Santa Cruz

Inspired by Local Ingredients. Created by Top Chefs. Savored by All Aboard.

In addition to providing travelers the chance to immerse themselves in each destination they visit, we help them enjoy local cuisines, inspired by local ingredients and created by some of Europe's most highly skilled chefs, as well as regional wines on board our ships.

With help from our top European chefs, we offer cruisers the dining experience they crave. Some of the highlights of our vast menu of dining choices include:
Giving cruisers a choice of appetizer, salad, entrée, cheese and dessert
Featuring local fare options at each meal
Highlighting sustainable cuisine on our French itineraries
Providing cruisers more healthy menu options including low calorie, low sodium and glucose-free cuisine
Introducing Night Fare, served at 10:30 PM to cap off each day with a treat

And, with Avalon, the "most important meal of the day" really is the "most important." In addition to providing our travelers Early- and Late-riser breakfast options, we provide them complimentary sparkling wine - great for Mimosas - and made-to-order egg stations as well as a robust breakfast buffet. Guests can also order continental breakfast in their room and have drinks delivered throughout the day.

Avalon's menu of options doesn't begin and end with food. In addition to offering cruisers the customary complimentary wine, beer or soft drinks at dinner and soft drinks included with lunch, we feature a Cocktail Hour on our ships for cruisers interested in enjoying local wine, beer and other spirits before dinner, while socializing with fellow travelers. Complimentary cappuccino, espresso, latte and premium, Lavazza coffee are also provided to our passengers throughout the day. And, if that's not enough, we provide cruisers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink packages that can be pre-purchased.

We also recognize that many of our cruisers are celebrating special occasions on our ships. That's why we offer them the chance to commemorate a birthday or anniversary with Celebration Package selections.


Meal Schedule

Early Riser Coffee, 6 a.m.
Start your day right with self-service coffee, hot water, croissants, cookies, and assorted finger foods.

Breakfast Buffet, 7 a.m.-8:30 a.m.
Enjoy a tempting selection of breads, cereals, fruits, cold cuts and cheeses, smoked salmon, pastries, yogurts, and juices. Hot items such as eggs, sausage, and bacon vary daily.*

*Buffet breakfast items are conveniently color coded on all Avalon Waterways river cruise ships to indicate foods that are low calorie, low fat/low calorie, high fiber, low cholesterol, and high energy

Late Riser Breakfast, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
Self-service coffee, hot water, croissants, cookies and assorted finger foods.

Lunch Buffet, 12:30 p.m.
Select from intriguing appetizers, hearty soups, hot dishes, homemade breads, cold cuts and cheeses, salads, and delectable desserts.

Afternoon Tea, 4 p.m.
Take a mid-day break with coffee or tea and cake or cookies served in the lounge or on the top deck.

Dinner, 7:30 p.m.
Dine elegantly with a sit-down meal served in a single sitting. The chef will delight you with gourmet selections and the perfect, complimentary wines (complimentary beer or soft drinks also available). Menus typically feature an appetizer, soup, entrée, dessert, and coffee or tea.

Night Fare, 10:30 p.m.

Note: Meal times may vary depending on cruise schedule.