Home > Compare River Cruise Companies > Avalon River Cruises vs Uniworld
Avalon River Cruises vs Uniworld
Compare the travel styles, pricing, destinations and popularity of Avalon River Cruises and Uniworld.The Low Down
Not as well known locally as APT or Scenic, Avalon Waterways have nevertheless been cruising the rivers of Europe and Asia since 2004. Featuring modern luxury ships, with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, our clients love Avalon, and some of their river itineraries are our biggest sellers. Avalon don't usually include Fly Offers, so you'll need to book flights separately, but consequently their cruise prices are cheaper than the other luxury Operators and they offer some great Earlybird discounts. Part of the Globus Family group of Brands, means you can secure further discounts the next time you decide to travel by coach with either Globus or Cosmos. 
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
171
No. of Departures
1,951
Avg. Trip Length
12 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$636
Fleet Size
16 Ships
Known For
Panorama Suites
Ship Styles River Cruises
No. of Trips
87
No. of Departures
1,333
Avg. Trip Length
12 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$697
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
One of our favourite sayings that describes Avalon Waterways is ‘the possibilities are as wide open as the views’. From Europe to the Galapagos and Asia, you can cruise in relaxed luxury with Avalon Waterways, with choices as unique as you. Avalon offers you a range of choices from excursions, dining options, activities that help you tailor your experience.
Just imagine gliding away down the world’s most spectacular rivers, all while enjoying a unique vantage point from your own private oasis. Our floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in our suites blur the line between where the world ends, and your suite begins; allowing you to experience the world less seen from the comfort of your bed. This is river cruising from a unique point of view.
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
4.7
As a solo traveller and first time cruiser, I had my hesitations about a 14 day cruise. But it was wonderful in every respect - my room, the ship, the extraordinary Tour Director, the friendly staff and the company of interesting and friendly travel companions. It was a joy.
We absolutely loved our Avalon cruise from Prague to Budapest and the accomodation arranged for us at hotels in both Prague and Budapest by Global Journeys we’re fantastic. Everything went smoothly with on the holiday. The cabin on the Avalon cruise was perfect with floor to ceiling windows and the staff on the ship were great. It was our first river ...read more cruise and we would be keen to travel this way again in the future. The flights arranged for us with Emirates were well timed. I would gladly recommend Global Journeys and Avalon to others. The weather was very hot in August, so next time I would travel in September/October.
The cruise with Avalon was lovely. All personnel on board were great. Food and cabin great as well as optional excursions. However the optional excursion to Little Venice would not recommend had done a similar one the day before which was included in the trip.
The cruise along the Rhine beautiful and travelled through many locks.
The cruise along the Rhine beautiful and travelled through many locks.
Avalon were exceptional. Our cabin on the top floor and closer to front is important as too near the back is more noisy and fumes.
Our biggest disappointment was that we were totally unaware that the first day we were staying at a hotel and not on the boat. Also there was available an additional staying after in Prague which again we were not aware ...read more of.
Our biggest disappointment was that we were totally unaware that the first day we were staying at a hotel and not on the boat. Also there was available an additional staying after in Prague which again we were not aware ...read more of.
The highlights for me included experiencing an organised bike tour for 3 hours during blocked Parisian streets before the Olympics, the Unusual Gardens of Etratat, historic Joan of Arc town of Rouen, and walking the path of Vincent van Gough. This is the second Avalon cruise I have done as I was able to avoid the solo supplement. I love the meals on ...read more board which are a contrast from my daily pre-packed dinners! I have already booked another Avalon cruise in France for 2025 with Hannah of Global Journeys who is always efficient and informative. (GJ: Great photo Alick!)
Absolutely wonderful trip. Loved every minute. The staff were so consistently cheerful and helpful. The Cruise Director was outstanding. Regarding embarkation - we were told we would be sent an email the day before to tell us the location of the ship, but it didn't come, which was a bit stressful. However, I emailed the ship early the same morning and ...read more was told the information.
The other suggestion I would have is to contact travellers a few weeks before, to ask for what they need after the cruise in terms of transport to airports, stations, whatever. I read a statement in the info that said not to have flights at Munich airport leaving before 8am. I assumed by that (wrongly) that there would be an automatic shuttle to the airport early in the morning. However, when I checked with the wonderful cruise director, she put me straight, and with difficulty managed to get me on a bus to the airport for my flight. Thanks again - amazing.
The other suggestion I would have is to contact travellers a few weeks before, to ask for what they need after the cruise in terms of transport to airports, stations, whatever. I read a statement in the info that said not to have flights at Munich airport leaving before 8am. I assumed by that (wrongly) that there would be an automatic shuttle to the airport early in the morning. However, when I checked with the wonderful cruise director, she put me straight, and with difficulty managed to get me on a bus to the airport for my flight. Thanks again - amazing.
4.7
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.
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.
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