The river cruise market is booming and Avalon Waterways have jumped in with their 164-passenger vessel, Avalon Panorama. To meet the demands of the European river constraints, the company created the unique Panorama Suite. This suite features a wall of glass that slides open for a magical outdoor feel, as well as being 15% larger than traditional cabins. The ship also boasts plenty of public areas including a Sky Deck, indoor lounge, outdoor seating area and club lounge. Inside, passengers will find a contemporary chic design with dark espresso woods, modern art, orange rugs and furniture. The staff is mostly Eastern European and while they are efficient and pleasant, not all speak fluent English. Knowledgeable, English-speaking local guides lead the daily excursions which are enhanced with the use of wireless headsets. Panorama usually offers 14-night sailings between Amsterdam and Budapest as well as shorter Christmas market cruises. The ship docks at a different place each day and cruises mostly at night, with daytime sailings on scenic portions of the journey. The leisurely pace of the region is impossible to resist and within a few days, it's easy to feel at home.