Home > Compare River Cruise Companies > Avalon River Cruises vs Scenic River Cruises
Avalon River Cruises vs Scenic River Cruises
Compare the travel styles, pricing, destinations and popularity of Avalon River Cruises and Scenic River Cruises.The Low Down
Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. Featuring modern luxury ships, with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, our clients love Avalon, and some of their river itineraries are our biggest sellers. Avalon don't usually include Fly Offers, so you'll need to book flights separately, but consequently their cruise prices are cheaper than the other luxury Operators and they offer some great Earlybird discounts. Part of the Globus Family group of Brands, means you can secure further discounts the next time you decide to travel by coach with either Globus or Cosmos. 
Scenic's 5 star luxury river cruises are well known and popular in Australia. Scenic were the first river cruise line to introduce balconies on their Scenic Space-Ships, which many clients love, but this does come at a cost to interior cabin space. Like many of the other luxury river cruise operators, look out for their great Fly Free offers, and Earlybird Savings. Every itinerary is 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 selected. Stats
No. of Trips
172
No. of Departures
2,343
Avg. Trip Length
13 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$455
Fleet Size
16 Ships
Known For
Panorama Suites
Ship Styles River Cruises
No. of Trips
190
No. of Departures
1,044
Avg. Trip Length
16 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$532
Fleet Size
14 Ships
Known For
Luxury Cruising
Ship Styles River Cruises
In Their Own Words We asked the travel companies themselves why you should travel with them
One of our favourite sayings that describes Avalon Waterways is ‘the possibilities are as wide open as the views’. From Europe to the Galapagos and Asia, you can cruise in relaxed luxury with Avalon Waterways, with choices as unique as you. Avalon offers you a range of choices from excursions, dining options, activities that help you tailor your experience.
Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.
With Scenic, it’s more than a 5-star river cruise...it’s a seamless journey from start to finish that places you, our guest, at the heart of everything we do. It’s taking you to extraordinary regions and immersing you in meaningful and enriching experiences. It’s exquisite cuisine, indulgent wellness, and a world-class team who will anticipate your every need. You'll find the difference is in the details with Scenic: the innovative ship design, expertly trained crew, immersive journey, and an unrivalled focus on health and safety protocols.
Recent Reviews
4.7
What an amazing boat, crew and experience. From the welcome with a light lunch before a quick walk through Vilshofen before recording for check in and departure. While we had a small room in steerage, it was comfortable for our needs, bathroom perfect and petite. The only downfall of our room was lack of ventilation and sometimes there was an unpleasant ...read more smell. Other guests said the same. Food and drinks were plentiful and of high standards. Excursions were great when the local guides met expectations. The few that didn't meet expectations didn't get a tip, simple. Great that gratuities were included, as NZ isn't a tipping culture, this took a hassle away. The overall crew was fabulous with having great memories of having met them and knowing their stories. Bonus we made more friends 🧡
As a solo traveller and first time cruiser, I had my hesitations about a 14 day cruise. But it was wonderful in every respect - my room, the ship, the extraordinary Tour Director, the friendly staff and the company of interesting and friendly travel companions. It was a joy.
A great cruise from Amsterdam to Basel. The Avalon experience is perfect for a relaxing time or being adventurous with the local tours on offer every day. October weather is a little cooler but perfect as there are fewer crowds and not too hot. We did encounter high water levels on the Moselle which required a ship transfer by bus from Koblenz up ...read more to Trier with a stop at Cochem on the way. Avalon made it easy and the rest of the tour went as expected. We spent 2 extra days in Basel which is well worth seeing. Booking was easy as usual through Global Journeys.
The cruise with Avalon was lovely. All personnel on board were great. Food and cabin great as well as optional excursions. However the optional excursion to Little Venice would not recommend had done a similar one the day before which was included in the trip.
The cruise along the Rhine beautiful and travelled through many locks.
The cruise along the Rhine beautiful and travelled through many locks.
Avalon were exceptional. Our cabin on the top floor and closer to front is important as too near the back is more noisy and fumes.
Our biggest disappointment was that we were totally unaware that the first day we were staying at a hotel and not on the boat. Also there was available an additional staying after in Prague which again we were not aware ...read more of.
Our biggest disappointment was that we were totally unaware that the first day we were staying at a hotel and not on the boat. Also there was available an additional staying after in Prague which again we were not aware ...read more of.
The highlights for me included experiencing an organised bike tour for 3 hours during blocked Parisian streets before the Olympics, the Unusual Gardens of Etratat, historic Joan of Arc town of Rouen, and walking the path of Vincent van Gough. This is the second Avalon cruise I have done as I was able to avoid the solo supplement. I love the meals on ...read more board which are a contrast from my daily pre-packed dinners! I have already booked another Avalon cruise in France for 2025 with Hannah of Global Journeys who is always efficient and informative. (GJ: Great photo Alick!)
4.4
I have just returned from my third river cruise with Scenic and booking with Hannah of Global Journeys. What a stress free and wonderful combination. From the first point of contact with Hannah to the final farewell with the crew of Scenic Gem everything went smoothly. I cannot speak highly enough of Scenic and the people they employ on their spaceships. ...read more They are always very respectful whilst at the same time enjoying a chat and a laugh. Nothing is too much trouble and they go out of their way to make sure you have everything you require. They certainly make the cruise more enjoyable.
This time I cruised the Seine from Paris to Honfleur and back. There was, as usual, a great selection of optional tours and most of the local guides were very good. The tours to the battlefields of WW1 and WW2 were exceptional and the reason I chose this particular trip. I also loved the cultural side of the tours offered, including Monet's Garden. What I love about Scenic is that everything is included; all meals, drinks all day, tours, entertainment, special 'enrich' concerts and even 1 laundry service per cabin. I would not hesitate to book another Scenic trip with Hannah from Global Journeys.
This time I cruised the Seine from Paris to Honfleur and back. There was, as usual, a great selection of optional tours and most of the local guides were very good. The tours to the battlefields of WW1 and WW2 were exceptional and the reason I chose this particular trip. I also loved the cultural side of the tours offered, including Monet's Garden. What I love about Scenic is that everything is included; all meals, drinks all day, tours, entertainment, special 'enrich' concerts and even 1 laundry service per cabin. I would not hesitate to book another Scenic trip with Hannah from Global Journeys.
A very enjoyable 5 star experience, from pick-up at airport to disembarkation. Accommodation, staff, meals and service all top notch. Postcard scenery everywhere.
Wow, what an amazing river cruise! Scenic have again exceeded all expectations. Every crew member on board Scenic Crystal had a smile and a 'Good morning' every day. No request was too much trouble. Also of course was the amazing food, drinks, fantastic entertainment, stunning scenery and a vast choice of optional tours at every port, all of which ...read more are included in the price! This was my second river cruise with Scenic this year and I have another booked to Northern France in April 2026 and I cannot wait! I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Hannah Campbell of Global Journeys for organising these trips. Her unwavering assistance has been invaluable. Despite the time difference between our States, Hannah has always answered my queries promptly. I would highly recommend both Global Journeys and Scenic to anyone considering river cruising.
From the first day the river cruise was first class. Everything was taken care of and the cost of all meals, drinks and excursions etc were included. The staff were all polite and nothing was too much trouble for them including room service if you didn’t want to go to the lounge or dining room. The meals were extensive with multiple choices and all ...read more were delicious. I couldn’t fault Scenic for the accomodation, food or service. As a solo traveller I did find the lounge/dining room difficult at times as these cruises are obviously designed for couples or groups of friends and I probably spent more time in my cabin than I had planned. It would have been more enjoyable if there was a smaller quieter lounge and dining area rather than one large one of each but I do appreciate that with the size of the ship the options are limited. The excursions were all well planned and catered to the needs of different interests and fitness levels. Overall the trip was very enjoyable.
We've done quite a few river cruises and this was probably the most picturesque. Unlike many river cruises which travel between destinations at night, this cruise does quite a lot of daytime cruising to enjoy the scenery of the Moselle and Rhine rivers. The cruise was well run and the ship was very comfortable and in good condition. The service was ...read more very good but the dinner service was a bit slow, particularly the drinks service which led us to wonder if they were understaffed. The food was OK but nothing exceptional. We feel this is an area where Scenic has cut back especially in comparison with other river cruise lines we have travelled with. If you are looking for a short river cruise (8 days) which takes in some of the best scenery on the European rivers and some very nice destinations, this is the cruise for you.
This river cruise far exceeded our expectations. The service was unbelievable, we received consistent, excellent service throughout the cruise. Scenic are more expensive than other companies but it is truly all inclusive from food and drinks (not just at meal times) to all of you excursions. I can’t recommend this cruise highly enough.
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