Scenic River Cruises vs Uniworld River Cruises

Why should we cruise with Scenic?

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

Scenic is proudly an Australian founded company setting the global standard for all inclusive luxury travel. We have delighted guests for more than 40 years with memorable journeys to fascinating locations across the world, delivering unsurpassed excellence in service, product quality and exclusive experiences. The guest is at the heart of everything we do, as we strive to provide continual innovation to enhance the guest experience in luxury river cruising, land tours and our state of the art expedition ocean cruising with Scenic Eclipse.
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The Scenic difference is the details, the unwavering commitment to anticipate our guests every need, from butler services, quality dining, wellness, Scenic Enrich and Scenic FreeChoice experiences. That is why so many of our past guests choose to travel with Scenic many times, to destinations around the globe with family and friends, trusting Scenic to create memories that will last a lifetime. We welcome you to enjoy the portfolio of Scenic luxury products and feel the difference of Scenic’s dedicated staff, who will look after you to the nth degree.

What rivers do Scenic explore?

Our thoughts...

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

Scenic's 5 star luxury river cruises are well known and popular in Australia and NZ. Scenic were the first to introduce balconies on their Scenic Space-Ships, which many clients love, but this comes at a cost to interior cabin space. Like many of the other premium river cruise Operators, look out for their great Fly Free offers, and Earlybird Savings. 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 select.

Launching in 2018 and with another ship in 2020, the Scenic Eclipse is Scenic's first foray read more into luxury all inclusive ocean cruising. From the Arctic to Antarctica and everywhere in between, these Discovery Yachts, are all inclusive with shore excursions involving Zodiacs, kayaks and e-bikes as well as the option (for an additional charge) to adventure out by helicopter and submarine!

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

Mostly Australians and New Zealanders with international guests only introduced to Scenic over the last few years. Generally aged 50 and over, guests are predominantly couples, with solo travellers also well catered for.

Do Scenic river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Yes. Scenic welcomes solo travellers and offers special solo fares on selected river cruise departures, with open-seating dining and sociable shared spaces making it easy to meet other guests.

How inclusive are Scenic's river cruises?

All-inclusive fares include accommodation, all onboard meals, premium beverages throughout the day, butler service, WiFi, Scenic Enrich experiences, Scenic Freechoice excursions, gratuities and airport transfers on arrival and departure days.

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

Extra costs include a small selection of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spiritsand spa and wellness treatments.

Do Scenic include shore excursions?

Yes. Scenic Freechoice excursions and Scenic Enrich experiences are included in the cruise fare.

What types of excusions are available?

Scenic Freechoice offers multiple excursions in many ports, often categorised as Active, Moderate or Relaxed, so guests can select options that suit their interests and mobility.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

Activities can include live music, game nights, lectures, cultural entertainment, stretching classes, wellness activities, gym use, e-bikes in Europe and relaxation in ship-specific facilities such as Vitality Pools and Salt Therapy Lounges.

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

Scenic river ships offer a range of suites, from lower-deck accommodation to Balcony, Junior, Royal and Panorama-style suites depending on the ship. Balcony, Junior and Royal Suites feature Scenic's convertible Sun Lounge, and butler service is included for every suite.

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.