Home > River Cruises > Compare River Cruise Companies > APT River Cruises vs Scenic River Cruises

APT River Cruises vs Scenic River Cruises

Compare the ships, onboard inclusions, pricing, shore excursions and popularity of river cruising with APT River Cruises and Scenic River Cruises, to see which is the better fit for your next journey.
APT River Cruises

APT River Cruises

490 Reviews

Why should we cruise with APT?

We asked APT why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

APT is an Australian family-owned company whose essence began in Melbourne in the 1920s. More than 90 years on, APT offers life-enriching trips to every continent, and through the company’s vast industry experience, meticulous planning and unquestionable passion it's earned a place among the world’s most well-regarded travel companies.

From boutique river cruising to small-group 4WD adventures; traditional coach touring with a decadent twist; epic rail journeys to small-ship expeditions; classic ocean cruising to safaris of discovery by both read more land and air – there’s little APT are unwilling to consider in pursuit of creating the finest holiday experience for its valued guests.

Timeless luxury, exclusive experiences, life enriching moments and true personalisation. APT offers all-inclusive holidays so everything is taken care of. We invite you to join us; you won’t be disappointed.

What rivers do APT explore?

Africa Antarctica Asia Australia Canada & Alaska Europe New Zealand South America More...

APT snapshot

Total No. CruisesTotal No. River Cruises
67
DeparturesDepartures
782
Average cruise lengthAvg. cruise length
17 days
Average cabin price per dayAvg. price per day (by cabin type)
River View
$850
Balcony
$978
Suite
$1,142
DeparturesNo. of Ships
DeparturesAll-Inclusive Level
All-Inclusive+

Our thoughts...

The low down on APT from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Initially focused on coach touring around Australia and New Zealand, APT have grown significantly over the past 15 years and now offer trips around the world. They’re particularly well known and highly regarded for their all-inclusive luxury European river cruises. In more recent years, APT have also expanded into small ship expedition cruising, partnering with some of the world’s leading expedition cruise lines to offer voyages through Asia, Europe, Canada and along Australia’s Kimberley coast.

More recently, APT launched their river cruises into the North American market, so it will be interesting to see whether Canadians and Americans embrace read more them as strongly as we have Downunder. Catering primarily to the mature and retired market, their trips aren’t cheap, but in APT’s case, you get what you pay for. Keep an eye out for their Fly Free offers and Earlybird Savings.

The team here at Global Journeys have travelled with APT multiple times by coach, river and small ship cruise, and we confidently recommend them as a quality, consistent and reliable operator - over 450 past APT client's reviews back that up too.

Who are we likely to meet on a APT river cruise?

Mostly Australians and New Zealanders, and from 2028 international guests, seeking a highly inclusive luxury river cruise.

Do APT river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Yes. Solo travellers can book APT river cruises in their own cabin, subject to an applicable single supplement.

How inclusive are APT's river cruises?

APT's all-inclusive river cruises include accommodation, all onboard dining, a wide range of beverages, sightseeing and excursions, Signature Experiences, Freedom of Choice activities, WiFi, airport transfers, port charges and gratuities.

Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?

Extra costs include premium or rare wines and spirits outside the included selection, spa and salon treatments and laundry.

Do APT include shore excursions?

Yes. Included sightseeing features APT Signature Experiences and Freedom of Choice Sightseeing .

What types of excusions are available?

Freedom of Choice excursions allow you to select from cultural, culinary, historical and active experiences in many destinations, alongside APT's exclusive Signature Experiences.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

Depending on the ship, guests can enjoy lounges and bars, live entertainment, enrichment, fitness facilities, pools or wellness areas and social activities between excursions.

What are the cabins like on APT's river ships?

Accommodation varies across APT's river fleet. European ships such as APT Solara, Ostara and Alara offer a range of staterooms and suites, many with panoramic or french balconies, while ships in Asia, India, Portugal and Australia have their own cabin styles and configurations.

Recent APT reviews

Lake Eyre wonder 0
, QLD, Australia, Sep 2026
Lake Eyre trip was a bucket list and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Our driver, Michael was informative and the best driver. However, the accommodation in the first couple of days was not the usual that APT would have provided and the welcome dinner was unfortunately by the majority of the group was of a lower standard that was offered. After read more the first 2 stops, accommodation and meals was improved. I would recommend this trip just for the serenity and wonder of Lake Eyre.
Cape York Tip 0
, NSW, Australia, Aug 2026
Another great journey with APT. The organisation and attention to detail by our driver Jordan and tour director Gaille left nothing to be desired. Trip included many highlights, but the standout ones are the time walks to Spilt Rock and Cape York tip. Accommodation was generally good except for the stay at Bramwell. Thanks to Georgie for arranging this read more trip - as always it was well organised.
Exploring the best of the Kimberleys with APT 0
, VIC , Australia, Aug 2026
After a rocky start due to poor communication between APT and Cable Beach resort, we met our APT tour guide/coach driver, Scotty who proceeded to exceed our expectations in his leadership and infectious enthusiasm for the Kimberley region. Travelling in APT’s go anywhere, very comfortable, coach made the long distances over often corrugated dirt roads read more and through river beds well worthwhile. The Bungle Bungles, El Questro Homestead, (a wonderful upgrade option), hikes through Emma Gorge, Tunnel Cave, Bell Gorge and Galvan Gorge were spectacular whilst the Ord River Cruise was well worthwhile. Our privately arranged Sea plane flight, with luxury overnight stay, to the Horizontal Falls ended our adventure on a fantastic note. A final note for APT is to take responsibility for arranging all meal options throughout the trip, and ensure the guests have a proper introduction to each other on the night prior to our departure, so all guests are provided with the same level of service they expect from APT.
A great trip 0
, NSW, Australia, Aug 2026
We firstly did the 9 day APT Broome to Broome overland trip followed by the 10 day Broome to Darwin coastal expedition booked through Global Journeys. I am glad we did it in that order and not the sea going followed by land option. The 9 day adventure was in a purpose built Mercedes coach with 20 other hardy souls. It was a bit of a rugged trip with read more some serious trekking to get to each waterfall or waterhole. At the end of each day we were rewarded with excellent meals at the various accommodation stops. These were all very good, mainly glam tents style. Overall this part of our trip was well worth the effort, enhanced by our lively coach driver/guide Scotty. With respect to the booking process with Global Journeys, all went smoothly, no issues at all.

The next section was a 5 star cruise out of Broome. The trip start was encountered some industrial action in Broome which meant everything had to be transported on and off the ship by Zodiac. Nothing like starting an adventure with an adventure. Overall this was a very relaxing trip, food and staff were all excellent. The off ship excursions by zodiacs were well organised and very good. The only minor criticism is that APT were a little risk averse. A normal non APT trip would have included such thing as snorkeling on Ashmore Reef which was supposed to be a highlight, but with APT this was not an option. I suppose losing one or two guests due to sharks was thought as not worth it. However, overall, a great trip.
Fantastic Trip 0
, NSW, Australia, Jul 2026
Global Journeys were great to deal with and I saved money booking my trip through them. The APT tour of South America and Amazon cruise was fantastic. We saw some amazing sights like Machu Picchu, a pod of pink dolphins chasing fish in the Amazon river and the jaw dropping Iguazu Falls. The hotels we stayed at were 5 stars and were located in terrific read more areas. The restaurant meals included were magnificent. It truly was a trip of a lifetime.

APT's most popular trips this month...

15 Day Magnificent Europe (APT)
Magnificent Europe

15 Days Amsterdam to Budapest

From
8,355pp
15 Day Magnificent Europe (APT)
Magnificent Europe

15 Days Budapest to Amsterdam

From
8,355pp
18 Day Magnificent Europe with Prague (APT)
Magnificent Europe with Prague

18 Days Amsterdam to Prague

From
11,199pp
21 Day Magnificent Europe - Paris to Prague (APT)
Magnificent Europe - Paris to Prague

21 Days Paris to Prague

From
14,434pp
13 Day Vietnam and Cambodia Highlights (APT)
Vietnam and Cambodia Highlights

13 Days Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap

From
7,848pp
Scenic River Cruises

Scenic River Cruises

111 Reviews

Why should we cruise with Scenic?

We asked Scenic why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Scenic is proudly an Australian founded company setting the global standard for all inclusive luxury travel. We have delighted guests for more than 40 years with memorable journeys to fascinating locations across the world, delivering unsurpassed excellence in service, product quality and exclusive experiences. The guest is at the heart of everything we do, as we strive to provide continual innovation to enhance the guest experience in luxury river cruising, land tours and our state of the art expedition ocean cruising with Scenic Eclipse.
read more
The Scenic difference is the details, the unwavering commitment to anticipate our guests every need, from butler services, quality dining, wellness, Scenic Enrich and Scenic FreeChoice experiences. That is why so many of our past guests choose to travel with Scenic many times, to destinations around the globe with family and friends, trusting Scenic to create memories that will last a lifetime. We welcome you to enjoy the portfolio of Scenic luxury products and feel the difference of Scenic’s dedicated staff, who will look after you to the nth degree.

What rivers do Scenic explore?

Africa Antarctica Arctic Asia Australia Canada & Alaska Egypt & Middle East Europe More...

Scenic snapshot

Total No. CruisesTotal No. River Cruises
332
DeparturesDepartures
2,009
Average cruise lengthAvg. cruise length
16 days
Average cabin price per dayAvg. price per day (by cabin type)
River View
$732
Balcony
$980
Suite
$1,201
DeparturesNo. of Ships
DeparturesAll-Inclusive Level
All-Inclusive+

Our thoughts...

The low down on Scenic from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Scenic's 5 star luxury river cruises are well known and popular in Australia and NZ. Scenic were the first to introduce balconies on their Scenic Space-Ships, which many clients love, but this comes at a cost to interior cabin space. Like many of the other premium river cruise Operators, look out for their great Fly Free offers, and Earlybird Savings. All inclusive, with Freechoice activities that allow you to choose what you want to do in each port, Scenic also offer a range of luxury additions (like your own Butler) depending on the cabin type select.

Launching in 2018 and with another ship in 2020, the Scenic Eclipse is Scenic's first foray read more into luxury all inclusive ocean cruising. From the Arctic to Antarctica and everywhere in between, these Discovery Yachts, are all inclusive with shore excursions involving Zodiacs, kayaks and e-bikes as well as the option (for an additional charge) to adventure out by helicopter and submarine!

Who are we likely to meet on a Scenic river cruise?

Mostly Australians and New Zealanders with international guests only introduced to Scenic over the last few years. Generally aged 50 and over, guests are predominantly couples, with solo travellers also well catered for.

Do Scenic river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Yes. Scenic welcomes solo travellers and offers special solo fares on selected river cruise departures, with open-seating dining and sociable shared spaces making it easy to meet other guests.

How inclusive are Scenic's river cruises?

All-inclusive fares include accommodation, all onboard meals, premium beverages throughout the day, butler service, WiFi, Scenic Enrich experiences, Scenic Freechoice excursions, gratuities and airport transfers on arrival and departure days.

Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?

Extra costs include a small selection of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spiritsand spa and wellness treatments.

Do Scenic include shore excursions?

Yes. Scenic Freechoice excursions and Scenic Enrich experiences are included in the cruise fare.

What types of excusions are available?

Scenic Freechoice offers multiple excursions in many ports, often categorised as Active, Moderate or Relaxed, so guests can select options that suit their interests and mobility.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

Activities can include live music, game nights, lectures, cultural entertainment, stretching classes, wellness activities, gym use, e-bikes in Europe and relaxation in ship-specific facilities such as Vitality Pools and Salt Therapy Lounges.

What are the cabins like on Scenic's river ships?

Scenic river ships offer a range of suites, from lower-deck accommodation to Balcony, Junior, Royal and Panorama-style suites depending on the ship. Balcony, Junior and Royal Suites feature Scenic's convertible Sun Lounge, and butler service is included for every suite.

Recent Scenic reviews

Perfect Journey 0
, VIC, Australia, Aug 2026
Thank you Rachel at Global Journeys for helping us to book our dream holiday on Scenic Exlipse II when we found Scenic to be unhelpful. Grace took over from Rachel and was also very efficient with some details as well as obtaining a refund for our flight change from Emirates to Thai Airways. The boat is magnificent - brilliant stabilisers, great facilities, read more staff couldn’t be better and excellent and varied dining experiences. The included daily excursions and guide were of very high quality. We enjoyed the 21 day trip from Stockholm to Bergen visiting Estonia, Latvia, Germany and the Scandinavian countries. There were many highlights but we will never forget sailing through the Norwegian Fjords.
Mekong discovery 0
, VIC, Australia, Aug 2026
Amazing trip in comfort and luxury provided by scenic tours. All hotel accomodations were 5 star comfort, tour guides local and knowledgeable, service and dining experience on cruise unparalleled. Outstanding service provided by Tracey with booking and follow through.
Lovely trip through the shallow waters of the danube 0
, WA, Australia, Jul 2026
Sadly the Danube is not at its best. Interuptions to the itinery meant more coach travel than usual. I think people on board called it a river cruise on wheels. However Avalon cannot be falted for there efforts. We saw 90% of what was originally offered. The service on the boat was magnificent. Food plentyful and well presented. As was the bar service read more especially happy hour. Cabins were always well prepared and clean along with the bathroom facilities. We missed out on Bulgaria but having been before it really didnt bother us. Kayla kept us up to date with changes which we thank her for. Avalon sent me 6 emails with changes but a couple were a mystery to us. We had booked flights out of Bucharest for the 15th August but there email was for the 14th. Good job we had Stefano as our ship manager to correct things. Thanks again to Global Journeys for the bookings. Our 15th river cruise and i think our 10th with Avalon.
Wonderful double Scenic River Cruises in France 0
, NSW, Australia, Jul 2026
We loved both cruises with Scenic: Normandy & Gems of the Seine plus Spectacular South of France. Tracey Standing from Global Joirneys was very helpful and efficient in organising this Scenic package and always ready to answer any questions we had or information we needed to know. There was a great collection of people on each cruise from the U.K., read more USA, Canadians, New Zealanders and Australians. The food was magnificent, the wine and other drinks flowed, the Excursions all enjoyable and the entertainment on board was wonderful. I would highly recommend both these cruises, especially together, to anyone considering river cruising in France.
Fantastic River Cruise 0
, AB, Canada, Jun 2026
The trip was everything the advertised and more. Staff was excellent, room as advertised and food and beverage service was excellent. Rita is Celiac and they took great care of her. Absolutely no complaints.

Scenic's most popular trips this month...

15 Day Jewels of Europe (Scenic)
Jewels of Europe

15 Days Amsterdam to Budapest

From
7,661pp
15 Day Jewels of Europe (Scenic)
Jewels of Europe

15 Days Budapest to Amsterdam

From
7,661pp
15 Day Romantic Rhine & Moselle (Scenic)
Romantic Rhine & Moselle

15 Days Amsterdam to Zurich

From
7,171pp
11 Day Spectacular South of France (Scenic)
Spectacular South of France

11 Days Lyon to Lyon

From
6,189pp
11 Day Beautiful Bordeaux (Scenic)
Beautiful Bordeaux

11 Days Bordeaux to Bordeaux

From
9,369pp