uniworld river cruise reviews

What's the hype behind Uniworld River Cruises? A 2024 review

Booking a cruise is similar to an investment in your travel experiences. It might be worth it, and it might not. Wondering if Uniworld River Cruises are one of the worthy cruises to book for your travels? Keep reading to find everything to know for you to make your decision.

Going on a cruise of some kind is probably on most people's bucket lists. For a good reason too! Who doesn't want to be traveling while sipping margaritas aboard a large floating luxury ship? With cruises taking it further enhancing entertainment onboard, you can now watch movies, go on waterslides, or even gamble in casinos aboard some cruises.

Of course, it's no surprise that cruise lines are some of the most expensive travel experiences out there.

How do you know which cruises are worth the money? It can be hard deciding on which cruise to book with. After all, you're spending a considerable amount of money on a travel experience that you're not sure will deliver.

If you're more into yachts, make sure you check out our review of  The Yacht Week ! 

Today, we'll be reviewing Uniworld River Cruises, one of the more popular river cruises operating mainly in Europe but having cruises worldwide. Uniworld River Cruises have truly made a name for themselves in the world of luxurious voyages. They're voted the world's best river cruise line in  Travel + Leisure's global awards .

But, do they live up to the expectations owing to the hype around this prestigious company? Let's find out.

What are the Uniworld River Cruises?

Since 1976,  Uniworld River Cruises  have held a superior position in the world of luxury cruise lines. They describe their tours as a luxurious experience. Their one-of-a-kind River Boutique Cruises are an intimate experience and incomparable grandeur.

With Uniworld River Cruises, you don't just live the 5-star lifestyle for the cruise period but also an adventure of its own while traversing through the cities. Plus, you get to dive into the culture of your destinations before you set foot on them even, with the carefully crafted ship designs mirroring the artistic traditions.

From 8-days to even month-long cruises, they have a package designed to meet each individual's vacation duration needs.  

Visit their website and click on 'Request a Quote' to book your next cruise with them. Once you've filled in the necessary details, their customer service will contact you soon. You'll get the required information, upcoming trips for your desired locations, and special offers. Look through the packages, and you'll find that some of them have Uniworld's newest feature – railway trips alongside the cruise!

Who Owns Uniworld?

Uniworld River Cruises is as American as possible. Acquired by The Travel Corporation (TTC), a company owning 40 award-winning international travel-related companies, its acclaimed position doesn't come off as a surprise. A prized possession of the power couple – Stanley Tollman and Beatrice Tollman, TTC has been handed down over four generations of this family and continues to live up to its reputation. 

With 100 years of TTC and 46 of Uniworld, the cruise line operates worldwide throughout the year.

Where Do Uniworld River Cruises Go?

With Uniworld, there's an endless list of possibilities for your next dream vacation! Think of Europe, South America, Asia, and a small part of Africa, too. Those are the continents you can sail through luxuriously on these cruises. 

Let your tastebuds experience an out-of-world deliciousness of authentic Italian cuisine, or lose yourself in the rich history of the sacred Ganges in India. With 20+ countries on the list, a tour on this cruise might be everything you could've wanted for a perfect holiday escape! 

What Do Uniworld Cruises Include?

Onboard or onshore, Uniworld vows to take care of each and every need of their travelers. If you feel like you're breaking the bank with an  oh-so-oh-so-average  cruise, you'll be having the tour of a lifetime on this cruise. 

Beginning with the necessity- food, they offer fine dining, nothing less than five-star restaurants. 

With a range of foods on the menu thrice a day, you're free to choose whatever suits your tastebuds. The exclusive alcohol variety is a must-have, in addition to your meals! Note that alcohol-serving policies differ from region to region, for instance, in Egypt. No need to fret about "what could you possibly do for an entire month on a cruise?" because the onboard activities and cultural enrichments will keep you busy. 

The gym and fitness classes keep active travelers in shape. Let's not forget something as essential to us as oxygen nowadays, Wi-Fi! The signals will be available no matter which corner of the ship you walk towards.  

That's the onboard amenities; what about onshore, then? Travelers get a tour guide included in the package who knows every nook and cranny of the destinations. They'll definitely help you explore the spot to its fullest. While keeping the energy high, the tours also come with the option of an onshore bicycle trip.

Has Uniworld Cancelled Any River Cruises?

Due to the prevalent pandemic and worldwide lockdown policies, the cruise line had to suspend their tours indefinitely in 2021. They canceled the pre-scheduled tours starting from March 2020 to June 2021.

When will Uniworld River Cruises Resume?

The company had already resumed its tours in June 2021 when countries started to reopen their borders for international traveling. Uniworld River Cruises adopted a wait-and-see tactic once the operations had resumed, too, in case of another episode of rising in COVID cases and lockdowns. 

For now, rest assured that Uniworld is currently operating to its full potential. With more and more countries going back to the way things were, the cruise line is ready to embark on multiple journeys in 2022. 

How Much Do Uniworld River Cruises Cost?

You may find several estimated quotes on the internet for Uniworld river cruises. Still, it's best to get an exact quote from the team. 

There's no set price for these cruises, and it depends on the time of the year, destination, number of days, add-on amenities, and the ship, to name a few factors. You'll find packages as low as $1799 and as high as up to $20,000! 

To save a few bucks, you can visit their ' current offers'  section and browse through the sales on upcoming trips. 

Are Uniworld River Cruises worth it?

A cruise line that's luxurious as ever, and reviews that speak the same about it. Uniworld has an established name in the industry. It never tires of the high praises it attains from its travelers. 

Safe to say, only a handful of people rated it anything below a 4-star service, and those, too, mainly because of the canceled trips during peak COVID season. Besides that, occasional reviews added upon the unfriendly behavior of the staff. Overall, we found the reviews of their services to be friendly, professional, and above most people's expectations!

Our Rating: 4.7/5

• 20+ Countries with Multiple Destinations
• All-Inclusive Luxurious Amenities
• Pre-Scheduled Bookings
• Special Offers
• Immersive Cultural Insight
• High Crew-to-Passenger Ratio
• Unpredicted Cancelled Trips
• Occasional Occurrence of Unfriendly Staff

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Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection   Reviews

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Reviews 3.5.

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You cant beat a Uniworld Cruise

Been on 17 Uniworld cruises now and they are all absolutely perfect. The boat are lovely, the staff are great and the trips out everyday are very very enjoyable. Sophie, who works in the Guernsey office, is especially helpful and knows a great deal about the cruises if you want any help. I can not recommend these cruises enough. The only downside I feel is their pricing structure as the prices change a lot and so it feels a little bit like a lottery when you book as you might find 2 weeks later the same cruise is lots cheaper and that can be a bit frustrating especially when your budget is quite tight as mine is.

Date of experience : September 09, 2023

Top quality river cruises - Highly recommended

Top quality river cruises. We have done the Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Rhine and Danube cruises - all different but of excellent standard. Met some great people to share unique travel experiences with. Nothing too much trouble! Highly recommended

Date of experience : May 02, 2023

I booked a cruise to travel this…

I booked a cruise to travel this November, for my birthday. I booked my airfare thru Uniworld also. Thinking it would be best, just in case anything happens one stop to better help me to the cruise and back home. My flight got canceled/changed going to paris. I saw this as a Hiccup at first. I reach out to Uniworld, hoping they could help. Much to my surprise they have had attitude: we have no control on the air. I will not go in details. its sad I was very excited a week ago to go, and now i still going because its paid for and I will hope the for the best on getting there. Their customer service before were great, of course that was before I paid them, now they are awful. If looking for River Cruise Company look for another one. I wish I had.

Date of experience : August 14, 2023

Be very cautious in using this Travel…

Be very cautious in using this Travel Company. Booked a cruise through AAA during the pandemic with every intention of going on the trip. Just before travel date our doctor advised not to travel based on our age and the US State Department had travel warnings out for travel to Europe. Consequently we were forced to cancel. When AAA and I both tried to get back the one half cost of the trip penalty, Uniworld basically told us that 's too bad. Meanwhile our agent at AAA said she had used other travel companies and were able to attain full refunds for her customers during the Pandemic. I still might consider travel abroad but I definitely will not be using Uniworld.

Date of experience : May 20, 2022

Very poor, not what we expected

My wife and I have been on 40+ ocean cruises but this was our first river cruise. We booked with Uniworld as part of the Red Carnation group, a hotel group that we frequent on a regular basis. We booked a Douro River cruise from Porto but was disappointed even before we stepped on the boat. Communication was poor regarding embarkation times and cruise itinerary, the information in our suite was from the previous week. Our main issue was the poor service in the restaurant, lack of organisation and lack of experienced staff. The food was ok but not great, but everything was hard work. At breakfast, if you asked for toast you need to ask for butter or you receive dry bread. If you ask for tea and coffee you must ask for milk and sugar if not you go without. The same for dinner, we were offered wine but no wine glasses on the table and that was the same every night. The restaurant staff were a new team and it showed. After a few days we finally found out the reason for the poor service, the cruise is not a Uniworld Cruise, it’s operated by a local contractor who has the license to operate on the Douro River. The boat and 2 butlers are supplied by Uniworld, everyone else is a local contractor. I did email the CEO of Uniworld with my comments but no reply. This is our first and last Uniworld Cruise.

Date of experience : December 09, 2021

Times change.

Times change. We have been on a Uniworld cruise and it was wonderful. Beautiful boats and excellent crew. Sadly, behind the scenes is a different story. Once we saw an excellent promotional presentation, then the last one was truly amateur. We had two Sales Managers reminiscent of the "Judith Chalmers" character played by Victoria Wood and the promised word from the CEO was a poorly presented video. But it gets worse. In spite of covid and the impact it has had on the travel industry, Uniworld has turned into what looks like a money grabbing holiday bucket shop. We were booked on a Christmas Cruise. When the final payment was due, Hungary and Austria (the bulk of the cruise) were not accepting UK travellers. I asked if we could delay payment until the situation was cleared up. I was told no, and that my only option was to cancel. As a gesture of goodwill (a phrase I hate) Uniworld agreed to hold my deposit as a Future Cruise Credit. No problem there. Now, with there being no tourist access to Austria, the cruise cannot be going ahead. I asked if this meant I could now have my deposit refunded and again was told no. Another cruise company I booked with, not only refunded all my money but gave us a substantial credit by way of apology. The other irritation with Uniworld is the way their pricing is all over the place. We found, after we'd cancelled, that they were offering the cruise for half price. No issue for us, but imagine how those that had paid full price must have been feeling. There are other pricing practices I find unacceptable, but not for here. I have told Uniworld I will book something to use the FCC, but it will be the last holiday I book with them. There are T's and C's, but there is also consideration for the customer.

Date of experience : November 24, 2021

Outstanding top-of-the-line river…

Outstanding top-of-the-line river cruises internationally. They set the standard! The food, tours, and accommodations are truly superb!

Date of experience : July 02, 2022

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The Better Way to Cruise in Venice

Large ocean cruise ships are banned from the city’s historic center but smaller, more environmentally friendly ships can still sail in the venetian lagoon..

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A meal with a view onboard Uniworld’s newly remodeled S.S. “La Venezia.”

Courtesy of Uniworld

When I arrived in Venice to board the first European river cruise to host Americans since the start of the pandemic, I got that coveted and rare look at what this popular destination feels like without any ocean liners in port and minus the thousands of day-trippers they once dropped here on a regular basis.

Before the week was out, a few big ships had come and gone through the heart of the Venetian Lagoon, although those sailings would be short-lived. As of August 1, large ocean liners are banned from the city’s historic center .

But that doesn’t mean you can’t—and shouldn’t—still sail in the Venetian Lagoon.

My weeklong late June sailing on Uniworld Boutique River Cruises ’ new 126-passenger S.S. La Venezia offered a preview of what a unique treat it is to be able to explore Venice and beyond from the luxurious and slow-paced vantage point of one of the few, more environmentally friendly small ships (Uniworld is committed to at least 50 percent of its electricity being renewable by 2025 and banning single-use plastics by 2022, among other sustainability measures ) that will be able to continue to sail past the city’s landmarks and dock just steps away from St. Mark’s Square.

Imagine having your own floating boutique hotel in the heart of Venice.

It wasn’t only the ease of having a floating luxury boutique hotel within walking distance of key attractions that made the cruise so enjoyable, it was also the relaxed nature of Uniworld’s Venice itinerary, which affords a much deeper dive into the destination than the typical, whirlwind day tours that conventional cruise ships and group tour companies offer.

Unlike most European river cruises that depart from one port and end in another, the Venetian Lagoon cruises by Uniworld and one other line, the more economical CroisiEurope, sail roundtrip from Venice. While we made a two-day jaunt up the Po River, the bulk of our cruise was spent in the lagoon, allowing plenty of time to explore Venice and nearby islands during off hours when you can better avoid the day-trippers who will no doubt be back in droves as larger ocean liners carry out plans to return to nearby ports.

I arrived by train from Rome late on a Sunday afternoon, in time to have dinner and take in sunset views of Venice’s waterways and skyline from the top deck.

Your G&T is served to the backdrop of views of Venice and the Italian countryside at the S.S. “La Venezia” bar and lounge.

Pandemic-related protocols

At that time, Italian regulations required a COVID test upon embarkation or within 24 hours of boarding, as well as a second test midweek and another before disembarking. Regulations can change on a dime during the pandemic, however, so travelers should verify what the latest rules are for U.S. cruise passengers in Italy at the time of travel.

Otherwise, protocols were no more intrusive than what most of us have come to expect in the age of COVID. Onboard, masks were required while walking the halls, but could be removed while outside or while seated in the dining and lounge areas.

Off the ship, Italy was still requiring masks both indoors and outside, although the outdoor mask requirement has since been dropped. And as of August 6, tourists and locals alike are required to have Italy’s so-called green pass , showing proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test result in the last 48 hours to visit restaurants and many indoor venues.

Tests are readily available for free at train stations and pop-up clinics across the country and for about $25 at most pharmacies. This makes getting tested while in Italy easy, including for Americans needing the test required by the U.S. government for all international travelers entering the U.S. (including Americans returning home from abroad).

With larger cruise ships banned and fewer tourists due to the pandemic, for the time being you can visit Venice with fewer crowds.

Photo by Gur Tatiana/Shutterstock

Venice minus the masses

While the pandemic-related rules and restrictions can and have changed often in Italy and throughout Europe , I found navigating them well worth the opportunity to explore Venice without the typical tourist crowds.

On Uniworld’s inaugural sailing, there were fewer than 50 people on board, making for a private-yacht-like experience complete with butlers, farm-to-table dining, and small group excursions to some of the region’s most famous sites.

On our first full day in Venice, excursion options included a morning walk in Venice with a tour of the Doge’s Palace, as well as a private evening tour of St. Mark’s Basilica. I spent much of the day wandering the streets of Venice, which were delightfully void of the throngs of cruise passengers I encountered on my last trip here in 2019.

The city’s famed and formerly tourist-clogged canals were practically empty, although gondola captains stood at the ready. Street vendors, restaurants, and shops were mostly open, and there were enough tourists and locals on the streets and the waterfront to create the lively vibe one expects to find in any globally renowned city such as Venice.

The next afternoon we set out toward the Po River, sailing just inside the lagoon, past numerous colorful fishing villages on the barrier islands that separate the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea.

Uniworld’s Venice sailings also take passengers to more remote stretches along Italy’s Po River.

Stops included Chioggia, known as little Venice, where I joined a cycling excursion that took us on a relaxing 90-minute ride across two islands and to the channel that connects the lagoon to the Adriatic Sea.

The next day’s included excursion was a day trip to Bologna, complete with a pasta-making class.

The following day it was back to Chioggia, where we spent the morning wandering the village’s weekly street market before setting sail into the lagoon for an overnight stop at Uniworld’s new, private dock on Burano, which offers easy on-and-off walking access to the island best-known for its colorful houses and lacemakers.

The final two days allowed for leisurely sailing and solo or group exploration around Venice and the lagoon. Excursion options included a trip to one of Murano’s famed glass-blowing centers.

The entire experience reminded me what is so wonderful about small-ship cruising (the great service, the carefree nature of not having to pack and unpack more than once, the slower pace), and what I don’t miss about larger ships, especially in a place as magical and threatened as Venice.

Perhaps somewhat ironically, the S.S. La Venezia is Uniworld’s top-to-bottom overhaul of the River Countess , which made headlines when it was rammed by a cruise ship in 2019 as it sat docked in the heat of Venice. That accident renewed years-long calls for the recently enacted ban on large ships.

Many of the guests on my cruise had originally been scheduled to sail just after that collision, which took the ship out of service for a few months before its already planned upgrade. Instead, they got to sail on the newly refurbished ship with a perhaps once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the region at its uncrowded best.

>> Next: 4 Ways to Explore Venice Responsibly

The Scoop: What to Know About Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Personal service, a focus on great food, and wellness offerings set this river cruise company apart..

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River cruise company Uniworld Boutique River Cruises  offers luxury river cruises to destinations throughout Europe, Egypt, Asia, and South America. With one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the river cruise industry, the company is known for its personal service, cuisine made with fresh locally sourced ingredients, and wellness offerings.

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The company was acquired in 2004 by The Travel Corporation (owner of Trafalgar, Contiki, and more than a dozen other tour companies), and investments were made in the ships and other features to create a boutique hotel experience on the water modeled after sister company Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Ships feature artwork and decor inspired by the waterways on which they travel.

TourScoop Takeaways

• Destinations: 12 itineraries/four continents
• Tour Size Average: Ships have an average capacity of 120 guests
• Tour Type: River cruise

How to Book

You can browse and book on the  Uniworld Boutique River Cruises  website. Request a quote or click “Book Now” to begin the booking process.

Once you’ve filled out all the necessary information and provided payment information, you’ll receive a booking confirmation via email. You can also book through a travel professional.

Credibility Check

Uniworld has received multiple  awards and accolades  over the years and was named best river cruise line by Travel + Leisure (in 2021, 2019, and 2018) and Cruise Critic (in 2018, 2016, and 2015). It has a  Cruise Critic user ranking  of 4.3 out of 5 and rates 5 out 5 on TravelStride. 

Tour Destinations

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises offers 12 different itineraries in 2024 and 12 for 2025 where travelers can explore destinations such as Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Central Europe, Peru, Egypt, Southeast Asia, and India.

WHAT TO PACK: 10 Essentials for Your Next River Cruise

Itineraries are offered for eight- to 10-day trips or 15-plus-day excursions, with some options for pre- and post-cruise extensions. Tailored to the location and time of year, they include activities like guided city tours, wine tastings, local cuisine experiences, and active excursions.

Uniworld also offers an annual “Rivers of the World” 55-day sailing that that travels across three continents and to 10 countries aboard four different luxury ships.

Uniworld’s river cruises navigate waterways such as the Danube, Rhine, Ganges, Nile, and Mekong Rivers on destination-inspired ships where no two suites are the same (though all feature butler service and large all-marble baths). Itineraries include land excursions hosted by English-speaking local experts, cultural enrichment activities, and onboard meals and local entertainment. 

Tour Guides

Uniworld’s tour guides provide travelers with authentic, immersive experiences and a local perspective of the destinations on each itinerary. The company’s “Nights Out” excursions include private after-hours tours of popular attractions and local nightlife experiences, while its “Let’s Go” excursions feature activities like walking, hiking, cycling, and kayaking. Passengers also have the opportunity to book customizable, private excursions.

What’s Included

• Most meals, including welcome and farewell receptions and dinners
• Unlimited beverages onboard, including wine and spirits
• A choice of excursions, with bicycles and walking sticks for onshore use
• Ship-wide internet and Wi-Fi
• Onboard fitness centers and wellness classes
• Onboard entertainment
• Airport transfers
• Gratuities 

What’s Not Included

• Optional pre- and post-cruise extensions
• Optional excursions
• Spa services
• “Bon voyage” gifts like birthday cakes, chocolates, and wine

Typical Travelers

Uniworld caters primarily to an adult demographic, with a typical age range of mid-30s to seniors. The  Generations Collection  of sailings offers itineraries created for families with activities specially designed for kids.

Communication

Travelers can contact Uniworld at 800-257-2407 or via the Guest Relations email. The website offers a range of important pre-trip information, and there’s also customer service dedicated to after-hours and emergency support.

Loyalty Program

Uniworld is a member of The Travel Corporation (TTC), which offers a loyalty program called the  River Heritage Club . Travelers can become members after completing their first Uniworld Boutique River Cruise, and members receive exclusive benefits and recognition that includes perks like priority notification of new programs and cruises, special onboard amenities, access to member-only events, and complimentary laundry service. 

Sustainability Efforts

Uniworld’s  commitment to sustainability  includes a goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 and efforts to eliminate more than 60 types of single-use plastic.

It’s also partnering with Leanpath to cut down on food waste onboard its ships and offers “Make Travel Matter” experiences on cruises that provide positive environmental or social impacts on travelers and destinations and support one or more of the United Nation’s Global Goals.

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The company works with local artisans and small businesses everywhere it travels and has a sustainability officer overseeing these efforts.

Health and Safety Practices

Uniworld offers a  Travel Protection Plan  available for purchase that allows travelers to cancel up to one day prior to their first Uniworld-arranged travel date for any reason and receive a future travel certificate. Full refunds are available for select covered reasons, and travelers are also covered if they become sick while traveling and need to return home. Passengers can find the most current travel requirements and health and safety info for the countries they’ll be visiting on the Uniworld website.

Family Companies

Uniworld is part of  The Travel Corporation  family of companies, which also includes Trafalgar, Contiki, and Brendan Vacations.

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• 10 Best Tour Companies for Solo Travel
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Uniworld Reviews: What To Expect During Your River Cruising

By: Author Dan Bagby

Posted on Published: September 11, 2023

If you’ve ever taken an interest in going on a river cruise, one of the standout providers may have been Uniworld. Offering boutique river cruises across a huge range of destinations, Uniworld boasts outstanding service and a luxury experience for all its guests.

With 18 gorgeous river cruise ships, each built to blend seamlessly with the region they travel to, and a selection of great itineraries across a range of amazing destinations worldwide, Uniworld River Cruises is a major operator within the river cruising industry. Founded in 1976, this California-based cruise company has a strong presence not only in North America but for those who enjoy cruising all around the globe. They have a strong customer base and strive to provide new and exciting cruises to their long-time customers.

Whether you’re new to river cruising, or just checking out Uniworld as an option for a future river cruise, you may be wondering what to expect when traveling with them. To help you out, we’ve done the legwork for you, researching forums, review boards, and various cruise websites to bring you everything people love (and some of the things they don’t) about traveling with Uniworld, so you can get all the information you need before you book that dream getaway.

Uniworld River Cruises Cost

Whilst at first blush, Uniworld cruises seem to be quite pricey, they’re actually very good value.

Uniworld cruises are all-inclusive and cost, on average, somewhere between $2000 and $4000 per person, depending on the length of the cruise, the itinerary, and the time of year you plan on traveling. Having everything included for this price actually makes them excellent value as a provider of boutique luxury cruises, as can they include everything from flights to overseas transfers to personal butler service, alongside unlimited premium beverages and inclusion of all gratuities, three splendid meals a day and even Uniworld exclusive personalized excursions.

If you’re looking to keep costs low, however, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind. Holiday and themed cruises, for example, tend to be a bit pricier than a standard river cruise. So if you’re not set on going on a themed river cruise, it’s much better to keep costs low by going on a standard Uniworld River Cruise.

Uniworld Cruise Experience

Uniworld ships and itineraries are designed to truly blend in with the rivers they are designed for. From stunning French interiors aboard the S.S. Joie de Vivre which cruises the stunning rivers of France, to the iconic hand-painted murals aboard the Ganges Voyager II which cruises through India.

There’s a great range of activities and entertainment options available onboard, as well as a great range of dining options to enjoy.

Uniworld is a great option if you’re planning on staying a little longer in a certain city either before your cruise commences, or at the end of your trip. This is because the company allows you to truly make the most of your getaway by offering guests the option to extend their getaway by adding accommodation for a few extra days in a variety of amazing historic cities all across the world.

Be sure to adhere to the onboard dress code in all areas of the ship.

Uniworld Cruise Food & Drink Review

As Uniworld fares are all-inclusive, guests can enjoy a great range of food and drink options aboard their ship at no extra cost! Uniworld offers unlimited drinks including fine regional beers and wines, as well as handcrafted cocktails made with premium spirits.

Another great feature aboard Uniworld is that menus are inspired by the region you’re visiting and prepared with local ingredients. Although menus are pre-planned to match up with the destinations, they can still be adapted to suit dietary requirements or preferences, so long as you provide enough notice before sailing. 

Uniworld Cruise Entertainment & Onboard Activities

Since river cruises only travel short distances between destinations, guests typically spend most of their time on land exploring, eating on board, or sleeping, so there isn’t much need for onboard activities. That said, there’s a great selection of onboard libraries and lounges across the fleet, where guests can relax with a good book or chat with fellow guests on the journeys between destinations.

After arriving at a new destination, guess can enjoy guided walking tours, try some local cuisine, or visit local landmarks.

If you’re planning on traveling with Uniworld, you may be pleased to know that you’ll get the opportunity to enjoy exclusive access to a range of museums and popular landmarks without the regular tourist crowds, thanks to their after-hours tours. There’s also a great variety of fun nights out to be had in the cities boasting great nightlife scenes, such as Prague and Amsterdam, which are pre-planned by the company to ensure everyone has a great time whilst staying safe.

Whilst Uniworld only offers river cruises, most of which are more tailored towards the enjoyment of adults, both young and old , Uniworld also offers a variety of family cruises, which place emphasis on catering to a great getaway filled with family fun. With the family-friendly cruises, you can enjoy movie nights, game rooms, complimentary bike hire for use on land, and even kids menus at the dinner tables.

Family cruises also offer onboard cultural activities aimed at young cruisers and teenagers, such as classes where they can learn to cook dishes or learn the language of the local region they are traveling in.

What Guests Liked Most About Cruising With Uniworld

Reviews for Uniworld are generally very good, with an overall rating of 4.3 / 5 on CruiseCritic. 

Guests generally enjoyed experiencing regions fully and surrounding themselves with like-minded people on their vacation. Many reviewers stated that their experience traveling with Uniworld was fabulous and amazing and that the guided tours taken with Uniworld whilst on-shore were fun, relaxed, and informative.

Guests commented on how attentive the staff were, with fast, friendly, and professional service from both the wait staff and the bar staff.

What Guests Didn’t Like About Cruising With Uniworld

As most of the reviews for Uniworld are very good, there are only a few issues that seem to be a common theme with guests.

A lot of guests were unhappy with how much travel time was done onboard a bus, be this to and from activities and excursions, or even to meet the boat at a port if the ship was delayed.

Some guests also complained of large groups onboard dominating the limited spaces on the excursions, however, this is not a common issue.

Still thinking of booking a cruise with Uniworld? Talk to one of our trusted river cruise agents to plan your perfect trip!

He is an expert travel advisor and enthusiast. He has traveled extensively in the USA, Central America, South America, and Europe. He has visited every Sandals Resort and is one of a select few Diamond Elite members of the Sandals Chairman’s Royal Club. Dan graduated from Johnson & Wales University with an associate degree in Culinary Arts. Later he graduated from the University of Utah with a bachelor’s degree in International Studies with a focus on people and culture.

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Why Uniworld is the best in the world for river cruises

The cruise line our discerning, nay f ussy, travel editor can't fault

Offering an exceptional travel experience, even beyond cruise holidays , Uniworld's offering left us in awe after we experienced the cruise line for the first time on a seven-night Venetian cruise on its stunning ship, S.S. La Venezia ( try it with celebrated chef Tom Kerridge next year ).

We're not the only ones to be blown away by the company, either. The boutique cruise line has dozens of awards and accolades under its belt, including the Best River Cruise Line award in the prestigious Telegraph Travel Awards and a top three spot in Travel & Leisure's World’s Best Awards .

There's simply nothing else like it, perhaps because it is a cruise line founded by a five-star boutique hotel brand, which believes 'no request is too large and no detail is too small.' Everything from the service to the food is delivered to impress and once you take to the water with Uniworld, you are unlikely to ever look back.

To give us the most authentic feel for the river cruise line, which attracts only the few in search of extraordinary holidays, we explored the ship from top to bottom (including going below deck in the most luxurious way possible) and spent a week hearing first-hand what guests from, Kent to Australia, thought of the company before we felt confident to declare Uniworld as the world's best river cruise line.

With a high returning guest rate (it's not unheard of to be sailing with guests who are on their seventh or even their 50th Uniworld cruise) and staff who are proud to say "we don't consider ourselves to have any competitors," this is the bucket list cruise line you'll want to tick off again and again.

Read on for our honest review of why Uniworld is the best river cruise line in the world…

The style and decor

Stepping onto a Uniworld ship is like entering a boutique hotel - but better. The style is as elegant and refined as it gets, with the finest details and luxury wherever you turn. Uniworld's small ships take inspiration from their destinations, complementing their surroundings while maintaining the sophistication of the brand. Modelled after sister company Red Carnation Hotels, which has the likes of Rubens at the Palace in London and The Oyster Box in South Africa among its collection, the ships are essentially luxury hotels on water.

You won't hear loud announcements and the high staff-to-guest ratio means you're not just a number - they'll remember your name. You can expect the finest decor, with bespoke fabric, original works of art and beautiful antiques. On La Venezia, the fabrics are by Venetian maker Fortuny and the chandeliers and mirrors made from Murano glass.

The suites throughout Uniworld ships have marble bathrooms, and in every room or suite an incredibly comfortable Savoir bed awaits for restful nights on the water.

The destinations

While we're almost certain we could enjoy a Uniworld cruise, wherever it's heading, the river cruise specialist does its utmost to bring travellers the most gorgeous locations to explore in style. Want to visit Venice and its islands ? Uniworld will take you to discover the highlights and see the islands many tourists haven't heard of. Fancy experiencing a Nile cruise ? You can tick off the Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings and the sounds and sights of Cairo while enjoying the luxuries of Uniworld.

Or, maybe you have a far-flung cruise in mind? Uniworld's Mekong River cruise in Cambodia and Vietnam takes you to ancient temples and gives you the chance to meet local villagers, while sleeping in five-star surroundings on stunning ship, Mekong Jewel.

The cruise line's Bordeaux (with TV's Monica Galetti), Danube and Douro itineraries are other fantastic itineraries guests keep returning for.

We can't praise Uniworld's staff enough and neither can other guests. Guest Deb, from Pennsylvania, who has been on six Uniworld cruises, told us: "Every staff member makes you feel special. They really want to make your experience wonderful." Meanwhile, Joanne, from New Jersey, said: "The staff get to know you quickly and intuit what you want and need. They bring you something before even you know you want it. I don't think you get the same attention at a hotel."

With a 1 to 2.4 staff-to-guest ratio, it's clear that service is a high priority for Uniworld, but as Joanne added, "they're helpful but not in your face."

Wendy, from Warwickshire, told us how she would frequently help herself to the orange water available for guests at the bar and one time made a passing comment to the bar staff about how much she enjoyed the drink. By the end of the day, she found a carafe of orange water in her suite.

Another guest, Charlotte, from New Hampshire, described the staff like a "relative who knows you, knows your likes and your dislikes," saying that it makes the cruise "special."

The incredible excursions

While life on board the ship is a joy, stepping off a Uniworld cruise will leave you with fabulous memories you can't miss. Uniworld cruises are packed with carefully-curated included and optional excursions, which include after-hours tours of popular attractions (the perfect way to skip the queues), walking tours that provide a look at local life, and the privilege of meeting working people in their workshops.

During our cruise, we had an outstanding after-hours visit of Basilica di San Marco, one of Venice's most popular sites, where we had the cathedral to ourselves and were able to bask in the tranquility and beauty of this world-famous attraction after the crowds had left.

One solo guest, who wished to enjoy Uniworld's excursions at her own pace, told us that she had booked the same cruise twice, back-to-back, so she could spread out her days and ensure she didn't miss out on anything.

The butler service

While you'll be treated to a personalised experience regardless of the cabin you book, suite guests on Uniworld cruises have the benefit of their very own butler who will take this service to another level. Working to the motto that 'no request is too large, no detail is too small,' the suite butlers, trained to the standards required by Buckingham Palace, do everything they can to make you feel important.

Whether you would like a special dinner organised just for you and your loved one, or a private sabering ceremony (a champagne sabering ceremony by the ship's butler at the start of a sailing is a Uniworld tradition), your wish is their command.

While we didn't have any extravagant requests for butler Marko during our time on La Venezia, we knew he was at our service for anything we needed, whether it was a cup of tea brought to our room, or help unpacking our suitcase.

The behind-the-scenes dinner

If you've always wanted to see what life is like below deck, Uniworld has the most luxurious way to do it. Its Progressive Dinners (extra charge, with a maximum of 10 passengers) take you to the bridge to find out about life as a captain, from the captain himself. The dinners are usually a surprise so stop reading now if you'd prefer no spoilers...

They might take you into the kitchen to see how the ship's elaborate meals are meticulously prepared. A look inside the steaming hot engine could be part of the tour, as well as a chat with the laundry staff and a peek at the staff room. The best part is tucking into a different dish along the way, culminating with your main meal in the ship's private dining room, all while meeting the wonderful people who make the cruise holiday perfect.

The thoughtful touches

Whether its sustainability, guest safety or satisfying your hunger, Uniworld goes above and beyond. You'll find compostable slippers and a gifted water bottle for each guest to stay hydrated while caring for the environment. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are elaborate enough, with a varied selection and locally sourced ingredients used to create delicious feasts, but if you find yourself feeling peckish in between, the Panini Bar has pastries and fruit you can help yourself to and panini that are made to order.

Another observation we made was the care and attention of the tour managers on the excursions. During our after-hours tour of Basilica di San Marco, the tour manager stood at the entrance of the crypt, with its low ceiling, and warned each and every guest to watch their head as they made their way down the stairs.

Back on the ship, the housekeeping team are nicknamed 'fairies' for being in and out of the rooms without a peep. Then there's the River Heritage Club that rewards your loyalty with complimentary laundry, cocktail parties and savings on your next trip.

You really can't fault it

After many conversations with other guests, we failed to find a reason not to love Uniworld. Not only do the staff think of everything a guest could possibly need before they've thought of it themselves, but they continue to look for ways to improve.

We received a feedback form on day two of the cruise (naturally, we struggled to provide anything negative) but one of our new friends told us that she mentioned that she would have liked some Greek yoghurt and additional healthy options at the breakfast buffet. The next morning and every morning for the rest of the cruise, there was Greek yoghurt and a large selection of fruit at the table.

Good Housekeeping has partnered with Uniworld to bring you two exclusive cruises for you to experience the world's best river cruise line for yourself. In April 2024, you can sail the Venetian Lagoon with chef Tom Kerridge .

And between November 2023 and March 2024, you can explore the Mekong River and save £500 .

FIND OUT MORE

You can also sail Bordeaux in style while sipping fine wine and getting to know TV's Monica Galetti during a visit to a farmers' market in April 2024.

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A CRUISE ON THE DOURO RIVER—ONE EUROPE’S MOST SCENIC RIVERS—FEATURES ART, HISTORY AND FABULOUS WINE

By jeri clausing | march 22, 2024 | 6 min read.

AAA Travel Advisors can provide vacation planning guidance to make your next trip unforgettable. Find a Travel Advisor

CRUISING WITH UNIWORLD Portugal is just one of the many fascinating destinations that you can explore on a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise. The cruise line also plies the rivers in France, Italy, Spain and throughout Central Europe as well as in Peru, Egypt, India, Vietnam and Cambodia. THE SUPERLATIVE SAO GABRIEL The SS São Gabriel is one of Uniworld’s newer ships. Although it’s also one of its smallest with just 50 cabins, there are still several choices in stateroom sizes, including 16 suites that come with 24-hour butler service that includes anything from shining your shoes to unpacking and repacking your suitcase.     All food and beverages, including premium spirits, are included. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style, while dinners are full-service fine-dining experiences.  All meals include a variety of international and Portuguese dishes.     My favorite spot on the ship was the sprawling sun deck, which has a swimming pool and a mix of uncovered and shaded lounge chairs, couches and tables. There’s also a small spa and well-equipped fitness center.

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Rivers of the World Cruise

55 days | lima to ho chi minh city.

• Dates and Pricing
• Ship Detail

• 10 countries

Our Rivers of the World Cruise is back in 2024 with an even longer, farther-reaching itinerary!

This 55-day odyssey will span three continents and four luxurious ships, taking 40 adventurous guests to some of our favorite destinations as well as new-to-Uniworld locales.

Sail one of the most biodiverse environments on earth, the Amazon Rainforest, visit the famous “Lost City” of Machu Picchu, witness the cascading waters of the largest waterfall system on earth at Iguazu Falls, and stay at Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach—and that’s just part one. You’ll move on to take in breathtaking cities across Central Europe, sip the celebrated wines of Burgundy and Provence, explore the ruins of the Khmer Empire in Cambodia, hit the bustling streets of Vietnam, and so much more on this one-in-a-lifetime journey.

• Embark/Disembark

The Details

From October 3 to November 26, 2024, you’ll travel from Lima to Ho Chi Minh City over 54 nights.

The Destinations

Across South America, Europe, and Southeast Asia, you’ll discover a total of 10 countries all in one trip.

The Accommodations

Each of your Super Ships for this journey is a gorgeously appointed floating boutique hotel, designed to reflect the destinations it sails.

The Inclusions

Our usual host of all-inclusive luxury amenities, plus Welcome and Farewell events, a dedicated Traveling Concierge, special experiences, and flights between each leg of the cruise. *

The Itinerary

Ship: Aqua Nera Destination: Peru, Argentina, Brazil Days: 16 You’ll begin your journey in the awe-inspiring Peruvian Amazon, starting with a land stay at the Country Club Lima Hotel before boarding the Aqua Nera . Following your 6-night sailing in the lush “mirrored forest,” you’ll continue on to stay at the Tambo del Inka hotel in the Sacred Valley, visiting Cusco and the inimitable Machu Picchu. Complete your stay in South America with two Rivers of the World exclusives: a stay on the Brazilian/Argentinian border for unbeatable views of the Iguazu Falls and another at the Belmond Copacabana Palace in Rio de Janeiro.

Depart from Brazil on October 18 and arrive in the Netherlands on October 19.

Ship: S.S. Beatrice Destination: Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary Days: 16 We have another treat in store for you upon your arrival in the Netherlands. To elevate our wonderful European Jewels itinerary even further, we’re moving one of our favorite Super Ships, the S.S. Beatrice all the way to the Rhine. From there, you’ll sail through no less than four countries in just 16 days, getting a taste for the varied delights of Central Europe along the way. And to enhance your sailing even further, Rivers of the World guests will find our Masterpiece Collection Private Mozart & Strauss Concert in Austria, normally available at an additional cost, automatically included just for them.

Depart from Hungary on November 3 and arrive in France later the same day.

Ship: S.S. Catherine Destination: France Days: 8 Next, we’ll slow things down for an indulgent sailing through France, with eight days to soak in the easy-going luxuries of Burgundy & Provence. Fine wine and cuisine reign supreme in this part of the world, and a river cruise is the ideal way to experience it all in style. Another Masterpiece Collection experience has been included for our Rivers of the World guests on this journey: truffle hunting at a family farm in the village of Grignan, with a tasting of the famous “black diamonds” accompanied by local wine.

Depart from France on November 10 and arrive in Vietnam on November 11.

Ship: Mekong Jewel Destination: Vietnam, Cambodia Days: 16 Cap off your expedition in style with a grand voyage through Vietnam and Cambodia. Begin with two nights at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi and one night sailing the island-studded waters of Ha Long Bay, then take a short flight down to eclectic Siem Reap. Here, you’ll trek through ancient temple complexes, explore colorful markets, and stay at the absolute oasis that is the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Golf & Spa Resort. Then board the artfully airy Mekong Jewel to cruise the Mekong River and the unique villages of its delta. Your final stop? The Park Hyatt Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City, where a dinner with a spectacular panoramic view at the Chill Sky Bar is amongst our Rivers of the World exclusive highlights.

View Our 2024 Rivers of the World Day-to-Day Itinerary

For more information or to book, please contact your Travel Advisor or call our reservations line at 1-800-257-2407 .

*Does not include pre-/post-trip flights.

Note: All internal flights on this trip are included in your fare and are booked as economy class tickets. If you would like to inquire about upgrading your seats where available, please contact our Reservations Team at 1-800-257-2407 .

Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays, or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your final day-to-day schedule will be provided onboard on the first day of your cruise.

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There's a new option for a river cruise through Portugal's wine country

Editor's Note

Avalon Waterways is the latest river cruise line to launch sailings on the Douro.

The Denver-based brand on Thursday unveiled its first vessel on the vineyard-lined river in Portugal, which has been one of river cruising's fastest-growing destinations in recent years.

Dubbed Avalon Alegria, the 102-passenger ship will sail seven-night voyages on the Douro out of Porto, Portugal, starting next week.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Stops on the voyages will include the river towns of Regua, Pinhao and Pocinho, which serve as gateways for visits to the many wineries and historic sites that line the Douro River Valley.

Avalon executives unveiled Avalon Alegria on Thursday during a naming ceremony along the waterfront of Pinhao that included an appearance by former "Saturday Night Live" comedienne Cheri Oteri.

Oteri served as godmother of the vessel during the ceremony.

"It's like my wedding day. I've never been so honored and flattered," Oteri told nearly 100 invited guests at the start of the ceremony after being escorted into the event on the arm of an Avalon executive.

Sticking with the wedding analogy, the Primetime Emmy Award-nominated funny woman joked that "tonight, if the ship's a-rockin', don't come a-knockin'."

Later in the ceremony, Oteri cut a white ribbon that sent a bottle of sparkling Portuguese Cava smashing against Avalon Alegria's hull.

Avalon tapped Oteri to christen Avalon Alegria because of her work bringing happiness and joy into the world as a comedienne and actress, Avalon President Pam Hoffee said at the event.

"Alegria" means "happiness" in Portuguese, Hoffee noted.

"When we named our ship happiness ... we couldn't have thought of a better godmother than Cheri Oteri," Hoffee said.

The ceremony mostly took place inside the ship's main lounge due to pouring rain outside. It was followed by a reception and gala dinner on board.

Built at a shipyard in Portugal, Avalon Alegria is part of Avalon's popular Suite Class of ships, which began debuting in 2011 and features a large number of extra-wide cabins called Panorama Suites.

Related: Why I still think Avalon Waterways has the best cabins in river cruising

Avalon Alegria has 37 Panorama Suites, which offer 200 square feet of living space. That's about 30% more square footage than the standard river ship cabin.

Avalon has long touted the Panorama Suites as a key difference between its vessels and those of other river lines in Europe that cater to North Americans. The suites make up nearly 80% of the cabins on Avalon's Suite Class ships and have several unusual features. Among them: floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall panoramic windows that stretch 11 feet wide and open up 7 feet wide.

Founded in 2004, 20-year-old Avalon is known for a young fleet of ships with a stylish, contemporary design, and Avalon Alegria is no exception. Public areas feature modern furniture, clean lines and lots of glass walls that flood the spaces with light.

Among the standout features of Avalon Alegria is the line's first decktop pool.

Avalon Alegria is notably smaller than the typical Avalon ship, as it was designed specifically to fit into the locks and under the bridges that line the Douro River.

Like other river cruise lines that cater to North Americans, including AmaWaterways, Uniworld River Cruises and Viking, Avalon has grown notably over the past two decades. With the addition of Avalon Alegria, it now has 15 ships in Europe. It also operates one ship in Asia on the Mekong River.

Attendees at Thursday's unveiling included leaders of some of North America's biggest travel agency groups, local officials, the ship's designers and builders, and Avalon executives.

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Grand Christmas & New Year's

13 days | nuremberg to budapest.

4.5/5   26 reviews

• Dates and Pricing
• Ship Details

Choose when you want to travel

Sunday December 22, 2024

Nuremberg to Budapest

End Date: Fri Jan 3, 2025 Friday January 3, 2025

Pricing displayed above is Single Occupancy Pricing. Click here to view Standard/Double Occupancy Pricing.

• Prices exclude additional port charges of $380 per person.

Book early for the best pricing and availability.

Available offers.

River Heritage Club savings and amenities are available to guests after completing their first Uniworld cruise. Exclusive savings are based on the cruise or cruise/tour-only price (including any upgrades and single supplement). Savings are combinable with all current Uniworld promotions. All applicable discounts are applied sequentially; fixed savings amounts are deducted prior to applying any percentage-based discounts. Restrictions may apply.

• All fares are per guest in US dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
• Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.
• Availability of all stateroom categories cannot be guaranteed.
• Single Supplement applies for single accommodation.
• Itineraries, hotels, and vessels may change, and substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to water level fluctuations and other uncontrollable factors.
• The order of sightseeing and docking ports are subject to change according to port authority assignments.

S.S. Beatrice

Royal suite rhine deck.

Stateroom Category 1 /6

Royal Suite - S.S. Beatrice

Royal Suite Floorplan - S.S. Beatrice

• Luxurious riverview royal suite (390 sq ft - 36.2 sq m) with spacious living room
• Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat and flat-screen TV with infotainment center
• Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, separate rain shower and tub, plush towels, towel warmers and a secluded toilet area
• Additional amenities and service include: in-suite butler service; packing and unpacking assistance; in-room breakfast; daily fruit and cookie plate, and an elegant evening snack; Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas; fully stocked mini bar; bottle of wine upon arrival; shoe shine; and free laundry service

Grand Suite Rhine Deck

Stateroom Category 2 /6

Grand Suite - S.S. Beatrice

Grand Suite Floorplan - S.S. Beatrice

• Luxurious riverview grand suite (310 sq ft - 28.8 sq m)
• Grand suites include handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat and flat-screen TV with infotainment center
• Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, a rain shower and tub, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirror and a secluded toilet area

Suite Rhine Deck

Stateroom Category 3 /6

Suite - S.S. Beatrice

Suite Floorplan - S.S. Beatrice

• Luxurious riverview suite (225 sq ft - 20.9 sq m)
• Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, comfortable bathrobes and slippers
• Additional amenities and services include in-suite butler service, packing and unpacking assistance, in-room breakfast, daily fruit and cookie plate and an elegant evening snack, Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas, fully stocked mini bar, bottle of wine upon request, shoeshine, and free laundry service

Deluxe French Balcony Rhine Deck

Stateroom Category 4 /6

Deluxe French Balcony - S.S. Beatrice

Deluxe French Balcony Floorplan - S.S. Beatrice

• Luxurious riverview stateroom (150 sq ft - 14 sq m) with a French balcony
• Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center
• Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

French Balcony Danube Deck

Stateroom Category 5 /6

French Balcony - S.S. Beatrice

French Balcony Floorplan - S.S. Beatrice

Classic moselle deck.

Stateroom Category 6 /6

Classic Floorplan - S.S. Beatrice

• Luxurious riverview stateroom (150 sq ft - 14 sq m)

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