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Uniworld fleet

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This CruiseMapper page reviews Uniworld as river cruise itineraries, travel destinations, departure ports (homeports) and shipboard experience. We have all the Uniworld ships' cruise schedules (sail calendar with dates and prices PP). Another feature is the Uniworld cruise tracking service integrated into each page. It shows on a map the boat's location now (current position on the river).

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection (uniworld.com) is located in LA California and operates a fleet of river cruise ships along the rivers in Europe, Russia, China, Egypt and Brazil Amazon. Uniworld river cruising line also has operational offices in France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and China. The company is part of TTC (The Travel Corporation) group, including businesses such as Contiki Tours and Trafalgar Tours.

Uniworld's current President and CEO is Ellen Bettridge.

IMPORTANT : In mid-October 2023, Uniworld announced a 3-year bareboat charter agreement with the German shipowner Seaside Collection GmbH & Co KG for two 2017-built boats marketed by the GHK-owned Crystal Cruises as "river yachts". Riverside Bach (fka Crystal Bach) starts Rhine River cruises for Uniworld in 2024 as " SS Victoria ", while Riverside Mahler (fka Crystal Mahler) starts operations in 2025 as " SS Elisabeth ". Both vessels (rebranded by Uniworld as "Super Ships"/SS) were part of the 4-ship Crystal River Cruises fleet which was acquired by Seaside Collection in 2022.

Note: Bareboat charter (aka demise charter) is a hire agreement with the shipowner providing the vessel's administration/crew, technical maintenance and fueling during the charter period. The charterer (Uniworld) obtains possession and fully controls the vessel (being responsible legally and financially for it) and pays for all operating expenses (including fuel, crew, port charges, insurance).

Uniworld River Cruises

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection boasts a fleet of boutique-style river ships with an average capacity of 130 guests. Their cruise itineraries feature exceptional cuisine and top dining, custom shore excursions and outstanding service from all-English-speaking staff.

Included in Uniworld's ticket prices are soft drinks, beer and wine (by the glass) during lunches and dinners, specialty tea and coffee bar (throughout the day), bottled water (in all staterooms), a variety of dining options, local live entertainment and themed lectures, airport-ship-airport transfers, most shore excursions (led by English-speaking experts using Quietvox audio systems).

As for the Uniworld's tours and excursions ashore, an interesting alternative is that they can be personalized for either a "gentle" or an "active" physical level. Evening activities onboard Uniworld river ships are similar to the ones on other river lines and typically consist of local entertainers. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection clientele are mostly senior North Americans and some Brits. The company also attracts 40+ passengers and each year successfully runs themed multi-generational family cruises.

In April 2023, Uniworld introduced sustainable onboard dining options fleetwide, including new vegan and vegetarian menus. In 2021 was implemented the Leanpath system, which resulted in ~50% food waste reduction. By the company's sustainability plan were also eliminated all single-use plastics, and the bottled water (in all staterooms) was replaced with complimentary (keepsakes) reusable water bottles. Cabin access/key cards are now made from bamboo, and the in-cabin laundry bags are reusable.

U by Uniworld

At the end of 2016, Uniworld introduced a new cruise line brand named "U by Uniworld". The new brand was created specifically for younger travelers (aged between 18-40) - recreationally active and curious. It is operated with a fleet of two newly refurbished ships and offers longer port stays on the company's European river cruise itineraries.

• The new brand's fleet includes the 116-passenger sisterships THE A (launched 1999 as River Ambassador) and THE B (launched 1997 as River Baroness). The fully-renovated riverboats feature all-black exteriors, more contemporary interior design, communal tables for dining, onboard cocktail mixologists, onboard DJs.
• Sales started in March 2017, with bookings for 2018, when the new brand starts operations.
• "U by Uniworld" is operated with separate brochures, a new website (ubyuniworld.com) and separate pricing.
• U's product is tailored for cruisers ages 21-45 with fewer inclusions than the higher-priced sister line.
• The new line's social media campaign is hashtagged #AllAboutU, to collate requests and suggestions for Uniworld's new cruising vacation experience.

Since April 14, 2018, "U by Uniworld" ships offer 8-day cruises on Danube, Main, Rhine, and Seine rivers. The itineraries feature overnights and longer port stays in Amsterdam , Budapest , Paris City , Vienna .

"U by Uniworld" deals are inclusive of 2 gourmet meals per day, unlimited drinks (coffee and tea), wine and soft beverages (lunch and dinner), free Wi-Fi, gratuities. Prices start from USD 2500 (8-day THE A cruise) and USD 3000 (7-day River Baroness cruises on Seine River, leaving roundtrip from Paris to Normandy).

The ships are renovated to have a gym, main lounge, rooftop lounge, coffee bar and 2 dining establishments (main restaurant and rooftop dining venue). There are 3 categories of cabins, which range from "I just need a comfortable place to sleep and stash my stuff" to "I'm going all out in a suite".

Signature themed shipboard activities are outdoor yoga, classes (cooking, painting with wine, bar mixology), sundeck boutique bar lounge, "silent disco" (on the sun deck, passengers dancing with earphones on), themed excursions (Seine River kayaking, Budapest river rafting).

In January 2018, Luftner Cruises (aka Amadeus River Cruises) announced launching its own millennial-focused voyages in 2019. The 6-day cruise tours are on Rhine, Rhone, and Danube. Each voyage is hosted by a popular social media person and facilitates a themed program onboard. The programs are centered around trendy topics, such as healthy living, nutrition, diets, fitness. The campaign started in Spring 2018 with Luftner's newest boat Amadeus Provence .

In 2021, U by Uniworld introduces new experiences and inclusions (from airport transfers to offshore excursions) with 4 itineraries throughout popular port cities and towns, plus themed cruises tailored to the younger U cruisers. Inaugurated in 2021 is also "GenZ on U" (a family program created exclusively for teens and their parents) perfect to celebrate special occasions, birthdays, graduations, or simply connect as a family via unconventional experiences that both generations enjoy.

Following the 2020's debut of the themed "U in Drag" and "Tattoo on U" voyages, in 2021 was introduced Uniworld's first food-themed cruise (departure July 24) via partnership with Salvatore DiBenedetto (aka The GrubFather) sought after for his food photography and travel inspiration .

Since 2021, U by Uniworld cruise deals are inclusive of wine and beer by the glass (at lunches and dinners) and roundtrip airport transfers. Also complimentary are 3x daily meals (with locally sourced ingredients), 2x U Hosts (dedicated staff / destination experts), daily shore excursions, local DJ performances (on the boat's rooftop bar lounge), all gratuities, shipwide Wi-Fi.

Uniworld Cruise Experience

From its start in 1976, the Uniworld line ("Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection") has expanded its fleet and its market share, covering more than 20 countries and operating over 500 river itineraries annually. Uniworld cruises range in length from 7 days to 1 month. The line's worldly renowned boutique-hotel style vacations appeal to a wide variety of passengers and interests. Along with its primary operations in Central and Western Europe, the company works in partnership with major lines and travel groups in China, Vietnam, Egypt, and Portugal, to bring the Uniworld classic experience to other parts of the world.

On all river cruising ships, whether newly built or refurbished, Uniworld's signature is a colorful and dynamic ambiance. All cabins and public rooms are furnished in high standards, with lush fabrics, original artwork and antiques nestled next to state-of-the-art flat-screen televisions, comfortable Savoir brand beds, and plush bathrooms.

Service and cuisine are on a par with oceangoing luxury cruise ships, though, as riverboats are smaller, options like entertainment venues and alternative restaurants are less in number.

Uniworld has moved towards all-inclusive riverboats and most fares (excluding China, Vietnam, and Russia) include unlimited fine wine, spirits and beer, as well as gratuities for services on board and ashore, such as pre- and post-cruise extensions. Ticket prices include most of the shore tours. Some extra options, such as bicycling and wine-tasting tours in Danube's Durnstein, are for a fee. Each Uniworld-operated riverboat carries a complimentary fleet of bicycles to be used by passengers while in call ports.

While "big ship" entertainment options (Broadway-style productions and casinos) are not available, each evening provides diversions ranging from bands that play for dancing to local acts who come on board in ports of call.

The following YouTube video provides a review of the experience on Uniworld river cruises in Europe.

In 2018, the company launched an impressive onboard dining program with new options, including alternative and al-fresco venues, progressive dinners and farm-to-ship meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The new options were introduced on all "Super Ships" and offer passengers to enjoy 7-course meals with each course served at a different location on the boat. The experience starts with appetizers in the galley (ship kitchen) and ends with desserts on Sun Deck. Beverage and food menus vary (by destination, itinerary, season, chef) and include local craft beers, wines from nearby vineyards, special cocktails.

In late-October 2018, Uniworld announced the company's plans to build 4 new riverboats - 1 for Russia (launch in 2021) and 3 other (launches in 2020) for voyages on Nile ( SS Sphinx ), Mekong ( Mekong Jewel ) and Douro ( SS Sao Gabriel ).

The January 2021-launched Uniworld Support Hub (online trading platform) contains digital brochures and content designed to help travel partners (agents and agencies) to host virtual sale promos and events. Sales assets were previously emailed to the agents. Media (10-minute videos) showcasing various Uniworld-operated destinations and rivers was also added to the hub.

(Coronavirus crisis) passenger shipping pause 2020-2021

Due to the COVID pandemic, Uniworld suspended fleetwide its passenger shipping operations by canceling all voyages with pre-scheduled departures from March 14, 2020, through July 2021.

All affected bookings were fully refunded. Uniworld's cruise cancellation policy was expanded to allow penalty-free cancellation of new bookings up to 14 days prior departure with rebooking.

The fare paid as FCC (future cruise credit) was transferred to another (any) Uniworld cruisetour planned for 2021-2022.

Itinerary of Uniworld

This section has links to all Uniworld cruise ships providing information on sailing schedules (dates and prices), current positions (cruise tracker) and also internal links to related review articles.

Uniworld's top luxury boats offer itineraries along the largest European and Asian rivers - including in China, Egypt and Russia. The company's operations include more than 20 countries with over 500 departures annually. The itineraries range from one week to a month.

Follows the list of all Uniworld ships (owned and chartered) and their itinerary regions:

• Ganges Voyager II (2015-built) - a chartered luxury boat for India cruises on Ganges River
• Prince Abbas - Lake Nasser - Egypt
• THE A (1993-built as River Ambassador) - Rhine, Main, Danube - Holland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic
• THE B (1994-built as River Baroness) - Seine River - France, departures from Paris to Normandy
• River Duchess (2003-built) - Rhine, Main, Danube - Holland, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia
• River Empress (2001-built)- the Rhine, Main, Danube - Germany, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic
• River Orchid (2013-built)- Mekong River - Vietnam and Cambodia
• River Princess (2001-built)- the Rhine, Main, Danube and "Christmas Markets" - Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Turkey
• River Queen (1999-built) - Rhine, Main, Danube, "Christmas Markets" - Holland, Germany, Switzerland
• River Tosca (2009-built) - Africa / Egypt cruises on Nile River
• River Victoria (1982-built) - Volga River - Russia
• Queen Isabel - chartered for Spain and Portugal cruises on Douro River
• SS Antoinette (Super Ship, 2011-built) - Rhine River, "Christmas Markets" - Germany, Switzerland, France
• SS Catherine (Super Ship, 2014-built) - Rhone River - France river cruises in Burgundy and Provence leaving from Paris
• SS Joie de Vivre (Super Ship, 2017-built) - Seine River - France river cruises in Normandy leaving from Paris
• SS Maria Theresa (Super Ship, 2015-built) - Holland, Rhine, Main, Danube
• SS Beatrice (Super Ship, 2009-built as "River Beatrice")- Danube River and "Christmas Markets" - Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
• SS Bon Voyage (Super Ship, 2006-built as "River Royale") - Garonne River - France river cruises from Bordeaux , "Food and Wine" themed
• SS La Venezia (Super Ship, 2003-built as "River Countess") - Po River - Italy river cruises from Venice
• SS Sphinx (2020) - Nile River (Egypt)
• RV Mekong Jewel (2020) - Vietnam and Cambodia
• SS Sao Gabriel (2020) - Douro River (Portugal)

In mid-October 2023, Uniworld signed a 3-year charter deal with the German shipowner Seaside Collection GmbH & Co KG for two 2017-built boats, operated by Crystal River Cruises until 2022. Riverside Bach (fka Crystal Bach) starts Rhine River cruises for Uniworld in 2024 as " SS Victoria ", while Riverside Mahler (fka Crystal Mahler) starts operations in 2025 as " SS Elisabeth ".

Century Legend and Century Paragon offer Yangtze River cruises in China. Both ships are privately-owned and operated by Viking under a charter. These riverboats are also chartered by other major European lines, like AmaWaterways , Avalon and Viking .

RV Aria Amazon (16-cabin houseboat) starts in September 2020 Uniworld-chartered cruises on the Peruvian Amazon River with 3 itineraries. The Uniworld-charter cruises on Amazon River are first-time for the company. The program starts with 15-day "Peruvian Amazon and Machu Picchu Exploration" (inclusive of 5-star hotel overnight in Lima Peru ), follows .7-day cruising through the Amazon Rainforest (with visits to Cusco and Machu Picchu ) and ends with 11-day "Peruvian Rivers and Rainforest Discovery" (roundtrip from Iquitos , cruising through Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve / Amazonian jungle in northeastern Peru). Bookings were opened on December 16, 2019, with prices from USD 12,000 pp (double-occupancy houseboat cabin rates).

UNIWORLD Mekong cruise itineraries

Since January 2020, Uniworld with Mekong Jewel ship operates a 13-day cruisetour itinerary between Saigon and Siem Reap (northbound and southbound), with ports (sequence on the northbound route) in Vietnam's Mekong Delta ( My Tho , Cai Be , Vinh Long , Sa Dec , Cu Lao Gieng Island , Tan Chau ), Phnom Penh (Cambodia's capital), Angkor Ban , Kampong Cham , Wat Hanchey Temple.

Next is listed Uniworld's day-to-day schedule as call ports:

• DAY 1: Saigon - arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport, optional group transfer or private transfer, Uniworld representative greet-and-meet, bus transfer to a luxury hotel, private check-in with welcome drinks
• DAY 2: Saigon excursions (Ho Chi Minh City, Dinner Cruise on Saigon Princess)
• DAY 3: Saigon, bus transfer to My Tho (cruise ship embarkation), cruising to Cai Be, excursion (Cu Chi Tunnels)
• DAY 4: Cai Be, Vinh Long
• DAY 5: Sa Dec, Gieng Island, Hong Ngu, Mekong cruising
• DAY 6: Hong Ngu, Mekong cruising, Phnom Penh
• DAY 7: Phnom Penh
• DAY 8: Phnom Penh, Mekong cruising
• DAY 9: Angkor Ban, Wat Hanchey
• DAY 10: Kampong Cham (cruise ship debarkation in the morning), bus transfer to Siem Reap
• DAY 11: Siem Reap - excursions (Angkor Wat Temples, Khmer Noodle House / Preah Dak Village)
• DAY 12: Siem Reap - excursions (Angkor Thom ruins, Bayon, Ta Prohm), shipboard Apsara dance show and gala dinner
• DAY 13: Siem Reap - hotel check-out, transfer to Siem Reap-Angkor Airport for home flight.

Uniworld's "Masterpiece Collection" (fly-cruise) itineraries

Uniworld's "Masterpiece Collection" ("flight and cruise" deals) was inaugurated in 2018.

Deals applied to departure dates on selected 2018 river cruise tour itineraries, including the themed "Splendors of Italy", "Gems of Northern Italy", "Paris and Normandy", "Remarkable Rhine", "Legendary Rhine and Moselle", "European Jewels", "Bordeaux, Vineyards, and Chateaux".

"Masterpiece Collection" cruise tour deals are all-inclusive packages with included scheduled airport transfers (to/from the riverboat), all onboard meals and beverages (including spirits and wines), gratuities, Wi-Fi, bicycles (on land tours), Nordic walking sticks, also onboard fitness classes and all guided shore excursions offered in each port city along the itinerary route.

Uniworld's "Masterpiece Collection" cruise prices start at USD 3700 pp and vary by departure date and cruise tour itinerary. Fares are also inclusive of the flights (offered from several major airports in the USA). Fly-cruise deals can be upgraded to business class (prices start from USD 2500 pp).

Itineraries 2024

"Spectacular Journeys of the World" (108-page e-brochure) introduces immersive land experiences to existing itineraries. For example, the Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong itinerary now includes a visit to Halong Bay , while the Splendours of Egypt & The Nile itinerary incorporates a stop in Sharm El Sheikh & The Red Sea.

"Spectacular Journeys in India" brochure focuses on Uniworld's India itineraries, including an option to extend classic "India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges" itinerary to include Varanasi. It also highlights the increased capacity for the newly launched "The Sacred Ganges & the Maharajas' Express" ship+train voyage.

"2024 Rivers of the World" brochure includes Uniworld's second world cruise . The 54-night "2024 Rivers of the World" itinerary traverses 10 countries on 3 continents (South America, Europe, Southeast Asia) and cruising on 4 Super Ships.

The travel experiences have been enhanced with remarkable extensions.

On the "Splendours of Egypt & The Nile with Jordan" itinerary, travelers can participate in a unique Make Travel Matter experience in Jordan. They will have the opportunity to explore how Jordanian women sustain their livelihoods through traditional handicrafts at the Iraq al-Amir Women's Cooperative.

In Varanasi, a spiritual city, guests on "India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges with Varanasi" tour can witness the renowned ghats washing ritual and observe artisans engaging in silk weaving, creating colorful scarves. These experiences provide a deeper understanding of the city's culture and traditions.

For those embarking on the "Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong with Ha Long Bay" itinerary, they can explore the stunning turquoise natural lagoons and partake in kayaking adventures amidst the majestic landscapes of Ha Long Bay. The tour also offers the opportunity to visit Viet Hai Village, interact with the locals, and even enjoy a visit to Castaway Island.

Travelers on the "Splendours of Egypt & The Nile with Sharm El Sheikh & The Red Sea" journey can experience the pristine white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs of the Red Sea. The itinerary also includes historical tours to St. Catherine's Monastery, a UNESCO site, and a luxurious stay at the opulent Sharm El Sheikh Four Seasons resort.

In 2024, Uniworld offers new cruises and also expands its Cruise & Rail program (ship+train voyages) to new destinations (like Istanbul , Transylvania, the Swiss Alps), as well as new pre-cruise tour extensions in South America.

Uniworld's charter fleet includes two new boats - SS Victoria/fka Crystal Bach (starting March 2024) and SS Elisabeth/fka Crystal Mahler (March 2025), slated to start European voyages on the rivers Rhine and Danube.

In 2024, Uniworld introduces 5 new cruise-and-rail itineraries in Europe.

(ship River Duchess) 15-day "Delightful Danube & the Castles of Transylvania" itinerary starts in Istanbul and continues through Transylvania. The river cruise segment includes Budapest and Vienna and cruising through the Wachau Valley .

(ship SS La Venezia) 19-day " Milan , Venice , Istanbul & the Balkans" itinerary starts in Milan, visits Chioggia , and proceeds with a rail voyage to Istanbul.

(ship SS La Venezia) 17-day "Venice, Istanbul & the Balkans" itinerary starts with a train voyage to Istanbul. The Venice cruise portion features navigation of the Venetian Lagoon.

(ship SS La Venezia) 15-day "Grand Alpine & the Jewels of Veneto" itinerary starts in Budapest and features a luxury train travel to Switzerland (Lake Como, Zurich ). The river voyage starts in Venice.

(ship SS Maria Theresa) 14-day "Grand Alpine & the Enchanting Danube" itinerary starts in Passau and ends in Venice. The river cruise portion is Passau-Budapest, the train travel portion is Vianna-Venice.

Uniworld India cruises

Uniworld's operations in India are via the chartered ship Ganges Voyager II .

"The Sacred Ganges & The Maharajas' Express" (cruise-and-rail itinerary/ship+train travel) is from Kolkata and either to New Delhi or to Mumbai .

Next are listed the Uniworld's India itinerary's ports scheduled for 2024.

• Kolkata (Embark)
• Murshidabad, Baranagar
• Cruising the Ganges, Khusbagh
• Mayapur, Chandannagar
• Kolkata (Disembark), Fly to Mumbai
• Mumbai (Embark)
• Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri
• Agra, New Delhi (Disembark)

Next are listed the itinerary's ports scheduled for 2023.

• Kolkata (Disembark), Fly to New Delhi
• New Delhi (Embark), Agra
• Agra, Ranthambore
• Mumbai (Disembark)

The voyage's prices start from ~US$ 27100 per person (based on double occupancy). Uniworld's pricing is inclusive of Uniworld Tour Manager services (on the ship/during the cruise portion), Tour Manager services (on the train/during the land portion), Wellness Program, onboard culture-themed activities, Group Transfers (on arrival/departure days), domestic flight (between Kolkata and New Delhi/Mumbai), shipboard gratuities, 13 excursions (locally led by English-speaking experts), all meals (on the ship and the train/15 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 15 dinners), beverages (house wine, local beers/spirits, soft drinks, tea and coffee both on the ship and on the train). Ashore, lunches are inclusive of coffee/tea, while dinners are inclusive of more beverages (house wine, local beer, soft drinks, coffee/tea).

The unique voyage features 7 nights of ship cruising, 6 nights on The Maharajas' Express (luxury train), and two 1-night hotel stays (The Oberoi New Delhi and The Oberoi Mumbai/or similar).

2024 World's longest river cruisetour (54-night/4 ships/5 rivers/3 continents)

Uniworld's 54-night/55-day "2024 Rivers of the World" itinerary (October 3 to November 26, 2024) is a B2B/back-to-back voyage (max capacity 68 passengers) grouping 4 ships and visiting ports in 10 countries and on 3 continents (South America, Europe, Southeast Asia).

The world's currently longest river voyage starts with the ship Aria Amazon (32 passengers) in South America. The 16-day Peruvian Amazon itinerary visits destinations in 3 countries (Peru, Argentina, Brazil). The segment ends with a flight from Brazil (on October 18th) to Holland (arrival on October 19th).

The second segment starts with the ship SS Beatrice in Holland/Amsterdam. The 16-day itinerary visits ports in 4 countries (Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary) and includes cruising on 2 rivers (Rhine, Danube). The segment ends with a flight from Hungary/Budapest (on November 3rd) to France/Paris (arrival on November 3rd).

The third segment starts with the ship SS Catherine in France. The 8-day Seine River itinerary visits ports in Burgundy and Provence. The segment ends with a flight from France/Paris (on November 10th) to Vietnam (arrival on November 11th).

The fourth segment starts with the ship Mekong Jewel in Vietnam. The 16-day Mekong River itinerary visits ports in Vietnam and Cambodia. The segment ends in Ho Chi Minh City with included Park Hyatt Saigon hotel stay prior to the home flight.

2023 World's longest river cruisetour (46-night/5 ships/7 rivers/2 continents)

In mid-May 2021 Uniworld announced the world's longest river cruisetour.

The 46-night/47-day B2B/back-to-back itinerary (based on 5 ships) visited ports in 9 countries and on 2 continents (Europe and Africa).

• Uniworld's "The Rivers of the World Cruise 2023" is scheduled to start in Egypt and end in Portugal. The voyage departs on May 20, 2023 (from Cairo Egypt ) and ends on July 5 (in Lisbon Portugal ).
• Tourists must arrange their own transport to Cairo and also from Lisbon.
• Fares started from EUR 31875 (USD 39000 / GBP 27485) per person for a French Balcony cabin with double occupancy.

This unique travel vacation starts with a hotel stay in Cairo, and an opening event before the 11-day Nile River cruise aboard SS Sphinx . Travelers are joined by an Egyptologist and explore ancient sites, including the Abu Simbel temples. Follows a flight to Switzerland and a hotel stay in Lugano. A land tour of Milano is offered before the 11-day cruise on Venice Lagoon and Po River on SS La Venezia .

The 3rd part is on Danube River (Germany, Austria, Hungary) aboard SS Maria Theresa . The activities include a private tour of Vienna ’s Schonbrunn Palace. The 4th part is in France (7-day Seine River cruise) aboard SS Joie de Vivre (to towns in Northern France and Normandy, ending in Paris City /with an included a Moulin Rouge show).

The voyage's last part is on Douro River (Spain and Portugal) with 11-day cruising aboard SS Sao Gabriel . The itinerary visits Portugal's seaport Cascais/Sintra and ends with a land tour and a closing event in Lisbon.

In March 2022, Uniworld announced the 43-day "World’s Most Exotic River & Land Journey". Across 3 riverboats, the itinerary visits ports in Egypt, India and Southeast Asia (Vietnam and Cambodia), but targets specifically the UK market so it is open for sale to only British nationals.

• The unique cruisetour (itinerary January 7 through February 18, 2023) is divided into 3 segments. Part 1 starts with a 5-night hotel stay in Cairo (Four Seasons Hotel Cairo) followed by a 7-day Nile cruise on SS Sphinx ship . Follows Part 2, starting with a flight to India (Delhi, Agra, Jaipur) and continuing with a 7-day Ganges RIver cruising on Ganges Voyager 2 ship . Part 3 is in Southeast Asia, featuring 5 hotel overnights and 7-day cruising in Vietnam and Cambodia on Mekong Jewel ship .
• Fares started from GBP 18885 per cabin.
• Prices are inclusive of excursions, airport transfers, all flights (domestic and international), shipboard gratuities.

Uniworld cruise itinerary themes and homeports

Next are listed all the company's itineraries (all regions/rivers) as themes and homeports/departure ports.

• "TULIPS & WINDMILLS" - 10-DAY AMSTERDAM TO ANTWERP
• "HOLLAND & BELGIUM AT TULIP TIME" - 8-DAY BRUSSELS TO AMSTERDAM
• "DUTCH DELIGHT" - 8-DAY AMSTERDAM roundtrip
• "CLASSIC GERMANY & AMSTERDAM" - 8-DAY AMSTERDAM TO NUREMBERG
• "ENCHANTING DANUBE" - 8-DAY BUDAPEST TO PASSAU
• "RHINE, MOSELLE & BLISSFUL BADEN-BADEN" - 12-DAY BADEN-BADEN TO FRANKFURT
• "RHINE & MOSELLE" - 10-DAY STRASBOURG TO FRANKFURT
• "CASTLES ALONG THE RHINE" - 8-DAY BASEL TO AMSTERDAM
• "REMARKABLE RHINE & HISTORIC HOLLAND" - 11-DAY AMSTERDAM TO BASEL
• "DELIGHTFUL DANUBE & PRAGUE" - 10-DAY BUDAPEST TO PRAGUE
• "DELIGHTFUL DANUBE" - 8-DAY BUDAPEST TO NUREMBERG
• "AUTHENTIC DANUBE & PRAGUE" - 10-DAY VIENNA TO PRAGUE
• "AUTHENTIC DANUBE" - 8-DAY VIENNA TO NUREMBERG
• "HIGHLIGHTS OF EASTERN EUROPE" - 10-DAY BUDAPEST TO BUCHAREST
• "PORTRAITS OF EASTERN EUROPE" - 19-DAY PRAGUE TO BUCHAREST
• "MILAN, VENICE AND THE GEMS OF NORTHERN ITALY" - 10-DAY MILAN TO VENICE
• "VENICE AND THE GEMS OF NORTHERN ITALY" - 8-DAY VENICE roundtrip
• "BURGUNDY & PROVENCE" - 8-DAY AVIGNON TO LYON
• "BRILLIANT BORDEAUX" - 8-DAY BORDEAUX roundtrip
• "PARIS & NORMANDY" - 8-DAY PARIS roundtrip
• "A PORTRAIT OF MAJESTIC FRANCE" - 15-DAY BORDEAUX TO PARIS
• "GRAND FRANCE" - 15-DAY PARIS TO AVIGNON
• "ULTIMATE FRANCE" - 22-DAY BORDEAUX TO AVIGNON
• "DOURO RIVER VALLEY" - 8-DAY OPORTO roundtrip
• "PORTUGAL, SPAIN & THE DOURO RIVER VALLEY" - 11-DAY OPORTO TO LISBON
• "IMPERIAL WATERWAYS OF RUSSIA" - 12-DAY MOSCOW TO SAINT PETERSBURG
• "GRAND CHINA AND THE YANGTZE" - 18-DAY BEIJING TO HONG KONG
• "CHINA, TIBET & THE YANGTZE" - 14-DAY BEIJING TO SHANGHAI
• "HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA & THE YANGTZE" - 11-DAY BEIJING TO SHANGHAI
• "TIMELESS WONDERS OF VIETNAM, CAMBODIA & THE MEKONG" - 13-DAY SAIGON TO SIEM REAP
• "INDIA'S GOLDEN TRIANGLE & THE SACRED GANGES" - 13-DAY NEW DELHI TO KOLKATA
• "SPLENDORS OF EGYPT & THE NILE" - 12-DAY CAIRO roundtrip
• "PERUVIAN RIVERS & RAINFOREST DISCOVERY" - 11-DAY LIMA roundtrip
• "PERUVIAN AMAZON & MACHU PICCHU EXPLORATION" - 15-DAY LIMA roundtrip

Repositioning voyages

Uniworld's repositioning voyages 9seasonal riverboat relocations) include:

• "RHINE, MAIN & DANUBE DISCOVERY" - 15-DAY AMSTERDAM TO VIENNA
• "EUROPEAN JEWELS" - 16-DAY BUDAPEST TO AMSTERDAM
• "ULTIMATE EUROPEAN JOURNEY" - 25-DAY AMSTERDAM TO BUCHAREST

"Train and cruise" packages

Uniworld's "train and river cruise" package itineraries include:

• "CRUISE & RAIL: MILAN, VENICE & THE SWISS ALPS" (14 DAYS) MILAN TO ZURICH
• "CRUISE & RAIL: VENICE & THE SWISS ALPS" (12 DAYS) ZURICH TO VENICE
• "CRUISE & RAIL: MILAN, VENICE & ISTANBUL" (18 DAYS) MILAN TO ISTANBUL
• "CRUISE & RAIL: VENICE & ISTANBUL" (16 DAYS) VENICE TO ISTANBUL
• "CRUISE & RAIL: ENCHANTING DANUBE & THE CASTLES OF TRANSYLVANIA" (12 DAYS) PASSAU TO BUDAPEST
• (2024) "CRUISE & RAIL: CASTLES OF TRANSYLVANIA & THE ENCHANTING DANUBE" (13 DAYS from Budapest to Passau) starts with a roundtrip train cruise from BUDAPEST, follows the river cruise from BUDAPEST to PASSAU.
• (2024) CRUISE & RAIL: GRAND ALPINE & THE ENCHANTING DANUBE (14 DAYS) PASSAU TO BUDAPEST plus train VIANNA TO VENICE
• (2024) CRUISE & RAIL: MILAN, VENICE, ISTANBUL & THE BALKANS (19 DAYS from Milan to Istanbul) starts in MILAN (transfer to VENICE/roundtrip cruise), transfer to TRIESTE, train travel TRIESTE TO ISTANBUL.
• (2024) CRUISE & RAIL: VENICE, ISTANBUL & THE BALKANS (17 DAYS from Venice to Istanbul) starts with a roundtrip cruise from VENICE, transfer to TRIESTE, train travel TRIESTE TO ISTANBUL.
• (2024) CRUISE & RAIL: GRAND ALPINE & THE JEWELS OF VENETO (15 DAYS from Budapest to Venice) starts in BUDAPEST (train travel through Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia) plus roundtrip cruise from VENICE.
• (RAIL-ONLY) "THE TRANS-SIBERIAN EXPRESS" - 15-DAY MOSCOW TO VLADIVOSTOK

Uniworld cruise tracker

Our Uniworld cruise ship tracker is a function integrated into all Uniworld river cruise review pages. At page-bottom on each page, you'll find a map with the boat's current location (AIS position). All the real-time tracking data is provided by VesselFinder. It's all about convenience - you will find where is your Uniworld ship cruising today and right now along its current itinerary - in real-time!

Enjoy the "boutique luxury" river cruising on your Uniworld vacations!

Note: You can see CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All river passenger shipping line companies and their fleets are listed there.

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About Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld—the world’s best and most awarded luxury river cruise line—offers itineraries in spectacular destinations throughout Europe, Egypt, Asia, and Peru. Our fleet features luxurious ships with an average capacity of 120 guests, one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the river cruise industry, enticing shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, impeccable hospitality, and the highest degree of all-inclusive benefits on the rivers.

The Highest Standards in Luxury River Cruising

In 2004, Uniworld was acquired by The Travel Corporation (TTC), a highly successful international travel group founded by Stanley Tollman. TTC has 40 top brands, including Trafalgar, Insight Vacations, and Contiki, as well as Red Carnation Hotels, a renowned collection of four- and five-star luxury properties.

Combining the tour planning and hotel management expertise of TTC’s sister companies with Uniworld’s decades of superior nautical experience has created an entirely new category of luxury river cruising. Together, we’ve made major investments in our ships, crew, and staff, with an eye towards providing guests with all the elements of an unforgettable experience: Outstanding Service; The Most All-Inclusive Amenities; One-of-a-Kind Ships; Carefully Curated Experiences; Culinary Excellence; Wellness; and a Commitment to Sustainability.

The Boutique Experience, Onboard & Onshore

The guiding visionary behind our boutique philosophy is Beatrice “Bea” Tollman, founder of Red Carnation Hotels. Bea was named Hotelier of the Year at the European Hospitality Awards in 2012 and was inducted into The British Travel & Hospitality Hall of Fame in 2019.

Bea and her creative team amplify the definition of boutique luxury with every new and updated ship. Our river cruises allow guests to travel from one exciting destination to the next aboard a stylish floating hotel with chic lounges, panoramic restaurants, sumptuous cuisine, exquisite antiques, original art, and luxurious riverview staterooms and suites. Meticulous attention to detail is readily apparent on every company-designed ship, including 12 members of Uniworld’s stunning Super Ship fleet—the S.S. Antoinette , S.S. Beatrice , S.S. Victoria , S.S. Elisabeth , and S.S. Maria Theresa in Central Europe; the S.S. Catherine , S.S. Joie de Vivre , and S.S. Bon Voyage in France; the S.S. La Venezia in Italy; the S.S. São Gabriel in Portugal; the S.S. Sphinx in Egypt, and the Mekong Jewel in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Gracious and Attentive Service

Uniworld takes pride in its long-lasting relationships with guests, for whom there is “No request is too large, No detail too small.” Uniworld employs a dedicated crew, professionally trained to the highest standards of service, so guests never have to worry about being well taken care of during their journeys.

Note: Beverage policy varies in Asia, India, Egypt, and Peru.

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WELCOME TO LUXURY RIVER CRUISING your favorite new way to travel

There are so many wonderful ways to see the world. On a Uniworld river cruise, you’ll find that the best elements of all of them have been wrapped neatly into one extraordinary vacation. We took the finest boutique hotels and made them float, enhancing the cruise experience with small ships that accommodate just a few dozen guests at a time. Sail in style to a variety of enticing destinations on every cruise, and enjoy an exceptional degree of high-quality included amenities along the way.

Our river cruises in Europe, India, Egypt, Southeast Asia, and Peru are the most luxurious in the world—and you can save up to $3,000 per person on a wide selection of our 2024 offerings! Don’t miss this opportunity to take advantage of the greatest value in river cruising.

This offer is valid on new bookings made by May 31, 2024 for select 2024 departures.

Why Uniworld?

One-of-a-kind Ships

Each Uniworld river cruise ship is an individually designed work of art. Through custom fabric and furnishings, original art and unique themes, the decor onboard reflects the destinations it sails.

Carefully Curated Experiences

Our innovative onshore programs go well beyond the popular landmarks. Our wide array of excursion types enhances the unique qualities of each stop on your journey to immerse you in the local culture.

The Most All-Inclusive

From an ample selection of premium spirits and fine wines to every five-star meal onboard; from airport transfers and gratuities to daily excursions and so much more—Uniworld redefines the limits of what all-inclusive luxury cruising can be.

Culinary Excellence

We bring together the finest chefs, the freshest ingredients sourced from local farmers’ markets and other regional suppliers, and distinctive wines and beers chosen by acclaimed sommeliers, giving you a mouthwatering culinary journey for all of the senses.

Best Selling Cruises

Enchanting Danube (2024)

8 days from Budapest to Passau

A veritable showcase of the best of Central Europe, this is a journey any culturally curious world traveler will love.

Ship: S.S. Maria Theresa

4.7 /5 (776 reviews)

Castles along The Rhine (2024)

8 days from Basel to Amsterdam

Find inspiration in the romantic, soul-stirring beauty of the fabled Rhine.

Ships: River Queen, S.S. Antoinette, S.S. Victoria

4.7 /5 (1846 reviews)

Brilliant Bordeaux (2024)

8 days from Bordeaux to Bordeaux

Uncover the proud legacy and heritage of Southwest France.

Ship: S.S. Bon Voyage

4.4 /5 (419 reviews)

India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges (2024)

13 days from New Delhi to Kolkata

Delve deep into India’s fascinating historical and religious heritage.

Ship: Ganges Voyager II

4.8 /5 (203 reviews)

Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (2024)

8 days from Venice to Venice

Uncover the enchanted beauty and breathtaking history of Venice and Northern Italy.

Ship: S.S. La Venezia

4.6 /5 (106 reviews)

Burgundy & Provence (2024)

8 days from Arles to Lyon

Follow in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Gauguin on this exquisite journey through southern France.

Ship: S.S. Catherine

4.6 /5 (932 reviews)

Delightful Danube & Prague (2024)

10 days from Budapest to Prague

This extraordinary journey for aficionados of European history, music and art receives the perfect complement with a hotel stay in Prague.

Ship: River Duchess

4.5 /5 (491 reviews)

Paris & Normandy (2024)

8 days from Paris to Paris

A journey steeped in wonder.

Ship: S.S. Joie de Vivre

4.7 /5 (809 reviews)

Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley (2024)

11 days from Porto to Lisbon

An extraordinary journey designed for culturally curious travelers, with a highlight hotel stay in Lisbon.

Ship: S.S. São Gabriel

4.3 /5 (419 reviews)

Magnificent Moselle & Rhine (2024)

10 days from Frankfurt to Frankfurt

Germany’s spectacular backdrops and breathtaking natural wonders will reveal themselves as you cruise along the alluring Moselle and Rhine rivers.

Ship: S.S. Victoria

4.7 /5 (29 reviews)

Peruvian Rivers & Rainforest Discovery (2024)

11 days from Lima to Lima

Explore the colors and wonders of Peru over 11 days.

Ship: Aria Amazon

5 /5 (6 reviews)

Splendors of Egypt & the Nile (2024)

12 days from Cairo to Cairo

Cruise the Nile in a manner once reserved for queens and pharaohs.

Ships: River Tosca, S.S. Sphinx

4.6 /5 (731 reviews)

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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

See inside a new ultra-luxury river cruise line that's charging up to $59,520 per person

• Newcomer Riverside Luxury Cruises wants to break into the growing river cruise market.
• The ultra-luxury cruise line  operates former Crystal ships in popular European rivers like the Danube.
• Riverside's 2024 cruises start at $1,055 per person for four days.

A new ultra-luxury cruise line wants to be the swankiest travel-by-river vacation option.

To do so, it's enticing cruisers with truffle-infused butter, $320-per-person dinners, and butlers that can be beckoned with a simple WhatsApp message.

Affluent travelers , meet Riverside Luxury Cruises.

The budding company first set sail in March 2023. With a year of service under its belt, its three ships are now sailing some of Europe's most popular rivers — starting at more than $260 per person per day.

Riverside is operated by Seaside Collection, a European hotelier.

The firm had its sights set on a river cruise venture since 2018, Jen Halboth, CEO of Riverside Luxury Cruises, told Business Insider.

Ironically, COVID-19 was the reason it got into the business.

Crystal Cruises declared bankruptcy in early 2022 amid the pandemic. Shortly after, Seaside purchased and updated five of the then-defunct cruise line's ships.

Three of these vessels now make up Riverside's fleet. The other two are being leased to competitor Uniworld River Cruises.

River cruising has become increasingly popular as wealthy travelers gravitate to ultra-luxury small-ship vacations.

River cruise ships are much smaller than their behemoth ocean-based counterparts, allowing Riverside to sail in waterways like Europe's Rhine, Rhone, Danube, Main, Moselle, and Saône rivers.

Along the way, guests can explore destinations many giant ships can't easily access — like Budapest, Hungary; Frankfurt, Germany; and Amsterdam — sometimes visiting more than one port in a day.

One of Riverside's shortest and cheapest 2024 voyages starts at $1,055 per person for a four-day Danube River cruise from Passau, Germany, to Vienna.

Alcohol and excursion packages can tack on an extra $75 to $175 per person per night.

Looking to ball out? The most expensive and longest itinerary is $59,521 per person for a three-river, 22-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, Hungary, in the most expensive suite with the most inclusive package.

To compare, the cheapest 2024 voyage with all-inclusive luxury competitor Uniworld River Cruises starts at $2,000 per person for an eight-day Danube River sailing.

River cruisers tend to be over the age of 55.

But the new company is targeting guests 45 years old and older, specifically those who frequent luxury vacations but have yet to try a river cruise.

"New luxury travelers want to be pampered, get off and have an adventure, and come back and be taken care of," the cruise line's CEO said.

"Pampering” they will get.

Of Riverside's three ships, the 394-foot-long, 74-foot-wide Mozart can accommodate the most guests — up to 162, not including the 82 crew.

Yes, it's larger than Uniworld's ships, which range from 32 to 159 guests. But it's also significantly smaller than Royal Caribbean's new 9,950-person Icon of the Seas ocean vessel.

Like most cruise liners, Riverside's three ships have spas, buffets, and plush lounges and bars.

During the day, travelers can enjoy lunch at the open-air grill and relax to live music courtesy of Steinway and Bösendorfer pianos, no less.

At night, they can dine on a seven-course meal at the 295 euros ($320) per-person Vintage Room.

Riverside’s ships have up to 5 restaurants. Vintage Room is the only specialty option.

The cost to dine includes a wine pairing and plates like veal with truffle and chanterelle mushrooms and "surf and turf" with beef sirloin and scallops.

But don't expect a lackluster, rushed meal at the other complimentary options: "This is not a churn-and-burn," the company's CEO said of the ships' Waterside restaurants. "You come in for fine dining."

Infused, whipped butter is apparently one of Riverside's hottest commodities.

Sometimes, it has chiles. Other times, it's infused with citrus. If you're lucky, you'll get one with truffles.

"People were raving about our butter," Halboth said. "Everyone's waiting to see what butter they'll get at dinner each night."

Need to sleep off all that dairy? You're in luck. Every cabin has a king bed.

Riverside's suites range from 194 to 883 square-feet. These high-end cabins include butler service, stocked mini-bars, and espresso machines.

Some suites also have double-sink vanities and walk-in closets, a hallmark of an ultra-luxury cruise vessel .

Does Riverside’s more than $260 per person, per day fare seem reasonable now?

If yes, book soon. It'll only get more expensive from here.

These fares don't offset the amount Riverside is spending on amenities like the upscale food, according to Halboth. To make up for these expenditures, the cruise line plans to raise its prices gradually over the next two years.

The company's CEO said bookings have been 'a little lighter' since the start of 2024.

But the back half of the year is "filling up" thanks to Americans: About 70 to 80% of its guests are from North America, the company said.

Riverside will operate its Mozart, Ravel, and Debussy ships for three years as it 'hones the brand,' Halboth said.

The cruise line's two additional vessels would join its fleet in the next few years.

Given the growing popularity of river cruises , it's a good time for companies like Riverside to start expanding.

However, it could face plenty of incoming competition.

Jamie Loizou, the UK managing director of luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways, is forecasting 2024 as a "pivotal" year for the river cruise industry, noting that 15 new river-based vessels are expected to launch this year, Cruise Critic reported .

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• River Cruising

Choosing An Ocean Cruise Line After Only Taking Uniworld River Cruises....

By Caligirl58 , March 9, 2023 in River Cruising

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If you have done both ocean and river cruising, I would love to get your thoughts.  My husband was adamantly opposed to the idea of a cruise for many years.  He had no interest in huge mega-ships (like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, etc.) filled with rowdy crowds.  I finally convinced him to try a river cruise on Uniworld - Castles Along the Rhine - in 2016.  It was wonderful, and we both loved it.  We did another in 2018 - Uniworld's Delightful Danube and Prague.  Felt that Uniworld had slipped a bit in value, but still had a great experience.  Now we are considering an ocean cruise, since we'd like to visit some areas not serviced by river cruises, ie Mediterranean and Northern Europe.  But we're wondering which ocean cruise line(s) might be comparable in overall experience to Uniworld.  Especially ones with smaller ships/fewer passengers.  I've been researching by reading CC message boards for several cruise lines, but I'd really appreciate recommendations from those who love river cruising.  Thank you.

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I would look at Regent, Azamara, Silversea, Seabourn, Viking Ocean and Oceania.

There are probably a few others.

I am hesitant to put Viking in there as I do not like their payment policies but they do rank high on their ocean vessels and their passenger count is good.

Viking Ocean will also be a fair bit bigger ships than the rest, FWIW. They're small by comparison to Royal and the like and still don't have a casino or art auctions, but they hold close to 1,000 passengers (930 at double occupancy) compared to Azamara (700ish), Regent (750), or Seabourn (600ish). One can quibble about how much difference 200ish more passengers would make, but if you're accustomed to 200-passenger (tops) river ships, even Viking might feel a bit on the large side. Another thing you might consider, @Caligirl58 , is one of the ship within a ship concepts on the larger lines. We've done NCL's Haven, for example, and found it to be a great product that simulates a small ship experience very well while also allowing you to visit the hustle and bustle when you're up for it. You'll pay as much for Haven as you will for the more premium lines in many cases so it's generally not a savings over a more luxury line, but if you think you might enjoy some of the mega-ship amenities if you have an easy way to escape the crowds, it can be a good option. DH and I enjoyed it enough we're trying the more affordable MSC Yacht Club next January in hopes we can make that kind of cruising a bit more affordable. Celebrity's Retreat is another option that may be calmer than the others due to Celebrity's more premium position in the market, though I hear the Edge class ships tend to bustle a bit more than the older ones.

1 hour ago, Caligirl58 said: If you have done both ocean and river cruising, I would love to get your thoughts.  My husband was adamantly opposed to the idea of a cruise for many years.  He had no interest in huge mega-ships (like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, etc.) filled with rowdy crowds.  I finally convinced him to try a river cruise on Uniworld - Castles Along the Rhine - in 2016.  It was wonderful, and we both loved it.  We did another in 2018 - Uniworld's Delightful Danube and Prague.  Felt that Uniworld had slipped a bit in value, but still had a great experience.  Now we are considering an ocean cruise, since we'd like to visit some areas not serviced by river cruises, ie Mediterranean and Northern Europe.  But we're wondering which ocean cruise line(s) might be comparable in overall experience to Uniworld.  Especially ones with smaller ships/fewer passengers.  I've been researching by reading CC message boards for several cruise lines, but I'd really appreciate recommendations from those who love river cruising.  Thank you.

Hi, I have been on 2 river cruises and probably 60 or more ocean cruises. I have been sailing with Silversea since 2017. Prior to that I sailed with Celebrity for nearly 15 years.  A few with Royal and HAL sprinkled in.......

I agree with Coral's post and if you want to sail ocean cruises but want smaller ships? Silversea's largest ship holds 600 guests.  I can't speak on Seabourn, Regent or Oceania. I have sailed with Azamara once and it was ok.  I have 11 cruises with Silversea and going again next month. I love their product. 

Oh, one of my river cruises was with Uniworld and I loved it too!

Good luck with your research-----everyone should love to have this problem 😀 😀 😀

Sure, the mega ships are big, and there's a lot of passengers, but when you divide it out, there is more square feet of indoor space (not even including the outside decks here) per person on a "mega ship" than on a river cruise ship. Our favorite ships are the Royal Caribbean Oasis class ships. We love the shows, and amenity options. Sure, there can be 8800 people including passengers and crew, but there are just so many places they can all be spread out at. Will the very popular things have a crowd? Sure. But it's very easy to avoid the crowd if you want.  Take the main theater shows. It's probably less crowded than if you were to go to a theater production on land. We don't go to the parades or the big promenade parties. We are not pool deck people. We've never had a problem finding a quite place to hang out when we've wanted to. The Oasis & Quantum class ships also have Suites only areas (restaurants, sundecks, etc) that can also enhance the crowd-less feel. Wonder (the newest Oasis class), even has the suites arranged in a new suites-only "neighborhood".

We've also spent 24 days on a smaller Radiance class ship (2000-2400 passengers), it was a B2B doing Arctic Circle (Norway), and then Iceland & Ireland, and we have another one booked to do the Panama Canal next spring. These ships go places that the larger ships can't go. And while there are like 1/3 of the passengers, there's fewer venues for people to spread out at, so it honestly felt about the same to us. But again, plenty of space to avoid crowds when we wanted to. These ships are older & smaller and probably skew a bit older in passenger age then the newer, larger ships, so you're not going to get the rowdy crowd.

Where it goes makes a difference also. A 3/4 night "booze cruise" in the Caribbean is going to have a much higher party vibe than a longer cruise. And the 12+ night ones are going to have an even more chill/relaxed and experienced group of passengers. In addition to the B2B I mentioned, we also did 7-night Western Mediterranean on an Oasis class. In no way was this a party cruise or had any rowdiness. To be honest, even when we have done a 3/4 night, while certainly having a higher percentage of partiers, we've never experienced a rowdy crowd on a Royal Caribbean ship.

That all said, I'd still stay clear of Carnival.

But we've also done 3 river cruises, and are leaving on AmaMagna here in a couple weeks. AmaMagna might be a little different, but from the others we have done, the lounge can honestly be just as packed as any bar/lounge we've been in on the larger ships. And while there's obviously far fewer amenities, it's all about ports.

On a river cruise, when you're doing ports all day every day and moving to the next port down the river at night, the ship's not as important. On an ocean cruise, it's inevitable that you will have "sea days", and your port stays may not be as long since the distance from port to port can be significant. So the extra amenities/venues you get on larger ships can be very beneficial if you like to be entertained. If you just want to hang out on a balcony and read, then not so much.

Host Jazzbeau

I would advise against the Ship Within a Ship concept based on your description of your desires.  The enclave is very nice, but can be boring – and once you leave it you are right in the midst of the mayhem that your husband wants to avoid [even with an MSC Yacht Club butler escorting you to the front of the line – and dirty looks!]

We have reduced the size of ocean ships we look at over the years, down from Princess and Celebrity's older ships [<2,000] to the list @Coral  gave above.  Also boycotting Viking over their payment policies.  And as we evaluate recent cruises, we continue to go smaller.  Azamara seems to be a sweet spot on intimacy vs. activities, but we are equally happy on Noble Caledonia with only 100 fellow passengers!

Thinking about what would be closest to Uniworld, the newest ships from Silversea and Regent have glitzy décor and both those lines include shore excursions in the fare.  But if the Uniworld decor isn't an essential part of your cruise wants, I would recommend Azamara because of their very interesting itineraries and their very warm ambience.

I definitely feel a difference on a big ship, even if technically everyone is "more spread out."  I love the cozy feeling of river ships, with smaller groups of people, and in general, I really hate being in crowds. The giant buffet, auditorium, or pool deck full of hundreds (thousands) of people is just not my thing.  Also, some ships are designed to make you walk thru multiple lounges, past the casino or shopping area, etc, to get to the dining room, etc.  That drives me nuts.  

We've done Oceania and it was a good experience.  The ships are smaller, and the dining was split among several smaller restaurants.  They have actual hallways so you aren't forced to move Ikea-like thru the ship.

We also did the "ship within a ship" concierge on MSC.  It was outstanding, in that while you did have to go thru the ship for some things, much of what we did was confined to a much smaller, quieter, much less populated spaces.  We got an amazing price on it, which more than made up for having to deal with the crowds periodically. We were busy enough for long port days that we really didn't want to leave our enclave at night.  

I would avoid the large mega ships even if they have a ship within a ship experience.  If I am paying - I would prefer to be on a smaller ship.

I agree with the luxury lines that Coral offered. I have been on Regent and Seabourn. Both were excellent cruises but Regent was the closest to a Uniworld experience for me. Regent has smaller ships, great excursions, good food, most if not all cabins are at least balconies and everything is included in the price. We ended the cruise with a zero tab. We also enjoyed Seabourn. And want to try Atlas, which seems to be a line I would enjoy.

3 hours ago, tulok said: I agree with the luxury lines that Coral offered. I have been on Regent and Seabourn. Both were excellent cruises but Regent was the closest to a Uniworld experience for me. Regent has smaller ships, great excursions, good food, most if not all cabins are at least balconies and everything is included in the price. We ended the cruise with a zero tab. We also enjoyed Seabourn. And want to try Atlas, which seems to be a line I would enjoy.

I feel the same way about Silversea. I rarely, if ever have a balance to pay at the end of my cruises.

Everything included makes it so nice 😀

Second seating

Long time Uniworld customer and for ocean sailing we are very happy with the Windstar product.  We tried SeaDream last year but in my opinion food is better on Windstar!

Thank you all so much for taking time to reply.  Your responses are very helpful.  Some of the cruise lines you have suggested are ones I had wondered about, but others I had not even considered.  So I will make a 'short list' and research each one.  I may have more questions as I do.  

A couple of questions have already come to mind.  For those of you suggesting Silversea -- have you found it to be significantly more formal (in atmosphere/dress code) than Uniworld?  I had read some message board comments that made me wonder if it was.  We did not find Uniworld to be too formal, which we liked.  Of course, we ran into a few 'stuffy' pax, but you are going to find that anywhere.    

Also - I worry a little about seasickness, since we have never done an ocean cruise.  Windstar is one of the lines I had considered, but I wondered if those ships might be more prone to causing seasickness? Maybe that's a silly question.

We did enjoy that Uniworld was all-inclusive.  Not having to pay a balance at the end of the cruise is just a nice way to end the experience.

Again - thank you for helping me to narrow down our options.  

Wow, I feel like I could have written your post! We started cruising with Uniworld in 2015 (Castles along the Rhine) followed by a couple of others. I have another one booked for this spring. My husband was adamantly against any type of ocean cruise, but especially in regard to large ships, and I shared the sentiment. I started researching smaller lines when I wanted to visit other places not serviced by river cruises as well, and I wasn't interested in the least in going on one of the behemoth ships. I now have two cruises booked on SilverSea (one ship holds 200 passengers; the other about 600 (and that is about the largest I'd be interested in). Since I haven't been on the cruises yet, I can't comment other than to say that all of my research (including questions asked here) indicates that I will not be disappointed.

One of my booked cruises is an expedition cruise, so there are not formal nights and I expect it to be very casual. For the other, there are two 'formal' nights, but there are always restaurant options that do not require formal attire if I don't feel like dressing up. I prefer casual in general, and that was one thing I really liked about the Uniworld cruises. 

Lastly, I, too, get seasick but I plan to take meclazine and also go equipped with the patch just in case, particularly at the start of my trips. I'd also suggest booking a cabin as low and mid-ship as possible to limit motion, but from everything I've heard the Silversea ships have excellent stabilization.

Hi, I  rarely, if ever get sea sick and even though SS ships are on the smaller side, I have always found them quite stable. 

As for the attire, I would say river cruises in general (whatever the line) are more casual. SS does have a couple of formal nights, if not more, depending on the length of the cruise. There are venues available if you don't want to dress up though.  It is one of those topics that pops up on every ocean line forum (or so it seems LOL). My "dressy" closes are a nice pair of palazzo pants and pretty top. I have always felt more than welcome. I am not a "formal person" really and the slacks and top are always appropriate. 

The first thing I would do is list the places you would like to visit, then look at the cruise lines that go there.  

I really enjoy Uniworld.  I’ve been on Celebrity, Princess, Cunard, Regent, Oceania and HAL. HAL has some smaller ships and I find the atmosphere on it to be similar to the atmosphere on Uniworld — friendly crew, outstanding service, casual style.  They are building larger vessels and have casinos, but the atmosphere is similar to Uniworld’s.  Oceania ranks next in my estimation regarding atmosphere comparable to Uniworld’s.  Both of these are not all-inclusive, but you can buy packages that help with the end-of-cruise bill.

As far as size, Regent is the smallest of the ones that I have sailed.  They are a more formal than HAL or Oceania, but are all inclusive.

I would avoid Celebrity, Princess and Cunard.  I think your husband and you would find them much too big and the atmosphere is VERY different than Uniworld.

47 minutes ago, Lois R said:     As for the attire, I would say river cruises in general (whatever the line) are more casual. SS does have a couple of formal nights, if not more, depending on the length of the cruise. There are venues available if you don't want to dress up though.  It is one of those topics that pops up on every ocean line forum (or so it seems LOL). My "dressy" closes are a nice pair of palazzo pants and pretty top. I have always felt more than welcome. I am not a "formal person" really and the slacks and top are always appropriate. 

That's interesting -- I always thought of Uniworld as being a little more formal than say Viking or AMA.  I've never cruised with them - just had that assumption.   But I'm very glad to know that dressy slacks/top are appropriate on the ocean lines, as that is what I like to wear.

Gourmet Gal

I would compare itineraries between SS, Regent and Seabourn, all with smaller ships but they are also all-inclusive like Uniworld.  Regent and SS have included excursions as well so that is also more similar to the river-cruising experience.  But do consider itinerary first.  The ship within a ship concept is not likely to appeal to your husband and I think SS, Regent and Seabourn will be a better transition to ocean cruising.

Enjoy the process of choosing!

1 hour ago, bubbulz said: Wow, I feel like I could have written your post! We started cruising with Uniworld in 2015 (Castles along the Rhine) followed by a couple of others. I have another one booked for this spring. My husband was adamantly against any type of ocean cruise, but especially in regard to large ships, and I shared the sentiment. I started researching smaller lines when I wanted to visit other places not serviced by river cruises as well, and I wasn't interested in the least in going on one of the behemoth ships. I now have two cruises booked on SilverSea (one ship holds 200 passengers; the other about 600 (and that is about the largest I'd be interested in). Since I haven't been on the cruises yet, I can't comment other than to say that all of my research (including questions asked here) indicates that I will not be disappointed.   One of my booked cruises is an expedition cruise, so there are not formal nights and I expect it to be very casual. For the other, there are two 'formal' nights, but there are always restaurant options that do not require formal attire if I don't feel like dressing up. I prefer casual in general, and that was one thing I really liked about the Uniworld cruises.    Lastly, I, too, get seasick but I plan to take meclazine and also go equipped with the patch just in case, particularly at the start of my trips. I'd also suggest booking a cabin as low and mid-ship as possible to limit motion, but from everything I've heard the Silversea ships have excellent stabilization.

I will look forward to hearing your impressions of Silversea after your cruises.  Will definitely give it more consideration, as I had pretty much taken it out of the running based on the comments I had read about it being very formal.

26 minutes ago, lcand1923 said: The first thing I would do is list the places you would like to visit, then look at the cruise lines that go there.     I really enjoy Uniworld.  I’ve been on Celebrity, Princess, Cunard, Regent, Oceania and HAL. HAL has some smaller ships and I find the atmosphere on it to be similar to the atmosphere on Uniworld — friendly crew, outstanding service, casual style.  They are building larger vessels and have casinos, but the atmosphere is similar to Uniworld’s.  Oceania ranks next in my estimation regarding atmosphere comparable to Uniworld’s.  Both of these are not all-inclusive, but you can buy packages that help with the end-of-cruise bill.   As far as size, Regent is the smallest of the ones that I have sailed.  They are a more formal than HAL or Oceania, but are all inclusive.   I would avoid Celebrity, Princess and Cunard.  I think your husband and you would find them much too big and the atmosphere is VERY different than Uniworld.

I appreciate your insights!  

1 minute ago, Caligirl58 said: I will look forward to hearing your impressions of Silversea after your cruises.  Will definitely give it more consideration, as I had pretty much taken it out of the running based on the comments I had read about it being very formal.  

I don’t like a formal dress-code either but honestly, it’s not very formal at all.  There are formal nights but there are always dining venues available if you don’t want to get gussied up.  The service aspect makes up for any inconvenience of a couple of formal nights.

7 minutes ago, Gourmet Gal said: I would compare itineraries between SS, Regent and Seabourn, all with smaller ships but they are also all-inclusive like Uniworld.  Regent and SS have included excursions as well so that is also more similar to the river-cruising experience.  But do consider itinerary first.  The ship within a ship concept is not likely to appeal to your husband and I think SS, Regent and Seabourn will be a better transition to ocean cruising.   Enjoy the process of choosing!

Thank you.  I will look closely at those.  I agree -- not sure my husband would like the ship-within-a-ship concept.  At least not for his first ocean cruise.  But we have friends who did the MSC Yacht Club and loved it.

@Lois R Good to know about SS. I haven’t had a chance to try them but dates are our main issue when booking so I always need alternatives.

2 hours ago, Gourmet Gal said: I don’t like a formal dress-code either but honestly, it’s not very formal at all.  There are formal nights but there are always dining venues available if you don’t want to get gussied up.  The service aspect makes up for any inconvenience of a couple of formal nights.

Preparing for our first Silversea cruise next January, I am finding that it is indeed VERY formal.  It's not just the formal nights [3 on our cruise] – most other nights are 'informal' which is still formal to me [jacket required] and on formal nights even the buffet restaurant requires a jacket for me.  And after dinner, jacket is still required!  I am already regretting making this booking, and am pretty sure Silversea will be 'one and done' for us!

From the Silversea website :

Shipboard attire ranges from casual to formal. Casual wear is appropriate for daytime aboard ship or ashore and consists of standard sports outfits as worn at five-star resorts. Shoes should be flat or low heeled for deck activities. Evening attire falls into three categories: casual, informal and formal. On casual evenings, pants, blouses, skirts and casual dresses for ladies; open-neck shirts and slacks for gentlemen are appropriate. On informal evenings, ladies usually wear dresses or pantsuits; gentlemen wear jackets (tie optional). Appropriate formal evening wear for ladies is an evening gown or cocktail dress; gentlemen wear tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits. Tie is required.

On formal nights, guests may dine in La Terrazza and choose to dress informal ; dresses or pantsuits for ladies, jackets for gentlemen (tie optional). This option also applies to Seishin on board Silver Spirit, Kaiseki on board Muse, Moon and Dawn. Dining at The Grill and Spaccanapoli is optional casual all nights. Following dinner, all guests are free to take advantage of any or all public spaces, however, jacket is required .

Sailings of 9 days or less typically feature 1 formal night, while longer voyages usually have 2-3 formal nights. Details will be provided in your final cruise documents, but the chart below [omitted from quote] provides a basic guideline to assist in packing the proper attire.

Please note:   On 7 day [I assume they mean 7 night] sailings in the Baltic, Mediterranean and Alaska, formal night is always optional; guests may choose to dress informal, a jacket is required for gentlemen.

https://www.silversea.com/travel-informations/general-information.html

Hi Jazz, you probably know I sail SS all the time. Just to make you aware, LaTerrazza is not a buffet for dinner......there is no buffet for dinner on SS.... dinnertime it is a full service Italian Restaurant. 

Can't help you with the jacket portion although I know I have seen men without them plenty of times. 

Sorry you unhappy you booked..... ☹️

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Beautiful River Cruises That Will Take Your Breath Away

Posted: January 2, 2024 | Last updated: January 2, 2024

River adventures

There are trips especially for solo travelers

Finding alone time is increasingly easy on river cruise ships, many of which are going all out to cater to solo travelers. Take Riviera Travel River Cruises – every year the line operates a number of sailings designed specifically for solos. On these cruises, all cabins are single-occupancy only and there are no single supplement charges. In 2023, Riviera’s solo-friendly cruises include sailings along the Danube, Douro, Rhine, Rhône and Seine.

Ganga Vilas offers the world’s longest river cruise

Does disembarkation day always come too soon? Consider opting for one of the growing number of longer cruises. Ganga Vilas currently offers the world’s longest river cruise – a 51-day sailing along 27 rivers in India and Bangladesh onboard the luxurious 18-suite Ganga Vilas riverboat. The downside? These cruises don’t come cheap – prices start at around $32,000 per person.

CroisiEurope offers paddlewheel cruises on two European rivers

Paddlewheel ships aren’t just found on US rivers. CroisiEurope is the only cruise line to run paddlewheel cruises on two European rivers – the Elbe and the Loire. Other boats are few and far between – these rivers are notoriously shallow but the latest paddlewheel technology means CroisiEurope’s boats can sail these stretches of water year-round.

A-ROSA SENA is one of Europe’s most family-friendly ships

River cruises are often seen as the preserve of couples, but change is afoot. In 2022, A-ROSA River Cruises launched A-ROSA SENA , the only river cruise ship in Europe to have a dedicated kids’ club room. AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna has a theater area where children (and big kids) can watch movies and play games consoles, and Uniworld’s Generation Collection cruises offer kid-friendly activities and excursions.

Viking Cruises’ fleet has both ocean and river boats

If you’re a fan of cruising, what could be better than pairing a river cruise with an ocean one? For example, combine a sail along the Douro, which cuts across Spain and Portugal and finishes at the Atlantic coast, with an ocean-going cruise sailing out of Porto. Doing so is easy, especially if you sail with a line like Viking Cruises , which has a fleet including both ocean and river boats.

Viking holds the record for launching the most new ships in a single day

AmaWaterways’ Color of Provence cruise focuses on Black heritage in Paris

Europe’s rivers are lined with ancient cities and landmarks, but several cruise lines are delving deeper in Europe’s history by tackling a more diverse range of subjects. AmaWaterways is a great example – in 2023 its Color of Provence cruise includes a three-night visit to Paris which focuses on the city’s Black heritage, while another AmaWaterways cruise along the Rhône river includes a Black heritage tour of Marseille.

Excursions are varied, with smaller groups

Because river cruising ships are smaller, the chances of having to join tour groups the size of a Glastonbury crowd are slim, and excursions are more intimate. A case in point is European Waterways , known for their passion for slow travel. Excursions include a tour of the Château de la Motte led by the resident Baroness and visits to the Dalwhinnie whisky distillery, which you’ll travel to in an air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz minibus.

You can explore the Amazon Basin with Seabourn

More river cruise lines are heading to remote rivers. One example is Seabourn . In 2023 the line launches a 14-day Wild Guianas To The Amazon Basin cruise, which sails along Brazil’s Guajará River, a tributary of the Amazon. Excursions include a trip to meet local Indigenous groups – a reminder that Amazon river cruises are great options for getting off the beaten path.

Avalon Waterways has some of the largest windows on a river cruise

River cruise ships make excellent use of space, and we’re increasingly seeing this applied to windows. If you don’t manage to bag a balcony suite, don’t panic – it’s highly likely that you’ll have floor to ceiling windows. If you’re a stickler for a fantastic view, consider sailing with Avalon Waterways – their windows are some of the largest on a river cruise ship, and their Panorama Suites have the widest opening, wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows in river cruising.

American Queen Voyages has launched exciting new itineraries

American river cruises have become incredibly popular in recent years, and in 2023 the American Queen Voyages launches the longest itineraries offered by this historic cruise line. The 23-day itineraries (the first one departs in July) will sail along the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers and take in lesser-known destinations such as Maysville in Kentucky, Madison in Indiana, Point Pleasant in West Virginia and Marietta in Ohio.

You might meet your hero onboard an AmaWaterways ship

River cruising companies are going all out to provide deeper insights into the places their ships sail through. One example is National Geographic Expeditions, which recently announced that it will join forces with AmaWaterways and launch several National Geographic Expeditions-chartered departures in 2024. Onboard experts – all of whom will be familiar with itinerary destinations – will include photographers, authors and explorers.

You can sail along the Hudson River with American Cruise Lines

Fancy sailing past the Empire State Building? Now you can – kind of. American Cruise Lines is the only cruise line that offers sailings along the mighty Hudson, along with several other lesser-known rivers, including the Napa and San Joaquin Rivers in California.

You can combine rail and water with Uniworld

In 2022 Uniworld launched cruises combining Danube River sailings with trips on Golden Eagle Luxury Trains. These rail and river cruise packages offer guests the chance to take a five-day train journey through central Europe before boarding the ship. Expect more cruise lines to combine these modes of transport in the coming years.

Experts will join passengers onboard Ponant ships

Uniworld’s decision to combine sailing with luxury railway trips onboard Golden Eagle’s trains is a sign of the times – we’ll see more collaborations designed to enhance guests’ experience. In 2023 Ponant is collaborating with Smithsonian Journeys to offer sailings with onboard experts, such as world-renowned climate specialist Steve Paton, who will provide further insight into areas such as the San Blas archipelago.

Riverside Luxury Cruises is the new kid on the block

River cruising might sound like a crowded market, but the launch of Riverside Luxury Cruises in April 2023 proves that there’s always room for more. This new line launched with one ship – Riverside Mozart – and offers cruises starting in Vienna, Budapest and Passau. The ship’s rooftop bar looks pretty special, although we’re equally excited about the cuisine, inspired by regions the ship sails through.

Even the busiest rivers have quiet spots

The landscape is fabulously diverse

Some river cruise companies cover lakes too

CroisiEurope is the only river cruise line operating on Lake Kariba in Southern Africa. There are two cruise ships to choose from – African Dream and Zimbabwean Dream. Both ships accommodate 16 passengers in eight cabins, and there’s a rooftop bar and restaurant from which guests can soak up the views.

Most river cruises are truly all-inclusive

We’ve all come across cruise lines which claim to be all-inclusive but are actually anything but. These days, more cruise lines are going all out to offer passengers better value for money by including everything from premium drinks to excursions. Scenic River Cruises is a great example – cruise prices include flights from the UK, transfers, premium drinks, all meals (including fine dining ones) and excursions.

You’re unlikely to feel seasick on a river cruise

River cruises will take you to the end of the world (almost)

River cruises can take you to some of the world’s most remote places, as well as waterways which simply aren’t explored very often. CroisiEurope, for example, is the only operator to offer cruises on Spain’s Guadalquivir River (pictured at Seville), while the Heritage Line’s new Upper Mekong cruise, which sets sail in August 2023, will focus on remote areas of Laos.

You can cruise the world’s longest river

The views are better

There are no interior cabins on river cruise ships – all cabins face outwards and most have floor-to-ceiling windows. Cruise lines make the most of the space in innovative ways, too. On several Uniworld vessels, for example, mirrors are actually concealed televisions. The cabins at the rear of riverboats are often the cheapest – but if you’re a light sleeper, remember that this is because the engines are located here. 

Cruise lines are investing in air-filtering technology

One example is Amadeus River Cruises . In May 2023 the line launched Amadeus Riva, which has a hi-tech air filtration system with a two-stage purification system capable of removing aerosols – including any containing microscopic virus particles – from interior spaces.

The added extras are getting better

It's easier to avoid the crowds

There are no (or at least fewer) boring transfers

On ocean cruises, the excitement about seeing the local landmark/record-breaking attraction/ancient site quickly dissipates when there’s a one-hour bus journey between you and the site in question. Not so with river cruising, simply because of the increased accessibility. A great example is the iconic arch in St Louis, Missouri (pictured) –  this feat of engineering is just a 10-minute walk from the dock used by river boats.

Now check out the world's oldest man-made structures still in use today

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• Russian News and Stories

The Moscow metro now has a full 4G coverage

• On 19 Oct 2018

The Tele2 mobile network company became the first to build an infrastructure for 100% stations of the Moscow's metro. The high-quality 4G internet is now available on all 259 stations of the Moscow's metro, Moscow Central Circle (MCC) and monorail.

The operator has secured a 100% 4G indoor-coverage internet an all stations of the metropolitan metro, including the passageways, pavilions, and stairways. The investments into the project have exceeded 800 million rubles.

The Moscow underground is a specific infrastructure object, which has its own particularities. All works on designing, installation, and adjustment of the hardware should have been conducted exceptionally during night hours when the metro is closed for entry. A sufficient number of stations have a status of cultural heritage, thus, the network development has required additional approvement from the Department of Cultural Heritage of Moscow.

The network coverage within the metro system opens new horizons for the analysis of the "big data". Tele2 Network has analyzed the users' activity during the summer months and has indicated the busiest metro lines, which were: Tagansko-Krasnopresnenskaya, Zamoskvoretskaya and Kaluga-Riga lines. During the summer months, on the stations of Tagansko-Krasnopresnenskaya lines the subscribers have downloaded 125 TByte of internet-traffic, have made over 2 million calls with the total duration of 27 thousand hours, which equals to 3 years.

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Cruise & Rail A whole new way to travel with Uniworld

Combining all the best of river cruising, land and train travel, our Cruise & Rail itineraries represent the most innovative and exciting new way to see the world. As a pre- or post- cruise addition to your time sailing in all-inclusive luxury with Uniworld, you’ll embark on the best private train experience the world has to offer.

In addition to the set itineraries we offer, our reservations team can also assist you in combining our rail journeys with a different River Cruise.

The Perfect Pairing

Everchanging views right outside your window, visiting a variety of destinations in one trip without having to pack up every time, comfortable transportation and having everything taken care of for you—all benefits of river cruising, and all reasons to love train travel too.

OUR LUXURY RAIL PARTNERS

We’re thrilled to have found partners for our Cruise & Rail journeys that bring the Uniworld standard of luxury to the private train experience. Both Golden Eagle Luxury Trains and the Maharajas' Express are top-notch, with stylish design, excellent service and daily local excursions. And of course, it’s all-inclusive.

Feast on delicious cuisine served with fine wines while you watch your destinations glide by. And for Uniworld guests only, your Golden Eagle train will reserve an exclusive dining car where some of Bea Tollman’s signature recipes will be served.

Accommodations

Pair your boutique floating hotel with a luxurious gliding hotel, where your en-suite cabin is an elegant private compartment during the day and transforms into a comfortable bedroom for the evening.

Cruise & Rail: Milan, Venice, Istanbul & the Balkans

Ship: S.S. La Venezia Train: Golden Eagle Danube Express Discover a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures on a one-of-a-kind journey by land, cruise, and train as you travel between northern Italy and the diverse nations of the Balkan Peninsula. Begin your journey in stunning Milan and embark on your cruise in romantic Venice. These two legendary cities will bookend unforgettable experiences throughout the Veneto region. Then set off on a private train journey to Istanbul—the perfect addition to a river cruise. Along the way, visit Alpine lake towns, historic cities across Eastern Europe, and more.

Cruise & Rail: Venice, Istanbul & the Balkans

Ship: S.S. La Venezia Train: Golden Eagle Danube Express Experience a one-of-a-kind journey by cruise and train as you travel between northern Italy and the diverse nations of the Balkan Peninsula, discovering a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures along the way. Begin your journey on the S.S. La Venezia in romantic Venice, enjoying unforgettable experiences throughout the Veneto region. Then set off on a private train journey to Istanbul—the perfect addition to a river cruise. Along the way, visit Alpine lake towns, historic cities across Eastern Europe, and more.

Cruise & Rail: The Sacred Ganges & the Maharajas’ Express

Ship: Ganges Voyager II Train: The Maharajas’ Express Embark on a 16-day voyage through India, beginning with an immersive river cruise through the rural villages that line the Ganges River and culminating in a spectacular rail journey through the country's star cities. Start your journey onboard the luxurious Ganges Voyager II . From the awe-inspiring Hindu temple complexes of Kalna to the colorful flower markets of Kolkata, your Ganges voyage delves deeply into the myriad charms of India’s culture. Then your travels continue onshore to explore India by rail. The glamorous train, The Maharajas’ Express , will take you to Agra for the Taj Mahal, the Pink City of Jaipur and the Blue City of Jodhpur, the romantic “Venice of the East” Udaipur, New Delhi, and Mumbai, home to India’s famous Bollywood film industry.

Cruise & Rail: Grand Alpine & the Enchanting Danube

Ship: S.S. Maria Theresa Train: Golden Eagle Danube Express Take in the awe-inspiring cities and natural wonders of Europe by cruise and by train on this spectacular journey through 7 countries. Embark on a river cruise down the shimmering waters of the fabled Danube River, where our locally-based destination experts will take you well beyond the “must-sees” of each region. Then begin your ascent into the idyllic wonderland of the Alps via a luxury overnight train, where your days will be filled with unbelievable mountain scenery, picturesque lakes, and unforgettable experiences.

Cruise & Rail: Delightful Danube & the Castles of Transylvania

Ship: River Duchess Train: Golden Eagle Danube Express Stay in the transcontinental city of Istanbul, dive into the mystique of the Dracula myth on a private train journey through Romania, then experience the highlights of Eastern and Central Europe by luxury river cruise. Marvel at ravishing scenery as your luxurious ship glides through the Wachau Valley, celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, into Germany and past charming Bavarian villages. Exclusive treasures are plentiful on this delightful journey.

Cruise & Rail: Grand Alpine & the Jewels of Veneto

Ship: S.S. La Venezia Train: Golden Eagle Danube Express This grand adventure by cruise and train will take you from the glittering Venetian lagoon to the pristine lake towns of the Alps. Begin your journey in the stunning cities of Budapest and Vienna, from which you’ll ascend into the idyllic wonderland of the Alps via a luxury overnight train. Then travel to romantic Venice and treat yourself to the ultimate Venetian vacation, perfected by one unique quality: your stay onboard our floating boutique hotel.

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

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Elektrostal

Elektrostal Localisation : Country Russia , Oblast Moscow Oblast . Available Information : Geographical coordinates , Population, Area, Altitude, Weather and Hotel . Nearby cities and villages : Noginsk , Pavlovsky Posad and Staraya Kupavna .

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Elektrostal Demography

Information on the people and the population of Elektrostal.

Elektrostal Geography

Geographic Information regarding City of Elektrostal .

Elektrostal Distance

Distance (in kilometers) between Elektrostal and the biggest cities of Russia.

Elektrostal Map

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Elektrostal Nearby cities and villages

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Elektrostal Sunrise and sunset

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Elektrostal Hotel

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Elektrostal Nearby

Below is a list of activities and point of interest in Elektrostal and its surroundings.

Elektrostal Page

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Geographic coordinates of Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast, Russia

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Coordinates of Elektrostal in decimal degrees

Coordinates of elektrostal in degrees and decimal minutes, utm coordinates of elektrostal, geographic coordinate systems.

WGS 84 coordinate reference system is the latest revision of the World Geodetic System, which is used in mapping and navigation, including GPS satellite navigation system (the Global Positioning System).

Geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) define a position on the Earth’s surface. Coordinates are angular units. The canonical form of latitude and longitude representation uses degrees (°), minutes (′), and seconds (″). GPS systems widely use coordinates in degrees and decimal minutes, or in decimal degrees.

Latitude varies from −90° to 90°. The latitude of the Equator is 0°; the latitude of the South Pole is −90°; the latitude of the North Pole is 90°. Positive latitude values correspond to the geographic locations north of the Equator (abbrev. N). Negative latitude values correspond to the geographic locations south of the Equator (abbrev. S).

Longitude is counted from the prime meridian ( IERS Reference Meridian for WGS 84) and varies from −180° to 180°. Positive longitude values correspond to the geographic locations east of the prime meridian (abbrev. E). Negative longitude values correspond to the geographic locations west of the prime meridian (abbrev. W).

UTM or Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system divides the Earth’s surface into 60 longitudinal zones. The coordinates of a location within each zone are defined as a planar coordinate pair related to the intersection of the equator and the zone’s central meridian, and measured in meters.

Elevation above sea level is a measure of a geographic location’s height. We are using the global digital elevation model GTOPO30 .

Elektrostal , Moscow Oblast, Russia

• Victor Mukhin

Victor M. Mukhin was born in 1946 in the town of Orsk, Russia. In 1970 he graduated the Technological Institute in Leningrad. Victor M. Mukhin was directed to work to the scientific-industrial organization "Neorganika" (Elektrostal, Moscow region) where he is working during 47 years, at present as the head of the laboratory of carbon sorbents.     Victor M. Mukhin defended a Ph. D. thesis and a doctoral thesis at the Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia (in 1979 and 1997 accordingly). Professor of Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia. Scientific interests: production, investigation and application of active carbons, technological and ecological carbon-adsorptive processes, environmental protection, production of ecologically clean food.   

Title : Active carbons as nanoporous materials for solving of environmental problems

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