Home > Compare River Cruise Companies > Scenic River Cruises vs Uniworld
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
201
No. of Departures
1,541
Avg. Trip Length
16 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$629
Fleet Size
14 Ships
Known For
Luxury Cruising
Ship Styles River Cruises
No. of Trips
90
No. of Departures
1,392
Avg. Trip Length
12 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$719
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
4.5
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.
Absolutely loved this whole trip. The service, food, staff, amenities 5 star. Each shore excursion was interesting and had to choose one each stop. Made friends easily and had dinner each night with them. Highly recommend Scenic river cruised - total luxury and everything paid for.
This was our second Scenic river cruise and it did not disappoint. The staff, the food and the itinerary were a high standard as usual. River cruising is a great way to experience the essence of a country as you sail right through the heart of the towns. Scenic are a very professional and experienced company and go out of their way to make you feel ...read more special. I would recommend this trip to anyone wanting to explore the best of Germany with spectacular scenery and be spoilt by the Scenic crew.
A pleasant 15 day cruise from Breisach (was supposed to be Basel, but high river levels prevented starting in Basel) to Amsterdam. Saw some lovely scenery, especially sailing the Moselle. Weather was great for walking around the various towns we docked at.
Thanks to Jemm and Hannah P who were our contacts at Global Journeys, as always they were quick ...read more to help sort out any issues for us and quickly pass on any correspondence from Scenic.
Thanks to Jemm and Hannah P who were our contacts at Global Journeys, as always they were quick ...read more to help sort out any issues for us and quickly pass on any correspondence from Scenic.
We had a wonderful cruise on the Scenic Gem from Paris to the beaches of Normandy and return to Paris. Crew were absolutely outstanding, they made us all feel like family. The free choice tours were very good, although we would have appreciated more time at the Sir John Monash Centre and Villers Bretonneux. Our guide, Ben who walked with us around Rouen ...read more and gave a couple of lectures on the cruise ship was excellent, one of the best guides we have ever had. He was also our guide when we toured the Palais Benedictine. A great tour, would recommend, especially those who are interested in WWI and WWII history.
From the moment we embarked on our scenic river adventure, it was evident that Scenic was committed to providing a level of luxury and enrichment that surpassed our expectations. The highlight of our trip was the private concert at Richitenstein Palace - the intimate performance In the opulent Palace setting was a prestigious event and was the epitome ...read more of the Scenic experience.
What stood out to us was the genuine commitment of the Scenic team to go above and beyond for their guests. Cathy, our cruise director was the most cheerful person I’ve ever met. She was full of positive energy which made us feel energized too. The bar staff, all of them were working hard. Ali and Luka were constantly offering drinks to guests. The restaurant staff, the housekeeping staff, the hotel manager, all of them were committed and made a very good team between themselves.
One of the standout features of the Scenic River Cruise was the comprehensive all-inclusive package, from meal to excursion, all day drink onboard to gratuity, everything was included and this made our vacation worry-free experience. In conclusion, we really enjoyed our river cruise. We are grateful for the memories created and can't wait to embark on another adventure with Scenic in the future. We booked our cruise through Georgie of Global Journeys. The booking process went on seamlessly and Georgie is a wonderful agent to deal with.
What stood out to us was the genuine commitment of the Scenic team to go above and beyond for their guests. Cathy, our cruise director was the most cheerful person I’ve ever met. She was full of positive energy which made us feel energized too. The bar staff, all of them were working hard. Ali and Luka were constantly offering drinks to guests. The restaurant staff, the housekeeping staff, the hotel manager, all of them were committed and made a very good team between themselves.
One of the standout features of the Scenic River Cruise was the comprehensive all-inclusive package, from meal to excursion, all day drink onboard to gratuity, everything was included and this made our vacation worry-free experience. In conclusion, we really enjoyed our river cruise. We are grateful for the memories created and can't wait to embark on another adventure with Scenic in the future. We booked our cruise through Georgie of Global Journeys. The booking process went on seamlessly and Georgie is a wonderful agent to deal with.
4.7
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.
We didn't get off to a good start as the included transfer to the ship was 40 minutes late to meet us at Bordeaux airport but things improved from there. Overall the cruise was very good and well organized. The ship is in good condition and the cabin was well appointed, comfortable and very well serviced. The cabin size however is on the small side ...read more compared to other river cruise companies we have cruised with but we knew that when we booked and we know that you don't spend a lot of time in the cabin other than sleeping. The bathroom however was tight.
The food and service was very good and drinks were free flowing. The included excursions were all very good and the guides for the excursions were excellent. The passenger mix was about 50% Americans with the balance comprising Australians, British and Malaysians. We did enjoy the cruise but for a cruise longer than 8 days we would choose a river cruise company with larger cabins.
The food and service was very good and drinks were free flowing. The included excursions were all very good and the guides for the excursions were excellent. The passenger mix was about 50% Americans with the balance comprising Australians, British and Malaysians. We did enjoy the cruise but for a cruise longer than 8 days we would choose a river cruise company with larger cabins.
Check-in was quick and efficient. Cabin and crew were great. Crew knew our names very quickly and you feel like one of the family. Fellow passengers were easy to get along with and you could choose to dine and/or chat with new people or have a quiet dinner. Included excursions were well chosen and organised. One can do as little or as much as desired ...read more each day.
If you are looking for a luxury cruise then Uniworld is the one. The Bordeaux, France, cruise is excellent for first time wine buff's to this famed area. The boat has had a very nice fit out and the lounge, dining room, top deck and cabins are a delight to be in. The food matched with Bordeaux wines was excellent, and there is always a number of choices ...read more for all palates. The cabins are fitted out with luxurious bedding and linens to ensure the best nights sleep. We thoroughly recommend this cruise and Uniworld.
It was our first time travelling with Uniworld and I would have to say it felt like you were in a floating luxury five star hotel and we were made to feel very comfortable, special and important. Would not hesitate to travel with them again. Just ready now to book our next global river cruise thanks to the wonderful service that we got with Jemma.
Grand France , indeed, back to back wonderful river cruising. 2 Eileen & David, WA, Australia, Jul 2022
July 2022 we left Australia to join Uniworld's Grand France on S.S Catherine and S.S Joie de Vivre. Luxury boats with all amenities. Beautiful boats, excellent staff, lovely sites and food, all along the way. All transfers on arrival and departure days were spot on and even an escort came with 7 of us on the TGV train from Lyon to Paris and our luggage ...read more was already in our cabin when we got there.
I probably shouldn't comment on other passengers but on the first leg there was a large group of Americans 60-70 guests, belonging to "The Presidents Club". They do" good work " and travel around the world on holidays together at least once a year, very jolly etc. Next time I think I would be inclined to enquire if there was such a big group booked in and might choose a different date!
Enough said , it really is a marvelous way to see France from South to North and the guides are excellent so knowledgeable and fun too. And still at the helm of Global Journeys, Georgie was there to guide us with all her expertise and knowledge, Thanks again, Georgie.
I probably shouldn't comment on other passengers but on the first leg there was a large group of Americans 60-70 guests, belonging to "The Presidents Club". They do" good work " and travel around the world on holidays together at least once a year, very jolly etc. Next time I think I would be inclined to enquire if there was such a big group booked in and might choose a different date!
Enough said , it really is a marvelous way to see France from South to North and the guides are excellent so knowledgeable and fun too. And still at the helm of Global Journeys, Georgie was there to guide us with all her expertise and knowledge, Thanks again, Georgie.
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