Arguably one of the most luxurious river cruises on the market, Uniworld is undeniably sumptuous. But lavish is just a small part of the pleasure. These journeys deliver on every level.
With 18 vessels in their arsenal and an entire index of destinations to quench your thirst for adventure, Uniworld can take you on a voyage to every corner of the globe. Travelling at an idyllically slow pace - on-board ships that are nothing short of perfect.
1. Surprising experiences
The wonderful thing about travelling with Uniworld is you get the chance to experience every holiday highlight you’ve ever dreamed about. Whether that’s the Palace of Versailles, Venetian canals, or simply a big bowl of authentic Bolognaise in Bologna. But you’re also treated to a wealth of cultural surprises you never knew you’d find; vinegar tasting in a tiny pocket of European countryside; an unexpected organ concert in a Medieval church. While there may be plentiful other river ships all forging the same route as your own, very few offer as many unique cultural encounters as Uniworld
2. Unexpected excursions
For all those who think they have an aversion to cruise excursions - for fear that you will be shepherded from one heaving tourist attraction to the next, Uniworld is far from conventional. Every evening you’ll find a daily program on your bed, detailing the following day’s (optional) onshore schedule. From vineyard escapades to wine inductions in the stony enclave of a chateau cellar, excursions are always intimate, while Uniworld’s advanced listening equipment removes any need to congregate like school children around your guide. Of course you may prefer to stay dockside, basking in the sunlight on the ship’s deck - your third gin and slim mere centimetres away.
3. Unorthodox but utterly beautiful décor
Uniworld rebel against the trend for total minimalism and embrace a décor that is undisputedly flamboyant. With a focus on the destinations visited, the fleet’s 18 vessels all adhere to the culture and history of the places they encounter. From ships that take inspiration from a baroque Viennese palace to interiors that imitate 20th Century Paris, with Uniworld you’ll find splendour at every ruffle duster and doorknob. Interiors are never replicated, so no two boats are the same. On the River Queen you’ll find one of only few European ships to boast a working fireplace, whereas the 128-passenger Joie de Vivre features a Parisian style bistro. Couple that with original artworks from Picasso through to Chagall and you have an opulent decor worthy of applause.
4. Culinary excellence
Wake up and saunter down to the dining room for breakfast. As well as fresh coffee and a full self-service buffet, there’s also a team of chefs ready to cook up your eggs any way you like them. Even the porridge is blow-your-mind delicious. Lunches are a similar affair, with buffet options offering regional favourites. Dinners are open seating and smart-casual, erring more on the side of casual. Descend on the dining room with a good appetite because dinners are at least four courses. Wine is complimentary and you’re unlikely to ever see the bottom of your glass, while the food is fresh, locally sought and features an international array of flavours.
5. Guestrooms you won’t want to leave
Savoir® of England beds, a menu of pillow options, bathroom products by L’Occident de Provence. Your guestroom aboard Uniworld is as decadently decked out as the rest of the ship. Opt for an open-air balcony and you can spend the entire day admiring a passing water scene with beautiful river-fronting villages as a backdrop. With spacious interiors and immaculate bathrooms, Uniworld’s lavishly appointed guestrooms are as much of a highlight as the cruise’s excursions and the cuisine. On most ships, both room service and on-demand movies are complimentary, so at day’s end, wrap yourself up in a soft Uniworld robe, dim the lights and order a nice glass of red. Your flat-screen TV was made for a vintage classic - Greta Garbo we’re looking at you.
6. Little differences make the biggest impact
Uniworld is without doubt one of the most luxurious boutique cruises to navigate the world’s smaller waterways. You’ll travel at a slow pace and in complete style, with an endless array of unique experiences. Whether it’s the heated pool in the on-board wellness area, the 125 metre girth of Joie de Vivre which, albeit narrower than most river boats, allows her to moor in the very centre of Paris, or the inclusive pricing which includes all drinks, excursions, tips and Wi-Fi, there’s something special to be found on every ship and itinerary. From French film nights to a jaw-dropping blue chandelier hanging in the two-storey foyer S.S. Antoinette, every moment provides the Uniworld wow-factor.
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