Home > Compare River Cruise Companies > APT River Cruises vs Scenic River Cruises
APT River Cruises vs Scenic River Cruises
Compare the travel styles, pricing, destinations and popularity of APT River Cruises and Scenic River Cruises.The Low Down
Initially providing coach touring around Australia and NZ to the local market, APT have grown exponentially over the last decade to now offer trips around the world, and are well known for their European river cruises. Over the last few years APT have introduced small ship expeditions that cruise the waters through Asia, Europe, Canada and off the coast of Kimberley. Catering primarily for the retired market, their trips aren't cheap, but in APT's case - you get what you pay for. Look out for their great Fly Free offers, and Earlybird Savings. The team here at Global Journeys have travelled multiple times by coach, cruise & river with APT, and we definitely recommend them as a quality, consistent, reliable Operator, and our past client reviews back that up.
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. Stats
No. of Trips
34
No. of Departures
0
Avg. Trip Length
14 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
Fleet Size
10 Ships
Known For
Aussie Specialist
Ship Styles River Cruises
No. of Trips
190
No. of Departures
897
Avg. Trip Length
16 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$534
Fleet Size
14 Ships
Known For
Luxury Cruising
Ship Styles River Cruises
In Their Own Words We asked the travel companies themselves why you should travel with them
Life-enriching, relaxing and unique – an APT river cruise is the ultimate holiday experience. Discover unforgettable destinations as you travel in total comfort and style. From Europe to Africa and the mighty Mekong River, APT has a diverse range of river cruises, and you’ll wake up most mornings in a new location, ready to explore fresh and exciting sights. Timeless luxury, exclusive experiences, life enriching moments and true personalisation. APT offers all-inclusive holidays so everything is taken care of. We invite you to join us; you won’t be disappointed.
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.
Recent Reviews
4.7
We thoroughly enjoyed our first river cruise. We were looked after from the moment we got to the dock in Porto. The itinerary was balanced between tours and free time to soak up river life and enjoy the calm. The dams and locks along the river were also very interesting. The food on board was 5 star and the choice was amazing. It was hard to resist ...read more sometimes but necessary so that you could pace yourself. We met some lovely people who we will keep in touch with. Overall a wonderful 9 days. Thank you.
Cruising down the Rhine with APT on the AmaVenita last month, cannot praise the Staff and Crew on their professionalism to make everything a very smooth sailing experience.
We were very glad to have had the opportunity to do this cruise. The staff on the ship were outstanding. Great itinerary, excellent food. We rated APT at mostly 9 and 10 in their assessment form. Our only suggestion was for an option to receive the daily program sheets as pdf a attachment to an email. We photographed them anyway for travel diary ...read more purposes.
Spoilt by too much rain, we didn’t actually cruise - APT and ship’s staff were good but the holiday served its purpose - cruising is not for us. Pick-up and pre cruise arrangements were abysmal - in stark contrast to other cruises doing the same thing. On board we found the food was good (but not brilliant), the cabin excellent but the passengers were ...read more all quite old - we felt a bit out of place. Dining was also necessarily hectic and, if you wanted to dine alone as a couple - it was not possible unless you got room service. Many of the excursions felt too rushed (3-hour coach ride for a 2-hour visit) but weather was largely to blame as we couldn’t dock as planned. We found the flexibility of planning yourself and self-driving enabled better use of time. Some of the exclusive visits were excellent - the Sound of Music Show and the Vienna Recital being extremely worthwhile. Overall, staying twice as long at each stop would be our own preference. Global Journeys support throughout was good and we would consider again - but not for another 10 years.
Amazing to experience so much of the history of Europe as well as beautiful scenery. Spring was a perfect time to travel. Highly recommend APT river cruise - everything included, professional staff and excellent accommodation and meals in the ship and hotels. Global Journeys booked and made changes very efficiently - thanks again Tracey.
Bucket list trip ticked off! Luxury river cruise met all expectations. 1 Marie , NSW, Australia, Mar 2024
We had a perfect trip on APT luxury river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest then on to Prague. From the flight with Singapore airlines, the luxurious accommodation on board the AmaVenita, the delicious food at every meal, the caring service and staff, the meticulous transfers, the amazing signature tours and knowledgeable guides…. And much more, made ...read more this memorable and most enjoyable holiday. Thanks to Global for coordinating our trip as well. Look forward to planning the next one!
4.5
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.
This cruise might not have the most spectacular scenery as Holland and Belgium are pretty flat but the places visited were all very nice and interesting. Our cruise coincided with Easter but Scenic did a great job of rearranging the itinerary to maximize the experiences. Scenic Jasper was a great ship to be on. It is in very good condition and the staff, ...read more the service and the food were all excellent which made it a very enjoyable and relaxing cruise.
A very enjoyable 5 star experience, from pick-up at airport to disembarkation. Accommodation, staff, meals and service all top notch. Postcard scenery everywhere.
Wow, what an amazing river cruise! Scenic have again exceeded all expectations. Every crew member on board Scenic Crystal had a smile and a 'Good morning' every day. No request was too much trouble. Also of course was the amazing food, drinks, fantastic entertainment, stunning scenery and a vast choice of optional tours at every port, all of which ...read more are included in the price! This was my second river cruise with Scenic this year and I have another booked to Northern France in April 2026 and I cannot wait! I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Hannah Campbell of Global Journeys for organising these trips. Her unwavering assistance has been invaluable. Despite the time difference between our States, Hannah has always answered my queries promptly. I would highly recommend both Global Journeys and Scenic to anyone considering river cruising.
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