Introduction
To my absolute shame, it has taken me over a year to publish this article. I think, if I’m honest, I got the fear about doing justice to the ship, the company, the brand. After more than 10 years working for The Travel Corporation, and with Uniworld, Insight Vacations and Red Carnation being my hot favourites among the family, I really just couldn’t articulate what I wanted to say without feeling it wasn’t enough.
Since leaving the company I’ve managed to experience 8 other brands of River Cruise ships, so I also know my view has widened, but I also know that its fair, albeit maybe a bit biased!
In saying that, I have not sailed another comparable 5-star river ship; yes I’ve seen them at the CLIA River Conference or hopped on board while I saw some docked in cities I happened to be in, but I’ve not experienced the service and style onboard those 5 star ships so take this as an independent ship and brand review based solely on my actual experience onboard.
The Ship
To start, for those of you who haven’t travelled on a river ship before, let me highlight a few key differences between River and Ocean cruising, we are taking small moving hotels.
This intimacy fosters a strong community feel onboard and its one of my favourite aspects of this style of cruising. I’m not suggesting that I want to join other people for dinner every single night, but I do like the chats in the bar pre and post dinner and the camaraderie that exists on the tours.
Entertainment is low key, and again think small hotel style and not large resort style. This makes it personal and definitely more immersive and enjoyable. River cruises navigate inland waterways, allowing access to charming little towns, big historic cities, and lots of scenic landscapes.
Itineraries often include multiple stops within a single country or region, which also allows for overnight stays where you can hop off and enjoy the regions at night after dinner or even head out for a dinner in the cities or towns.
This is something I really love to do. Especially in cities like Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest or Porto. Not to mention, the odd visit to an Irish pub or two!
I sailed from Budapest to Vienna onboard the gorgeous SS Maria Theresa who is one of Uniworld’s flagship vessels and her first Super Ship, I am one of the lucky ones to have sailed her many times and every single time she impresses and delivers.
She was also home to the ITAA Conference in 2016, so I’m sure many of you have fond memories of her too, when we all cruised from Amsterdam to Cologne.
As is the case with all Uniworld ships, she was designed to provide a lavish, service-orientated cruising experience. This ship has 76 staterooms, including a selection of suites that offer spacious living areas and private balconies and a butler service.
The interior design and style of this ship is signature Uniworld – think Red Carnation or closer to home think Ashford Castle – and I just love it. It is opulent, it is luxury and you feel like you are sleeping on a bed that’s made for royalty.
In my opinion, it’s the tiny noticeable touches that make Uniworld one of her kind in the luxury market. Gifts on the bed at night, staff that say yes to all requests – large or small. Sweet treats in jars in the room and in the lounge, flowers in abundance, art that’s breathtaking, and don’t get me started on the wallpaper, furniture that’s so luxury you don’t know whether to sit on it or take a photos for Instagram.
When you are onboard Uniworld you simply won’t have to think other than what will I eat, drink or do!
Another thing that’s unique about Uniworld is the food. It is pure gourmet dining and is literally a culinary delight at every meal, they put a heavy focus on locally sourced ingredients and regional specialties and farm to table is key. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast (I highly recommend the eggs benedict) and a buffet lunch in the in the ship’s main dining room, or opt for al fresco dining on the sun deck.
Dinner is another level, however, with chef suggestions on a beautifully presented a la carte menu or alternatively there is the everyday option available of steak and salmon. Where possible I highly recommend opting for the Mrs Tollmans signature dishes. As the brands very own celebrity chef her creativity with food is equal parts visually breathtaking and deliciously mouthwatering.
There is also an included speciality restaurant in the leopard bar where light breakfasts, lunches or dinners are served.
The SS Maria Theresa sails on itineraries along the Danube.
Uniworld River Cruises is renowned for offering a premium all-inclusive experience, ensuring that guests can enjoy their journey without worrying about hidden costs. Inclusions typically feature:
Gourmet Meals: All meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring regionally inspired cuisine.
Beverages: Unlimited beverages, including fine wines, spirits, and soft drinks, throughout the cruise.
Excursions: A range of guided excursions and experiences in each port of call, often with options for different activity levels.
Onboard Entertainment: Access to cultural performances, lectures, and cooking demonstrations.
Gratuities: All tips and gratuities for onboard staff and local guides are included.
Stage 1: Budapest
Budapest – Hungary’s storied capital city – remains effortlessly cool, whatever the weather and even when sweltering in the midst of a central European heatwave as it has been in recent weeks.
Stage 2: Bratislava
What Bratislava lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty. The Slovakian capital’s old town easily rivals more frequently visited historical towns and cities in western Europe.
Something of a hidden gem, Bratislava is dwarfed by its near neighbours; particularly Vienna which is only 55km away. Still, Bratislava manages to attract around 1 million visitors every year – roughly double the size of its permanent population.
It is the only national capital which borders two countries, namely Austria and Hungary. Its close proximity to Vienna can also be viewed as a benefit, in that it can easily be reached – via a 1 hour boat trip – as a day-trip destination from the Austrian capital.
Stage 3: Vienna
For first-time visitors, Vienna more than lives up to all of the hype surrounding its breathtaking beauty, sumptuousness and old-world chocolate-box charm.
While technically on the Danube, the Austrian capital doesn’t suffer from having much of its ornate beauty located away from the water – it is basically so beautiful a city that it doesn’t need to rely on one of Europe’s most famous and romantic rivers on which to sell itself.
Incentive-wise, we have a bit going on until the end of October.
- €50 One4All voucher – agent incentive for every booking
- Every Uniworld booking will be entered into a draw to win One Night at Ashford Castle.
