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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
208
No. of Departures
1,214
Avg. Trip Length
16 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$604
Fleet Size
14 Ships
Known For
Luxury Cruising
Ship Styles
River Cruises
No. of Trips
87
No. of Departures
783
Avg. Trip Length
12 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$482
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
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!
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.
Wonderful first Scenic River Cruise - Spectacular South Of France
0
Sonja and Anthony, QLD, Australia, May 2025
This was our first river cruise and it exceeded our expectations. The food was exceptional (taste and presentation) and the service from the staff was outstanding, they couldn't do enough for you. The balcony cabin was surprisingly spacious, we had no problem storing our luggage and belongings. Having previously done bus tours we appreciated having ...read more to unpack only once and that everything was included (food, drinks, excursions, tips). We had fantastic weather and the excursion options were varied, to accommodate moderate and active walkers. We had a wonderful relaxing time and will certainly book another cruise with Scenic. The booking process with Hannah from Global Journeys was fantastic, great communication all the way from making the booking to the start of the cruise and a good price. We would not hesitate to book another trip with Global Journeys.
I have just returned from my third river cruise with Scenic and booking with Hannah of Global Journeys. What a stress free and wonderful combination. From the first point of contact with Hannah to the final farewell with the crew of Scenic Gem everything went smoothly. I cannot speak highly enough of Scenic and the people they employ on their spaceships. ...read more They are always very respectful whilst at the same time enjoying a chat and a laugh. Nothing is too much trouble and they go out of their way to make sure you have everything you require. They certainly make the cruise more enjoyable.
This time I cruised the Seine from Paris to Honfleur and back. There was, as usual, a great selection of optional tours and most of the local guides were very good. The tours to the battlefields of WW1 and WW2 were exceptional and the reason I chose this particular trip. I also loved the cultural side of the tours offered, including Monet's Garden. What I love about Scenic is that everything is included; all meals, drinks all day, tours, entertainment, special 'enrich' concerts and even 1 laundry service per cabin. I would not hesitate to book another Scenic trip with Hannah from Global Journeys.
This time I cruised the Seine from Paris to Honfleur and back. There was, as usual, a great selection of optional tours and most of the local guides were very good. The tours to the battlefields of WW1 and WW2 were exceptional and the reason I chose this particular trip. I also loved the cultural side of the tours offered, including Monet's Garden. What I love about Scenic is that everything is included; all meals, drinks all day, tours, entertainment, special 'enrich' concerts and even 1 laundry service per cabin. I would not hesitate to book another Scenic trip with Hannah from Global Journeys.
4.7
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.
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
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.
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.
Popular Trips
24 Days Amsterdam to Bucharest
Operator: Uniworld
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