Avalon River Cruises vs Uniworld River Cruises

Why should we cruise with Avalon?

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

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 read more 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.

What rivers do Avalon explore?

Our thoughts...

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

Avalon Waterways have been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004 and its parent company was founded in Switzerland nearly a century ago. Avalon's modern luxury river ships, with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, are a firm favourite amongst our past clients, and some of their itineraries are our biggest sellers. Avalon don't usually include Fly Offers with their cruise fare, so you'll need to book flights separately, but consequently their prices are cheaper than other luxury all-inclusive operators - and they offer some great Earlybird discounts too if you get in early. As part of the Globus Family group of Brands, you can also read more secure further discounts the next time you decide to travel by coach with either Globus or Cosmos.

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

Travellers seeking relaxed river cruising with flexible dining, included sightseeing and a choice of classic, active and immersive experiences. Solo travellers are also well catered for.

Do Avalon river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Yes. Around 10% of Avalon guests travel solo, and Avalon regularly waives single supplements on selected European and Southeast Asia sailings.

How inclusive are Avalon's river cruises?

Fares include accommodation, all onboard meals, a substantial choice of shore excursions, WiFi, selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, fitness activities and onboard entertainment.

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

Gratuities for the onboard crew are included in the cruise fare for Aussies and Kiwis, but not for North Americans. Optional excursions and activities, laundry, premium food and beverages outside the included offering and transfers will cost extra.

Do Avalon include shore excursions?

Yes. Avalon includes a generous choice of shore excursions in your cruise fare, with most itineraries offering a selection of Classic, Discovery and Active experiences at no extra charge. Some cruises include up to 28 ways to explore across the journey, while additional optional excursions are also available to purchase.

What types of excusions are available?

With Avalon Choice, you can explore in a way that suits you. Get moving with Active excursions, try something hands-on with Discovery experiences focused on food, culture and local life, or keep things classic with sightseeing that brings the destination’s history and landmarks to life. You can also head out on your own with complimentary bikes, e-bikes and other gear available on selected cruises.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

Included onboard activities and facilities include live music, trivia, themed events, movies, fitness centres, yoga and stretching classes, an Adventure Host, lounges, a library, Sky Deck areas and whirlpools or plunge pools on selected ships.

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

All staterooms are exterior-facing. Around 80% are Panorama Suites, featuring wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling Open-Air Balconies and beds positioned to face the river views. Deluxe Staterooms and larger suites are also available, depending on the ship.

Why should we cruise with Uniworld?

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

Once you step onboard the world’s finest and most awarded river cruise line for the first time, we are quite sure the refined luxury onboard our fleet will sweep you off your feet.

We draw our inspiration for the design philosophy of every one of the 17 ships in our fleet directly from the destination in which they sail. The craftsmanship, the attention to detail, the art onboard, the handcrafted furniture and intricacy of the fabrics are lovingly assembled to be a masterpiece in and of itself. Stepping onboard is to step into a world of beautiful read more colours and one-of-a-kind details that truly bring your destination to life.

Crafting experiences you can’t find anywhere else, means continuing to elevate Uniworld to new heights year after year. From the addition of four new Super Ships in Egypt, Vietnam, Portugal and Italy, to the award winning service that comes from the heart, we’re putting even more emphasis on what’s onboard to enhancing several itineraries to accommodate guest’s diverse tastes for the future. We truly look forward to welcoming our Australian guests onboard.

What rivers do Uniworld explore?

Our thoughts...

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

If you are looking for 5-star luxury with 6-star service then Uniworld river cruises should be at the top of your wishlist. Uniworld's ships are one-of-a-kind, exquisitely appointed, boutique floating hotels - all with their own unique style. Uniworld ships are slightly smaller than average with about 130 guests, and are constantly being refurbished in their distinctive style. Half of the team at Global Journeys have embarked on a voyage with Uniworld and some us a few times! Uniworld pricing is now dynamic so can vary day by day, and while the cruises aren't the cheapest, their all-inclusive so you wont need to dip into your wallet once your read more cruise begins. Further savings are available if you're a past passenger on have travelled with any of Uniworld's sister brands including Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, Luxury Gold, AAT Kings and Costsaver.

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

Culturally curious travellers seeking a luxurious, highly inclusive river cruise with immersive destination experiences, fine dining and personalised service.

Do Uniworld river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Yes. Solo travellers are welcome, and Uniworld regularly waives single supplements on selected departures and stateroom categories.

How inclusive are Uniworld's river cruises?

Highly inclusive, Uniworld's fares include luxury accommodation, all onboard meals, unlimited premium wines, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages, scheduled shore excursions, WiFi, onboard gratuities, fitness classes and the use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks. Inclusions can vary in Egypt, India, Southeast Asia and Peru.

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

Spa treatments.

Do Uniworld include shore excursions?

Yes. A comprehensive program of hosted shore excursions is included, led by English-speaking local experts.

What types of excusions are available?

Depending on the itinerary, guests can choose from traditional sightseeing, active 'Let's Go' excursions, locally immersive 'Do as the Locals Do' experiences and 'Village Day' programs. Bicycles and Nordic walking sticks are also available on selected ships.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

Included activities can include live local entertainment, cultural enrichment, signature lectures, daily fitness and wellness classes, yoga and TRX training. Ships also feature lounges, fitness centres, spas and pools on selected ships.

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

All accommodation is river-facing, ranging from elegantly appointed staterooms to spacious suites. Many European ships feature handcrafted Savoir beds, luxury linens and individually designed interiors, with butler service available in selected suite categories.