the majestic mountains of Wyoming instilled in her a love for exploring new horizons. Growing up near Yellowstone National Park fueled her adventurous spirit, embracing places others dream of visiting. Her journey commenced in 2001 with Cody Trolley Tours, sharing the charm of her hometown in Wyoming.
Her career took a transformative turn in 2010 with Holland America Line, where she thrived as a Librarian, Travel Guide, and Assistant Shore Excursion Manager, traveling across all seven continents, and visiting nearly seventy countries. Meeting her Dutch husband, Marcel, along the way, Jessika embraced life on land and at sea, driven by a shared passion for cultural immersion and exploration.
By 2024, Jessika embraced her role as a Travel Advisor, with a focus on world cruise travel. She revels in crafting seamless back-to-back itineraries for retirees and s ...