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Scenic River Cruises vs Uniworld
Compare the travel styles, pricing, destinations and popularity of Scenic River Cruises and Uniworld.The Low Down
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. 
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 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.
Stats
No. of Trips
252
No. of Departures
1,266
Avg. Trip Length
17 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$561
Fleet Size
14 Ships
Known For
Luxury Cruising
Ship Styles
River Cruises
No. of Trips
79
No. of Departures
838
Avg. Trip Length
11 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$511
Fleet Size
18 Ships
Known For
Boutique River Cruising
Ship Styles
River Cruises
In Their Own Words We asked the travel companies themselves why you should travel with them
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.
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 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.
Recent Reviews
4.6
Exceptional Danube Tour Germany to Hungary 0
Danube Christmas Markets with Nuremberg
Maree, SA, Australia, Dec 2025
Our booking with Hannah at Global Journeys was seamless. There isn't a single thing I would've changed on our Danube Cruise with Scenic Waterways. We felt spoilt from the first day until the last. Just the right amount of free time and the tours were very good. We cruised in December & it was Christmas Market magic.
We loved everything about this wonderful cruise on the Douro River in Portugal with Scenic. The ship was beautiful, the staff were all so happy and couldn't do enough for us and the food was amazing. I loved that with Scenic, everything was included and that we didn't have to pay for anything else once on the ship. It was so nice to be away from read more large cities, visiting the little villages and towns along the river. Thank you once again Tracey, for your help in organising our lovely holiday. As usual, you were a great help and was always so prompt at returning my calls or answering my emails.
Munich to Budapest in late summer 4
Gems of the Danube
David and Christine, VIC, Australia, Sep 2025
We joined the Scenic Amber cruise in Munich and travelled to Budapest in August 2025. The cruise was fully booked, but it never seemed crowded. The majority of the passengers were Americans, plus Brits, Canadians , Aussies and Kiwis. All the crew spoke excellent English and all the business was in English. Everything really is included in the ticket read more price, except the laundry ( which struck me as a bit expensive) and the massages. Good quality booze is included, and the bartender has a great repertoire of cocktails, but nobody over indulges. Where you can be over indulgent is in the meals. Three three course gourmet meals every day! Lots of tasty treats that you don’t get at home, and steaks are always an option.
There is a choice of excursions every day, all very smoothly organised, folklore shows in the evening from the districts we happen to be in. Plus there are plenty of lazy options such as sitting in the top deck chatting and soaking in the pool, playing cards with new friends in the front cabin, and having those massages. The cabin itself is quite compact, the shower especially so, but we didn’t spend much time in there. My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our week sightseeing, over eating, and making new friends.
There is a choice of excursions every day, all very smoothly organised, folklore shows in the evening from the districts we happen to be in. Plus there are plenty of lazy options such as sitting in the top deck chatting and soaking in the pool, playing cards with new friends in the front cabin, and having those massages. The cabin itself is quite compact, the shower especially so, but we didn’t spend much time in there. My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our week sightseeing, over eating, and making new friends.
This cruise, the crew and all the organisation far exceeded our expectations. We were in luck and the river behaved and no transfer between ships were necessary. All off boat trips were amazing, the crew can't do enough to help you, even organising "slow walking tours" when they realised there were a few people struggling with the normal options. read more So much fun was had, new friends made and history visited. Food was amazing, and we honestly felt like we were filling in time before eating again! If you are even just thinking about it DO IT, Dad and I had a ball !!
We are quite seasoned travelers, but this is our first European river cruise and it was magnificent. It was added on to our trip to Ireland, Scotland/UK. Scenic delivered a first class experience. There was lots of on-shore tours and on board activities that you could choose to participate in - or not, and I loved that we were seeing various countries read more without having to pack and unpack.
The Global Journeys client support was great, the Scenic cruise and service exceeded our expectations and we made some new friends along the way. Think we may be hooked as we have been home just over a week and planning our next river cruise with Global Journeys assistance already!
The Global Journeys client support was great, the Scenic cruise and service exceeded our expectations and we made some new friends along the way. Think we may be hooked as we have been home just over a week and planning our next river cruise with Global Journeys assistance already!
Scenic South of France river cruise 3
Spectacular South of France
Bill and Yvonne, NSW, Australia, May 2025
We were very impressed with Scenic & would definitely travel with them again. All staff were excellent, professional as well as fun. The cabin was well designed with ample storage space. The meals were first class. It was fabulous to have great “freedom of choice” options & we really enjoyed the ones we chose. Entertainment was mostly good, bearing read more in mind we all have different tastes. Excellent coordination of disembarkation.
4.6
The trip was a river cruise. The trip started in Budapest on the Danube River and went through Austria and then on the Main River through Germany on the Danube Main Canal ending on the Rhine River in Amsterdam. The cruise was in the River Duchess. The ship was nice and the stateroom was spacious. A very pleasant experience.
Food and wine superb and consistant. Staff were excellent and very obliging. Interesting progamme of excursions spoilt for choice. Overall best river criusing company we have used.
Fantastic Uniworld river cruise through Belgium. 0
Belgian Holiday Markets
Narelle and Chris, QLD, Australia, Dec 2024
Our river cruise with Uniworld was a Christmas markets cruise through Belgium which which was very beautiful. Although we have been on river cruises before, Uniworld was the best by far. The SS Victoria was a new ship and was tastefully and elegantly designed and furnished. Our suite was spacious, with the most comfortable bed, walk in robe and a huge read more floor to ceiling french balcony window. We had in room drinks, sweets, fruit etc. So much is included, so we never had to pay for anything onboard. Meals were the best you would expect from the best fine dining anywhere. Drinks were also included and not just with meals. All staff were very friendly and knew our names from the second day. We were so well looked after throughout the whole trip. Excursions were included and they even took us to a private Christmas concert in a cathedral. The whole trip from start to finish was perfect and if anyone is considering a river cruise you couldnt go past Uniworld if you want the best of the best . We always book through Global Journeys with Georgie and our next trip will be booked with them again.
Excellent Venice Cruise But Disappointing Transfer From Milan 0
Milan, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (From Milan)
Graham and Caroline, South Australia, Australia, Oct 2024
We arrived at Milan airport and the Uniworld representative was there to meet us and transfer us to the Milan hotel. The hotel was 5 star and in an excellent location. The next morning we did the city tour and the Last Supper visit which was very good. We then chose to do the optional extra cost Lake Como tour in the afternoon. This was a mistake as read more it is very expensive and took about 7 hours overall, about 5 hours of which was spent getting there and back. We would recommend spending the afternoon around Milan instead.
The next day was the transfer to Venice and to the ship and which we thought was very poor for a luxury cruise. We were required to get our own bags on the bus at 6am which meant rising very early. We were then given 30 minutes for 70 to 80 people to scramble to have breakfast and then all get on a double decker bus for the trip to Venice. We stopped in Verona for a walking tour with virtually no free time and then back on the bus to a winery for lunch. Lunch was OK but nothing exceptional and then back on the bus and off to Venice. A very long day (9-10 hours to travel about 270 km.
Things improved remarkably upon reaching the ship in Venice about 3:30pm to 4pm. The ship is very comfortable although the over the top décor is an acquired taste. The service was excellent and the food was very good. The rooms are on the small side but are very comfortable. The bathroom is very tight. The cruise is very well run and all places visited were interesting and very nice. Visits to the Venice attractions were well organised to avoid the crowds. Overall, the cruise was thoroughly enjoyable but Uniworld needs to rethink the Milan transfer.
The next day was the transfer to Venice and to the ship and which we thought was very poor for a luxury cruise. We were required to get our own bags on the bus at 6am which meant rising very early. We were then given 30 minutes for 70 to 80 people to scramble to have breakfast and then all get on a double decker bus for the trip to Venice. We stopped in Verona for a walking tour with virtually no free time and then back on the bus to a winery for lunch. Lunch was OK but nothing exceptional and then back on the bus and off to Venice. A very long day (9-10 hours to travel about 270 km.
Things improved remarkably upon reaching the ship in Venice about 3:30pm to 4pm. The ship is very comfortable although the over the top décor is an acquired taste. The service was excellent and the food was very good. The rooms are on the small side but are very comfortable. The bathroom is very tight. The cruise is very well run and all places visited were interesting and very nice. Visits to the Venice attractions were well organised to avoid the crowds. Overall, the cruise was thoroughly enjoyable but Uniworld needs to rethink the Milan transfer.
Hannah at Global Journeys made sure that all bases were covered. The Uniworld trip was amazing truly a 5 star experience.
Amsterdam to Bucharest River Cruise 10 May 2024 3
Ultimate European Journey
Helen and Graeme, New Zealand, May 2024
Uniworld berth in Amsterdam not from around Central Station, so used a Uber ride, approx 20 min 31 Euro ride our Hotel ( City Hotel Amsterdam ... recommend also ). SS BEATRICE room 203 our home for the next 24 sleeps. Room 203 is on the lowest floor and one could look out and see the water level very easily. Room size big enough for us and the bathroom read more ..... shower, toilet and had basin in a small room...... no complaints. Good things we liked about down there. Close to gym, free laundry....( 2 washing machines and 2 dryers ) iron and ironing board. Up a flight of stairs to dining room, then up another flight to bar area. No noise, just no view, but we were up and about from 6.30am to 11pm, then only in the room to sleep. Our choice so we can continue having holidays.
We meet a couple who had a suite 406, and visited their room........ very nice and spacious, but then again more expensive. Each morning we got up and did the fitness/yoga/stretching with the Dusko the instructor. Sometimes did it up on the sun deck if weather not cool at 7am, but mostly in the lounge/bar. Did Nordic walking twice. Fitness lasted usual about 1 hour. Most excursions started at 9am and lasted until about 1pm. Back to boat in time for lunch. If longer excursions, usually provided a meal at the location. Very good meals and toilet breaks.
Evening meals start at 7pm and finish in time for local entertainment. one night was a dress up night 60's night....bit of a laugh, most did not able to recognise us. Meals and drinks. Beautiful. We were unable to use the sundeck for about 6 days as the river level for clearance under the bridges insufficient. Our cruise left on 10th May 2024. Only 1.5 days of rain. Uniworld also took along 2 tour buses, who meet us at city to take us on the excursions, plus arranged extra buses as required up until Budapest. From Budapest to Bucharest they used another bus company. Liked all the excursions apart from the last one up to see the churches.......a long day and not much to see......maybe I needed a holiday .....hahaha. Booking process etc perfect. Recommend to others. Meet some wonderful people from around the world. Score the trip 10/10.
We meet a couple who had a suite 406, and visited their room........ very nice and spacious, but then again more expensive. Each morning we got up and did the fitness/yoga/stretching with the Dusko the instructor. Sometimes did it up on the sun deck if weather not cool at 7am, but mostly in the lounge/bar. Did Nordic walking twice. Fitness lasted usual about 1 hour. Most excursions started at 9am and lasted until about 1pm. Back to boat in time for lunch. If longer excursions, usually provided a meal at the location. Very good meals and toilet breaks.
Evening meals start at 7pm and finish in time for local entertainment. one night was a dress up night 60's night....bit of a laugh, most did not able to recognise us. Meals and drinks. Beautiful. We were unable to use the sundeck for about 6 days as the river level for clearance under the bridges insufficient. Our cruise left on 10th May 2024. Only 1.5 days of rain. Uniworld also took along 2 tour buses, who meet us at city to take us on the excursions, plus arranged extra buses as required up until Budapest. From Budapest to Bucharest they used another bus company. Liked all the excursions apart from the last one up to see the churches.......a long day and not much to see......maybe I needed a holiday .....hahaha. Booking process etc perfect. Recommend to others. Meet some wonderful people from around the world. Score the trip 10/10.
Popular Trips
24 Days Amsterdam to Bucharest
Operator: Uniworld
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