You’ve probably heard of Uniworld, but who are they, and how do they differentiate in the crowded river cruise market?

Uniworld is a small, family-owned company whose river ships are truly unique and live up to the billing of being “Boutique River Ships”.  They are also the most inclusive of the river brands:

• Unlimited premium spirits, beer, and wines
• All gratuities on board the ship
• A choice of several shore excursions in every port of call.
• Airport transfers (whether or not you book your air through Uniworld)
• On board fitness and wellness classes.
• Wifi on the ship

Besides the value of having these things included, it changes the culture on board.  There’s a big difference between presenting your key card for a second glass of wine, versus having someone come along and top you up.  It’s much more like being a guest in someone’s home on Uniworld. 

What does “Boutique River Ship” mean?

Each of Uniworld’s ships is uniquely different – designed and decorated to reflect the area through which it sails.  In France, for example, on the SS Joie de Vivre, there’s a French Bistro, and a Wine Cellar Restaurant right on the boat.  River cruises are about what you do on shore, and Uniworld’s custom river ships amplify that experience when you’re on the boat.  Here’s our ship tour video of Joie de Vivre:  https://youtu.be/uBGJhdtFsBY?si=uY_frz6bzmpTxiNg 

You’ll also notice the design and ornate decorations on every ship that is personally designed by the Tollman family, owners of Uniworld.  Their personal art collection is featured on every ship.  You don’t have to be an art expert to appreciate the benefit of seeing an original Picasso on board a river ship at your leisure, versus lining up in Amsterdam to see one in a museum. 

Uniworld river ships hold around 120 guests (versus as many as 190 guests on similar sized competitors’ vessels).  Fewer passengers means not only better service, but it also allows space for amenities on the ship like a spa, a pool, a fitness center, self-serve laundry facilities, and extra passenger space in lounges, restaurants and other public areas. 

Privileged Access:  Imagine seeing Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s, or busy museums before or after hours, when you’re not competing with thousands of others.  Uniworld offers this.

Cruise & Rail:  Take a river cruise in Northern Italy, and then jump on a luxury train for a ride through the Balkans to finish in Istanbul.  Or maybe you want to follow up your Italian cruise with a rail trip through Switzerland and Austria to Budapest.  

Rivers of the World:  This is as close as you get to World Cruise on the river.  This 50-night trip takes you to all the major rivers in Europe, and to Egypt.  You are escorted throughout your journey, and your luggage is moved for you between ships. 

Here are some examples of Uniworld Cruises

Venice & Northern Italy for 7-nights

• Visit Venice (several spots), Mazzorbo, Burano, Chioggia.
• Optional extensions to Milan, Rome, Athens OR Athens/Santorini. 
• 2024:  Departs Sundays in October from $3499
• 2025:  Departs Sundays April – October  from $3509

Here’s a link to our video blog when we did this cruise: https://youtu.be/QRIHi6SED6g?si=IJvnYEJlqJt_iV4n 

India:  Ganges River Cruise for 13-days between New Delhi and Kolkata

• Few countries simultaneously fascinate and frighten travellers as much as India, so why not visit it in comfort while still being exposed to the things that make this country so unique.
• Visit New Delhi, Jaipur, Agra (Taj Mahal), Kolkata, Cruise the Ganges, Kalna, Matairi, Murshidabad, Baranagar, Khusbagh,, Mayapur, Chandannagar.
• Includes 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and internal flights. 
• 2024:  Departures in November from $8599
• 2025:  Depart January 13 for $6559.  Depart October or November from $7379

Amazon Headwaters round-trip from Lima for 11-days

• 7 nights sailing on the Amazon and 3 nights in Lima. 
• Your ship, the Aria Amazon, only holds 32 guests, and there are floor-to-ceiling windows in every suite, offering unparalleled views of this pristine part of the world
• Have lunch with a family in Lima, visit a remote Amazon village, shop at a local market, take a skiff ride at night to view nocturnal creatures, visit local artisan and craft markets, and more. 
• 2024: Depart November 13 for $13,499
• 2025: Departures January, February, or May through November from $11,699
• Optional extensions to Machu Picchu, Rio de Janeiro and Iguazu Falls

Uniworld also sails on all the major river in Europe – I just features some of their more unusual destinations above. 

UNIWORLD is offering a 10% Early booking discount for 2025 departures.  If you want to see ALL their itineraries, here’s the link:  https://pamperedcruiser.uniworld.com/us 

Today’s Other Travel Opportunities

WINDSTAR YACHT CRUISING – 10% OFF

We can get you 10% off any Windstar fare between now and the end of September.  This is NOT available on direct bookings or anywhere else.  Here are a few examples:

Mediterranean including the Corinth Canal for 8-nights

• Visit Istanbul, Myrina, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Bodrum, Santorini, the Corinth Canal, Delphi, Athens
• 2024:  Depart October 4 from $4789*
• 2025:  Depart April 11 from $5211.

Caribbean round-trip from San Juan for 6-nights

• Visit St. Maarten, Charleston, Gustavia, Jost van Dyke, British Virgin Islands.
• 2024:  Nov 3 or 16 from $2782
• 2025:  Nov 2, 9, 16 from $3222

Iceland round-trip from Reykjavik for 7-nights

• Visit Reykjavik, Sertsey Island, Helmaey Island, Seydisfjordur (overnight), Akureyri, Isafjordur, Grundarfjordur.
• 2025:  July 7 from $4522

Tahiti round-trip from Papeete for 7-nights

• Visit Papeete, Moorea, Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora (overnight), Huahini.  Remember this tropical paradise is only 2 hours past Hawaii, and has a fraction as many tourists. 
• 2024: November 28, December 5 or 12 from $2999
• 2025:  March 20 from $3999

*Prices include all taxes and fees, all drinks, specialty dining, gratuities, and wifi on the ship.

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER

If you’re looking for incredible scenery, and something not too far from home, consider taking one of these world-class RAIL vacations:

Rockies to Red Rocks for 7-nights round-trip from Denver

• Start in Denver, board the train to Glenwood Springs, continue on the train to Moab for 3-nights where you can do excursions to Arches NP (hiking, E-biking, golfing, horse back riding, fishing, WW rafting, and much more), then board the train again for the journey back to Denver.
• Saturday departures in May from $4481

Canadian Rockies for 9-nights round-trip from Vancouver

• Visit Vancouver, Kamloops, Banff, Lake Louise, & Jasper.  People fly in from all over the world to experience cosmopolitan Vancouver, and the incredible scenery between there and Banff National Park.  
• Departures in April 2025 from $5474

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

Are You “Affluent”?:  https://pamperedcruiser.com/travelling-with-the-affluent/ 
DESTINATION: Australia / New Zealand:  https://pamperedcruiser.com/how-to-visit-australia-new-zealand/

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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley