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
65
Departures
745
Avg. cruise length
17 days
Avg. price per day (by cabin type)
River View
$859
Balcony
$982
Suite
$1,137
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 Viking?
We asked Viking why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
A Viking river cruise is the discerning traveller’s dream. Whether you choose to visit Egypt, Asia, Europe or the Mississippi, our itineraries are designed to immerse you in the history and culture of each destination. With us, you could be exploring a local food market with our head chef one day and experiencing an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of a world-famous museum the next.
Our state-of-the-art ships take you right into the heart of each destination, and you won’t find any kids or ‘nickel and diming’ on board. In fact, our fares include read more everything you need - from meals, beverages and Wi-Fi to a culturally enriching shore excursion at every port of call. This unique combination of features has become affectionately known as ‘the Viking difference’.
Viking has 70 award-winning river ships sailing all over the world, and we can’t wait to welcome you on board to discover the Viking difference for yourself.
Viking snapshot
Total No. River Cruises
69
Departures
5,699
Avg. cruise length
11 days
Avg. price per day (by cabin type)
River View
$862
Balcony
$1,188
Suite
$1,845
No. of Ships
All-Inclusive Level
Our thoughts...
The low down on Viking from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Cruising along the rivers of Europe, you’re almost certain to pass a Viking Longship along the way. Viking boasts the world’s largest fleet of river ships, 99 and counting, and while their core market has traditionally been the US and Canada, an increasing number of travellers from Australia and New Zealand are also choosing Viking to explore the waterways of Europe, Asia and even the Mississippi.
Viking has created a style of ship and river cruising that simply works, and has replicated it consistently across its fleet and destinations. That means you can expect a familiar level of service, ship design and cruise inclusions, no matter where you're exploring.
Who are we likely to meet on a Viking river cruise?
Curious, culturally focused adult travellers seeking destination-rich river cruising, with an emphasis on history, art, food and local culture. Viking cruises are exclusively for guests aged 18 and over.
Do Viking river cruises suit solo-travellers?
Yes. Solo travellers can book Viking river cruises, and reduced single supplements are regularly offered on selected voyages and stateroom categories.
How inclusive are Viking's river cruises?
Fares include accommodation, all onboard meals, one shore excursion in every port, WiFi, beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, 24-hour specialty coffee, tea and bottled water, port charges and enrichment activities. Onboard gratuities are included for Australian and New Zealand bookings, but not for North American bookings.
Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?
Additional costs can include optional shore excursions, alcoholic drinks outside meal times, premium beverages, laundry and gratuities for local guides and drivers.
Do Viking include shore excursions?
Yes. One complimentary shore excursion is included in every port of call.
What types of excusions are available?
Each port includes a complimentary guided excursion, with hundreds of optional excursions available across Viking's itineraries for travellers wanting additional cultural, culinary and active experiences.
Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?
Onboard activities can include destination lectures, port talks, cultural performances, live regional and classical music, craft and cooking demonstrations, films and a curated library. Many ships also have a walking track and other recreational spaces on the Sun Deck.
What are the cabins like on Viking's river ships?
All staterooms are outside-facing with river views. Accommodation includes Standard Staterooms, French Balcony Staterooms, Veranda Staterooms and spacious Veranda and Explorer Suites, with suites generally offering separate living areas and private verandas.
Recent Viking reviews
River cruise 0
Peter and Vivienne, WA, Australia, Aug 2026
Thank you so much Global Journeys, we had a wonderful time. Water level was a problem but Viking were beyond helpful and handled the situation very well considering it was beyond their control. Will certainly book with Global Journeys again, all in all very happy travellers.
Cruising and bussing from Basel to Paris 0
Mark, SA, Australia, Aug 2026
Although we had some idea that parts of the River Rhine were impassable we ended up only cruising overnight from Basel to Strasbourg. Good hotel to start in Zurich although located a reasonable distance from the interesting parts of town. We were told, only when on board, that we would be mostly on a bus from Strasbourg to Koblenz. Viking did their read more best so that most tours came off. Most of the Mosel cruising was at night time which was a poor arrangement from Viking. Food on the two boats was repeated a couple of times and the staff were much less interested compared to previous Viking cruises. Viking have offered some refunds for future cruises and committed to paying for lunches (although this payment seems to take a long time in arriving). Great hotel in Paris with view of the Eifel Tower. We did not do the Viking tour in Paris and visited the Galeries Layfayette, Sacre Ceour and the Catacombs instead. Viking were excellent in pick up and drop off at both airports.
One of our very best holidays 0
Yasmin and Julian, VIC, Australia, May 2026
After doing several ocean cruises, we did our first river cruise and it will not be the last. We really enjoyed the 15 days on the Danube and Rhine, sailing from Budapest to Amsterdam. Got to know most of the 180 odd passengers on the cruise and they were very friendly, outgoing and supportive. Cruising along the scenic Wachau Valley and the Mid-Rhine read more wine growing area and castles along the rivers were spectacular. The cruise staff took good care of us and obliged to all our requests.
Rhine Getaway 0
Shannon and Rejean, AB, Canada, May 2026
Thank you for assisting us in booking our very first Viking river cruise. We had an amazing time and everything went smoothly.
Rhine/ Danube River Cruise 1
Gwen and Bob, ON, Canada, May 2026
We thoroughly enjoyed our 1st River Cruise (Viking) booked for us by Ethan. He was extremely prompt, patient and helpful in responding to our (many) questions and brought to our attention, the unexpected vaccine advice for one of the countries we were to visit. Our initial contact with Ethan was calm and encouraging; we were very late in deciding read more to try to go on this trip and he helped make the 'last minute' booking arrangements as stress free as possible. We appreciated his support and would readily contact him in the future.
Viking's most popular trips this month...
+ Global Journeys
