APT River Cruises vs Tauck River Cruises

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

APT River Cruises

178 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
64
DeparturesDepartures
739
Average cruise lengthAvg. cruise length
17 days
Average cabin price per dayAvg. price per day (by cabin type)
River View
$852
Balcony
$976
Suite
$1,131
DeparturesNo. of Ships
DeparturesAll-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
, 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
, 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
, 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
, 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
, 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...

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
8,845pp
18 Day Magnificent Europe with Prague (APT)
Magnificent Europe with Prague

18 Days Amsterdam to Prague

From
10,905pp
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
8,735pp
Tauck River Cruises

Tauck River Cruises

1 Reviews

Why should we cruise with Tauck?

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

We believe that when you travel, you should never settle for ordinary. You deserve to travel in good company, with someone who cares. We believe that good value sells itself – you should get what you pay for, and then some, in one upfront price with virtually everything included. Leave your worries at home; we take on all the planning, all the logistics. To you, it’s peace of mind travel, to us, it’s 90+ years of integrity.

Wherever we travel, we’re all about taking you to explore the world’s treasures….discover people and cultures you may not read more have known existed…and experience extraordinary, life-changing moments. Since 1925, we’ve built our company on the personal referrals and recommendations of our guests. We can think of no higher testament to our journeys and commitment to customer satisfaction – and no better way to tell you what we do than through their words.

What rivers do Tauck explore?

Africa Asia Canada & Alaska Europe South America UK & Ireland USA

Tauck snapshot

Total No. CruisesTotal No. River Cruises
52
DeparturesDepartures
248
Average cruise lengthAvg. cruise length
11 days
Average cabin price per dayAvg. price per day (by cabin type)
River View
$2,171
Balcony
$2,484
Suite
$2,661
DeparturesNo. of Ships
DeparturesAll-Inclusive Level

Our thoughts...

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

New to the Australian market in 2017, Tauck actually began operating in the US more than 90 years ago. Today they offer premium river cruises, land tours, small ship cruises, family adventures and small group journeys around the world. Tauck are renowned for the quality and inclusiveness of their trips, whether on land or water, so you can almost leave your wallet at home – don’t actually do that – knowing most things are taken care of. While the majority of their guests come from North America, the feedback we’ve received from the Aussies and Kiwis we’ve arranged trips for has been overwhelmingly positive.

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

Predominantly mature, well-travelled couples and solo travellers seeking a highly inclusive premium river cruise, with guests mainly from North America and other English-speaking markets.

Do Tauck river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Tauck waives the single supplement on Category 1 cabins on every European river cruise departure and also offers reduced solo pricing in selected higher categories.

How inclusive are Tauck's river cruises?

Highly inclusive fares cover accommodation, all onboard meals and snacks, unlimited beverages including premium spirits, all shore excursions, exclusive experiences, WiFi, transfers, port charges, taxes and all customary gratuities.

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

You'll need to pay for spa treatments, laundry and valet services.

Do Tauck include shore excursions?

Yes. All shore excursions are included.

What types of excusions are available?

Tauck provides a choice of privately guided small-group excursions, exclusive cultural experiences and destination sightseeing, with an average of around 15 guests per local guide ashore.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

The onboard programme is relatively relaxed and destination-focused, with local musicians, singers and dancers, lectures, social activities and fitness facilities. The main emphasis remains on the destinations and extensive included sightseeing ashore.

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

Accommodation ranges from approximately 150 to 180-square-foot lower-category staterooms through to larger cabins and Tauck Suites of around 300 square feet. Many cabins have French balconies, and around two-thirds of Tauck's European riverboat cabins are at least 225 square feet.

Recent Tauck reviews

River cruising with Tauck from Germany to Vienna 4
, QLD, Australia, Dec 2019
Fantastic company and nice staff on board. We never had to ask for anything... it was all offered on a plate. Very good service and Global Journeys handled the booking and delivered all the required paperwork.

Tauck's most popular trips this month...

8 Day Christmas Markets Along the Danube - Eastbound (Tauck)
From
6,425pp
10 Day The Rhine & Swiss Alps - Northbound (Tauck)
The Rhine & Swiss Alps - Northbound

10 Days Basel to Amsterdam

From
10,484pp
12 Day The Blue Danube - Westbound (Tauck)
The Blue Danube - Westbound

12 Days Budapest to Prague

From
10,880pp
11 Day Rhine Enchantment, Milan to Amsterdam - Northbound (Tauck)
From
12,266pp
10 Day Prague & the Danube - Eastbound (Tauck)
Prague & the Danube - Eastbound

10 Days Prague to Budapest

From
11,276pp