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9 Best River Cruise Companies
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 more 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.
Cruising down the rivers of Europe you are sure to pass a Viking Longship on your travels. Viking boasts the most extensive fleet of river cruises vessels in Europe, and while their core market is the US, there are many clients from Australia that choose to cruise with them each year. In 2017 Viking launched their range more of mid-sized ocean cruises - with just 930 guests this gives their ships greater maneuverability, allowing them to dock where the mega-liners cannot.
If you are looking for 5-star luxury with 6-star service then Uniworld river cruises should be at the top of your wish list. Uniworld's ships (while not the newest) are one-of-a-kind, exquisitely appointed, boutique floating hotels. Part of the Travel Corporation (which includes the sister brands of Trafalgar and Insight more Vacations), Uniworld ships are slightly smaller with an average of 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 the cruises aren't cheap, however you wont need to dip into your wallet once your trip begins and further savings are available if you were a past passenger on any of the aforementioned sister brands.
Uniworld pricing is now dynamic so can vary day by day, and the cruises aren't cheap, however you wont need to dip into your wallet once your trip begins and further savings are available if you were a past passenger on any of the aforementioned sister brands.
Amadeus River Cruises is a premium, family-owned European river cruise operator offering elegant, hotel-style ships and refined journeys along iconic waterways such as the Danube, Rhine and Seine. Known for understated European luxury, spacious cabins with panoramic views and a calm onboard atmosphere, Amadeus appeals to more travellers who value comfort, service and classic cruising rather than ultra all-inclusive excess. With thoughtfully curated excursions, active options like cycling and wellness and a focus on quality over scale, Amadeus is well suited to guests seeking a polished, traditional river cruise experience with strong value in the premium category.
Destinations
Europe 
AmaWaterways is a renowned luxury river cruise line offering premium cruises across Europe’s great rivers as well as in Asia, Africa and more recently in South America! Known for their spacious staterooms - many with signature twin balconies - and a strong focus on wellness, active excursions and personalised service. Until more only recently, APT chartered AmaWaterways' ships for their river cruises, but that changed in 2025 when AmaWaterways setup operations in Australia.
With a wide variety of itineraries, innovative ship design and attention to detail from embarkation to disembarkation, AmaWaterways stands out for its blend of comfort, service and destination-rich cruise experiences in the premium river cruising category.
With a wide variety of itineraries, innovative ship design and attention to detail from embarkation to disembarkation, AmaWaterways stands out for its blend of comfort, service and destination-rich cruise experiences in the premium river cruising category.
New to the Australian market in 2017, Tauck began operations in the US over 90 years ago. Offering premium all-inclusive river cruises, you won't find too many Aussies and Kiwis on their cruises yet, as they have only recently opened an office Downunder, but Tauck are renowned for the quality and inclusiveness of their more trips, whether they are on land or water. Tauck do not charge a Single Supplement on Category 1 cabins on all their European river cruises.
Tauck do not offering Last Minute or Earlybird Savings, however Global Journeys, as one of the few Tauck Certified Agencies in Australasia, are able to offer our river cruise clients with a 'Free Night' either before or after your cruise, with every booking you make with us.
Tauck do not offering Last Minute or Earlybird Savings, however Global Journeys, as one of the few Tauck Certified Agencies in Australasia, are able to offer our river cruise clients with a 'Free Night' either before or after your cruise, with every booking you make with us.
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 more 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.
Emerald is a contemporary, premium-value river cruise line (part of the Scenic Group) offering stylish 'Star-Ship' cruising across Europe and select Asia waterways with strong inclusions and a relaxed onboard atmosphere. Known for their modern ship design, included shore touring on most days, and a standout mix of active more and wellness options, Emerald suits travellers who want comfort, quality dining and curated experiences without paying for ultra all-inclusive luxury. With a smart included-plus-upgrade structure (included excursions with optional enhanced experiences), Emerald is a strong choice for clients seeking excellent value, modern ships, and flexible river cruising.
A new European river cruise option from the trusted guided touring specialist Trafalgar. Launching in 2026 with 3 boutique ships along the Seine, Rhine and Danube. Blending classic river cruising with Trafalgar’s signature tours, these journeys bring their 100 years of experience to the rivers of Europe. With all meals more included onboard, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, elegant cabins and an emphasis on local connection and storytelling, Trafalgar offer a compelling choice for travellers seeking a value-rich, culture-led river cruise that feels like an extension of a premier guided tour rather than a traditional cruise-only experience.
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