Why River Cruising: The Uniworld Experience

Thanks for joining me on this introduction to Uniworld and the wonderful world of river cruising.  I’m going to share some of the features that make Uniworld and this amazing mode of travel so popular. Whether you’ve never cruised a river before, or are a seasoned navigator, my hope is that this information inspires you to visit places you’ve never been, and to experience all that Uniworld has to offer in Europe and around the globe.  

First of all, river cruising is not at all like open-water cruising. So, if like many people, your cruise experiences have been mainly on modern ocean-going megaships, then prepare yourself for something completely different. River cruising, with its intimate scale and elegance, combines beautiful ships, upscale service, and storied destinations to provide a holistic experience that really connects you to people, places, cuisines, and culture.

Although there are many options to choose from when it comes to river cruising, I have both a personal and professional passion for Uniworld. We’ve tried all the options, and while we’ve never had a bad experience, Uniworld sets a different standard for their ships, their service, and their commitment to sustainability. Ready to learn more? Let’s go!

·      It’s not a megaship! So back to the obvious! While modern cruise ships can carry over 4000 passengers, Uniworld ships have an average capacity of just 120 passengers. This means more space for you and a more intimate on-board experience. This also translates to an amazing 1:2.3 passenger-to-crew ratio. 

·      It’s Included! I don’t know about you, but the worst part of an ocean cruise for me is typically the last day when I get my bill for my on-board expenses. Ugh. Uniworld is different. No nickel and diming. From shore excursions to cocktails, you’re covered. While river cruise fares can be more expensive than ocean cruising fares, this inclusivity often mitigates the total expense you pay for a more refined and meaningful cruise experience.

·      There’s no cookie cutter! Every Uniworld vessel is a one-of-a-kind boutique hotel, replete with elegant décor, original artwork, and the incredible attention to detail the company is known for. While the core amenities don’t change, each ship you experience will bring you a new, unforgettable environment to explore and enjoy. 

·      An unrivaled culinary experience! Unlike typical cruise ships, every meal on the river with Uniworld brings farm fresh ingredients to your table. Your chef will source local products at each of your destinations, making the food on your river cruise different from anything you have ever experienced on water. In fact, if you like, you can accompany your chef to the farmers markets during the cruise.

·      It’s about the destinations! Despite the remarkable shipboard experience a river cruise offers, the real attractions are about the many stops you will make along the way. Whether you simply peddle off on one of your ship’s complimentary bicycles, or take part in one of the included guided shore excursions, you will be truly connected to the places you visit. Your Uniworld boutique hotel travels along with you to some of the most storied destinations in the world. 

·      Safety and Comfort! Unlike an ocean cruise, a river cruise ship has constant fast access to shore-based emergency resources and can respond quickly to any emergency. Also, I might add that you won’t be exposed to the choppy waters that make cruising difficult for some people. 

·      No crowds, no lines! With so few passengers, getting on and off the ship is a breeze. Neither will you be waiting in lines on board. The low crew-to-guest ratio ensures that you will always be a priority.  

·      Wellness! Unlike life on some cruise ships, river cruise passengers can choose to stay on the move. Even beyond exploring the day’s land destination, you’ll be able to keep up with your fitness routine on board, as well as taking advantage of classes and optional spa services.  Our personal experience is that river cruising actually helps us build and maintain healthy habits. 

·      A Room with a view! No “inside cabins” on a Uniworld cruise, so no need to upgrade. Every room looks out on the amazing world of the river.  

·      The team! Uniworld is part of the century-old, family-owned company, The Travel Corporation. They treat their employees like family and have one of the highest retention rates in the industry. Your crew will care for you with rare attention to detail, providing you those small notable touches that are unique to the company and its culture. 

·      A Real Commitment to Sustainability! Sustainable travel is more important than ever. Lip service is not enough. Uniworld and The Travel Corporation are sincerely committed to the environment, the local eco-systems where they operate, and the cultures that they connect with.  Read their very specific goals here. When I selected Uniworld as my river cruise partner, this was one of the main factors. 

I hope that the features described above have inspired you to learn more about Uniworld and the river cruising experience. That being said, there are so many opportunities to choose from.

So where do you start? I recommend that first-time river cruisers begin with a European experience. Europe is where Uniworld first started cruising and provides a fascinating and seamless experience for new cruisers. The Rhine and Danube rivers are iconic arteries of history and culture. 

The first itinerary, Enchanting Danube is a Central European showcase, featuring two of our favorite destinations: Vienna and Budapest. It’s relatively short (8 days) with a diverse active itinerary, introducing you to a part of Europe that many travelers miss. This was our first Uniworld experience, so it has a special place in our hearts. Like all Uniworld itineraries you can choose to add land extensions before or after your cruise.  

My second recommendation for the first-time river cruiser is also an 8-day itinerary. Castles Along the Rhine offers an iconic experience on this beautiful river with its beautiful scenery, sites (and yes, lots of castles). Your trip will begin or end in Amsterdam or Basel, beautiful destinations in their own right. 

Please contact me at your convenience to learn more about river cruising and to book your own journey. As always, thanks for reading!