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.
APT snapshot
Total No. River Cruises
66
Departures
749
Avg. cruise length
17 days
Avg. price per day (by cabin type)
River View
$861
Balcony
$980
Suite
$1,140
No. of Ships
All-Inclusive Level
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
Fantastic Trip 0
Karen and Bradley , 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.
The River Cruise we looked forward to with much anticipation but did not deliver. 1
Joanne and Mark, VIC, Australia, Jul 2026
We were so excited about this cruise through beautiful scenery and we were looking forward to slowing down and relaxing on deck with a cocktail or two but this was not the case. We were notified the night before boarding that we would not be boarding the ship we had paid for, but instead another ship for the next two days. This happened four times due read more to low river levels and each time we had to be up early and cases packed ready to move on again. It was tiring and we never really got time to enjoy services on ship. We could not have washing done because we were on the move which was a problem for us because we were away for almost five weeks.
The four days we got to experience the Solara were enjoyable. The staff and cuisine on ship amazing and it would have been delightful to be able to sit up on deck and enjoy the scenery but this only happened twice because they closed off the top deck! Our cruise director Evelin did everything she could to make the cruise enjoyable under the circumstances we were experiencing. I personally would not advise cruising the Danube during the summer season , its not worth the money invested.
Eastern Block and River cruise 1
Judith and Geoffrey, QLD, Australia, Jun 2026
APT is definitely a luxury company - accommodation, meals, staff were all exceptional. Mostly Australians and New Zealanders on our 2 tours which made it easy for us to assimilate and find discussion topics with like-minded people. Our tour guides were also exceptional - very helpful, tolerant and accommodating. This was our first journey with APT and read more we would go with this travel company again.
Global Journeys provided timely updates and information and Mandy was also quick with responses to questions and provided the tactful “prod” we needed to get organized for our trip. It’s too easy to let things slide when you are flat strap with daily business but Mandy was diligent in reminding us of things that needed to be done. Loved the “check list” provided.
Name badges: I could have sworn I packed them but they weren’t in the bag when we opened them in Prague. Some travellers didn’t receive them before they left Australia. I would have preferred that APT gave us the name badges at the welcoming event in Prague. The staff on the cruise ship did prove us with one when we asked.
Amazing Travel Experience 0
Ian and Sandra, Australia, Jun 2026
We chose APT for premium, quality experiences. Our tour comprised the Eastern Block and Budapest to Amsterdam River Cruise. It was outstanding in so many ways. We had a modern coach for the Eastern Block land journey with a very professional driver and a Tour Director who ensured our experiences each day ran smoothly. The hotels in all places were read more excellent. They were mostly five stars, and all located in central positions for easy access to local restaurants, and places of interest. The Bristol Hotel in Warsaw was a standout. The included dining experiences were exceptional; each one focussing on both regional and traditional foods. Our guided tours throughout our journey were conducted by engaging and knowledgeable local guides.
The Budapest to Amsterdam River Cruise was exceptional. The best holiday we have had. Our tour director was helpful, organised, available and entertained us with her knowledge and humour. The Freedom of Choice and Signature experiences gave opportunities to enjoy unique aspects. Our Global Journeys consultants Hannah and Mandy were always professional and timely in their communications with us, providing an excellent and personal service. We highly recommend both APT and Global Journeys.
Vietnam and Cambodia by land, air and river cruise 0
Robyn and Michael, VIC, Australia, Apr 2026
Our tour with APT was very well organised and run, with an excellent local Tour Director and knowledgeable local guides. Hotel accommodation, included meals and the one week Mekong River Cruise were generally excellent. While it was not a cheap way to travel, we appreciated the all-inclusive nature of the tour (including not having to search for local read more restaurants most of the time, or worry about tipping). The itinerary nevertheless provided enough choices to limit group sizes for activities and cater to different tastes and abilities. The tour attracted a cohort who were mainly retired and well-travelled Australians and New Zealanders, generally active and curious. There were plenty of opportunities to get up close to local life, and to hear from knowledgeable local guides, while retreating to the bubble of a luxury hotel or cruise boat at night.
APT's most popular trips this month...
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.
Scenic snapshot
Total No. River Cruises
318
Departures
1,869
Avg. cruise length
16 days
Avg. price per day (by cabin type)
River View
$733
Balcony
$989
Suite
$1,212
No. of Ships
All-Inclusive Level
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
River cruise 0
Bill and Yvonne, NSW, Australia, Sep 2026
Scenic's standards are very high on board. It is not the prettiest river cruise destination as the Bordeaux rivers are brown from the clay. The scenery from the ship was not attractive. It was only when you went on excursions that you experienced the vineyards, villages & chateaux. We spent a lot more time on board the ship compared to their Spectacular read more South of France cruise we did last year which included free time in quaint towns & villages. Again very good efficient friendly service from Hannah Perry.
Romantic Rhine & Moselle 0
Geoff and Jillian, VIC, Australia, Sep 2026
I was very happy with Hannah and everything that she did for us all the queries that we had she handled them promptly so would recommend her to anyone.
Great trip in spite of the low water problems, and thanks Ethan!! 0
Ron and Wendy, MA, United States, Sep 2026
We were obviously disappointed when we learned cruising would be limited due to low water levels on the Danube River but Scenic went out of their way to make up for that. All in all it was a great trip -- the cruising, the food, the hotels, the excursions, even the bus rides! And Ethan Battison was perfect in taking care of the arrangements with Scenic read more and keeping us up-to-date. Couldn't be happier with him.
Mekong discovery 0
Alok and Ekta, 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
Tony and Lesley, 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.
Scenic's most popular trips this month...
+ Global Journeys
