Last time I sailed with Avalon, I wrote a piece called The Details That Made A Difference. And here I am again, dwelling on the small stuff. But honestly? It’s the small details where Avalon shines. I’ve sailed with the company a few times now, and every single time it’s the thoughtful touches that stick with me.

So no, this isn’t a list of flashy amenities or over-the-top perks. It’s a few little things Avalon does differently than their competitors, and why it might put them one step ahead of the rest.

1. Bring Your Own Bottle

Weirdly, I actually heard someone complain about this when we were on another cruise line. But Avalon asks you to bring your own water bottle for excursions and honestly, I love it. If you forget yours, they’ve got clean reusable bottles available at the front desk for the whole cruise. But this is such a simple way to cut down on paper and plastic waste. I’ve seen some people go through two water bottles a day, so if you multiply that by roughly 150 passengers per river cruise ship every day … I can’t do the math, but I’m sure you get the point.

Why not give you your own Avalon-branded bottle? In a press conference with Avalon’s President, Pam Hoffee, we learned that it takes many hundred uses to make a reusable bottle better than a single-use one because of all the production materials and energy required to make them. So, this isn’t just a performative commitment. Avalon has the research to back this decision up, and they know that to truly make it worth it, you need to lug your water bottle across the Atlantic. A small price to pay for so much less waste.

Also, instead of branded water bottles stocked daily, they refill clean glass bottles from a water station and bring them to your room each morning and evening. There’s a standard refill station near the dining room (so no need to chase anyone down when you’re out of water in your stateroom). And in the back? A fancy machine with still or sparkling options and a lineup of fun flavors like “Body Guard” (lime and ginger), “Green Hope” (cucumber and mint) and “Herb Happinez” (with green tea, ginseng and moringa). I joked last week that hydration had never been so fun, but it’s kind of true. We loved trying all the different flavors throughout the trip.

2. Beds That Face The View

Okay, Avalon’s not the only one doing this but they did pioneer the design, and have the highest percentage of beds facing the windows of any river fleet. Ralph once called it “Europe in HD.” And he’s right. On quiet days when you want to chill in your room, there’s nothing better than lying in bed and watching the world float by.

Avalon made an “unpopular” decision years ago to skip balconies, and it paid off. Those open-air panoramic windows are now part of what makes their staterooms some of my favorites on the rivers. Instead of giving up space for a tiny balcony that I wouldn’t use that often (I am way too social to spend my days pent up in my room), Avalon made the whole room feel more open and airy. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy complimentary room service while you watch the world float by. And somehow, the rooms just feel less cramped than some of their competitors, probably because of how smartly they’re designed. Little things, like an adjustable-height table (which sounds minor but is actually kind of genius), make the space feel more comfortable and tailored to you.

PS. I’d describe myself as a princess, but not the fun kind. The “and the pea” kind. The kind who can’t sleep unless the bed is exactly right. So one of my favorite spaces on Avalon’s river ships is actually a room I’ve never even been in: the linen room stocked with extra pillows, mattress toppers and duvets, ensuring your bed is exactly the way you (let’s be honest, I) like it. No stiff shoulders here.

3. Partnerships That Actually Matter

Avalon doesn’t just say they care, they partner with organizations that are doing real, meaningful work. One that always sticks with me is their partnership with Landmine Design. They employ women living in a former minefield in Cambodia, an area so dangerous that just walking to get clean water used to put their lives at risk. This organization gives women the opportunity to earn a sustainable income by creating jewelry, allowing them to provide for their families in a safe way. Every time I hear their story, I get genuinely emotional (crying right now as I type this, of course). It’s a reminder that something as simple as a bracelet can carry so much meaning and hope.

And Avalon doesn’t stop there. They also support Trees4Travel, helping restore ecosystems and reduce emissions with tree planting initiatives. Animal lovers will appreciate Avalon’s work with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, the Lion Recovery Fund and several other conservation-focused groups around the world. Even more meaningful? Avalon has committed to ethical wildlife encounters only. No elephant rides or wild animal photo ops. Just respectful, responsible viewing with conservation in mind.

But what I really love is that these aren’t just causes Avalon donates to behind the scenes. We’re constantly reminded of them throughout the journey. For example, Landmine Design makes the bags that our earpieces for guided tours come in, so you’re feeling that impact on every sailing. On some itineraries, guests even have the chance to visit local schools, orphanages or training centers that Avalon supports.

It’s easy for a cruise line to slap a buzzword like “sustainable” or “ethical” on their website. But Avalon’s relationships feel personal and thoughtful, giving people in overlooked communities real options and real futures. That’s not marketing fluff. That’s impact.

The result? You get to travel more consciously, knowing that your vacation dollars are going toward something bigger than just a boat ride.

4. A Bar Menu That Works For Everyone

Okay, confession time: I like to enjoy a cocktail (or five) most days I’m sailing. Plus, we all know the wine flows at dinner like the mighty rivers we are sailing. But even I was really touched to see how Avalon has expanded their nonalcoholic offerings. They recently revamped their zero-proof cocktail menu and added nonalcoholic wines, sparkling wines, spirits and beers. And it wasn’t some sad “mocktail” section thrown in as an afterthought, it was intentional and thoughtful, featuring 0% malts, gins and more.

Yes, most people on our sailing indulged, but that’s not the point. More and more travelers are either sober-curious, managing substance issues, or just not big drinkers – and Avalon clearly gets that. It’s such a simple thing, but it sends a big message: we see you, and we’ve got something for you too.

And for the drinkers, the cocktail menu is one of the best I’ve seen on a river cruise. Classic options, creative seasonal specials, and bartenders who actually care about what they’re serving. Cheers to that.

Final Thoughts

I know, I know – I’m out here writing a love letter to a water bottle refill station. But that’s the thing with Avalon. There are a lot of great river cruise lines out there. But for me, Avalon keeps floating to the top because they do things differently. And the truth is, I notice this stuff. The comfort, the little conveniences, the way they quietly do the right thing without making a huge production out of it. That all adds up. Whether it’s a panoramic window instead of a balcony or a jewelry pouch that supports women on the other side of the world, it’s clear that every detail has been chosen with purpose.

Avalon’s not trying to win you over with a glitzy lobby or a robot bartender. They just make thoughtful choices that genuinely improve your travel experience. And for someone who travels a lot, that matters more than bells and whistles.

But yes, I will still take the extra pillows.