Uniworld - Boutique River Cruise Collection

How do I get from the airport to the ship?

Transfers to/from airports will be provided only for flights arriving/departing on the start/finish day of the cruise (and for extensions/extra nights). There may be a waiting period of up to 2 hours or more unless private car transfers have been purchased. The following time limits apply:

Passenger flight details must be given to Uniworld 45 days prior to departure. If your flight arrangements arrive/depart outside of the above you may purchase a private car transfer from Uniworld or make your own transfer arrangements. Uniworld will not be responsible for late arrivals or missed transfers due to delayed or cancelled flights, for missed cruise/trip days or for extra costs resulting from the foregoing. PLEASE NOTE: Your flight details must be provided to Uniworld so that we can book your transfers.

When can I board the ship on embarkation day?

On turnaround day, the entire ship must be cleaned in preparation for your arrival. The facilities of the ship, including your cabin, will not be available before 4pm. We appreciate your understanding on this matter. Should you arrive early, you may leave your bags in the Reception area and take a walk into the city, or relax in the Lounge.

What is the electrical current onboard?

The voltage is 220 Volts.

Do I need to bring a hair dryer with me?

There is a hair dryer in your cabin. There is also a hairdresser onboard. The voltage onboard is 220 Volts. You will need a European converter if you are bringing a hair dryer from Australia.

What is the dress code onboard?

During the day, comfortable, casual attire is appropriate. The weather in Europe can be very changeable, so take a sweater or windproof jacket and an umbrella. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended for excursions. Evenings are a little dressier. Gentlemen may wish to wear a jacket to the Captain's dinner. You'll find average temperatures listed on each of the cruises on our website.

What kind of money do I need for shopping ashore?

Larger stores will accept credit cards. Market vendors and small stores will usually only accept local currency. It is a good idea to take a small amount of cash to exchange for tips, purchasing souvenirs or sundries.

Can I exchange money onboard?

European ships cannot exchange currency. The easiest way to get local currency is from an ATM (automated teller machine), using your credit card and PIN number.

How large are the ships?

Our ships accommodate between 100 and 138 guests. They are generally 360 feet long (110 meters), and 37.5 feet wide (11.4 meters). The draft is approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters). There are typically 34 crew members aboard.

Do your ships have any exclusive features?

Magnetic key cards have been introduced on the River Empress, River Countess and River Duchess. The magnetic card functions as your cabin key, your onboard charge card, and your ID card for boarding. Passengers swipe the cards as they disembark and embark, enabling our staff to keep track of everyone onboard. Our ships were the first - and are still the only - river cruise ships to offer this convenience. The River Empress, River Countess and River Duchess offer guests the convenience of checking and sending e-mails. On the River Princess, River Queen, River Empress, River Duchess and River Countess, each guest is provided with a terry cloth robe in their cabin. Our ships have one of the largest fitness centres aboard any river cruise ship. There is also a sauna and a steam room on the River Princess, River Queen, River Empress, River Duchess and River Countess.

Where does the ship dock during the cruise?

Docking space is allocated by the local river authorities. The ship always docks facing upstream, against the current, on either side of the river. Views from cabins may occasionally be restricted.

What is the difference between a barge and a river cruise ship?

Generally, barges accommodate 4 to 24 passengers, and cover just 30 to 50 miles in a week. Barges move so slowly that passengers can step off the barge, walk or bike into town, and catch up with the barge again. The cuisine and local wines are usually of high quality, but entertainment is minimal. In comparison, Uniworld River Cruise ships typically carry 100 to 138 guests, and are much more like a floating hotel with a restaurant, lounge, library, fitness centre, and entertainment in the evening. River cruise ships sail at a faster speed, and call at one or several countries in a week, stopping in the heart of cities.

Are river cruise ships wheelchair accessible?

The ships are not handicapped or wheelchair accessible. There are elevators on the River Princess, River Queen, River Empress, River Duchess and River Countess. On the River Queen, the elevator does not reach all decks. Additionally, most shore excursions involve some walking. Some excursions are walking cruises only, and several occur on cobblestone streets.

Can I bring my pet with me?

Pets are not permitted on Uniworld River Cruises.

Next: On The Cruise

When should I leave the ship on disembarkation day?

On the final day of your cruise, we ask that you vacate your cabin immediately after breakfast.

How do I get from the ship to the airport?

Passengers who have provided flight information will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight. Your Cruise Manager will advise the transfer times. For guests making their own air arrangements, the Reception staff will call taxis. All guests are requested to vacate cabins after breakfast.

What are the meals like onboard?

Dinner is a casually elegant affair, served usually between 7pm and 9pm. You always have a choice of main entrées and a dessert. Your table is set with fine crystal, linen and silver. Enjoy a wine selection more selective than on most other ships in Europe. A sumptuous buffet breakfast is usually served between 7am and 9am. Daily sightseeing typically starts at 9am, and you'll return to the ship in time for lunch - a bounteous buffet - usually served from noon to 1:30pm. Enjoy regional specialties with an international flair. Our chefs take fresh ingredients found locally, and create dishes evocative of the countries you'll be visiting. While most meals are enjoyed aboard ship, there are also opportunities to enjoy dining ashore, included in the price of your vacation. Depending on your itinerary, you might savour beer and sausages in Bavaria, or a typical Rhineland dinner in a German "Schloss".

Do I need to reserve my dining room seating and times?

No. The restaurant seats all passengers at one open seating. You can change your dining companions each day as you meet new friends, or join the same group time after time. The choice is yours. With single-seating dining, service is always leisurely and relaxed. Some special diets may be catered for with advance notice. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style; dinner is served at the table. Wine is available for purchase. The restaurant is non-smoking.

Is wine available with meals?

Wine is complimentary during dinner on European company-owned cruises. On other cruises wine is available for purchase. Enjoy a wine selection more extensive than on most other ships in Europe.

Can I arrange special celebrations - anniversaries, birthdays - onboard?

Commemorating an anniversary? Celebrating a birthday? Let us know in advance and our chefs will be happy to prepare something special for your table or recommend a wine to mark your particular milestone. It's a great way to share an event with new and old friends.

Are special meals available onboard?

Some special diets may be catered for with advance notice. We can accommodate passengers who prefer a vegetarian diet and can assist with diabetic, gluten free and other medically recommended diets. We regret that we are unable to supply meals in accordance with strict religious requirements.

Are there opportunities to dine ashore?

While most meals are enjoyed aboard ship, there are also opportunities to enjoy local specialties ashore, included in the price of your vacation. Depending on your itinerary, you might enjoy beer and sausages in Bavaria, a typical Rhineland dinner in a German "Schloss", or dinner with port wine on the terrace of a 12th century monastery in Portugal. Sample pastries in Vienna, cheese in Holland, calvados in Normandy, and much more.

What amenities will I find in my cabin?

On most ships, you'll find the following amenities in your spacious and comfortable cabin: hotel-style beds; two panoramic windows in most cabins, and floor-to-ceiling windows on the top deck; a sitting area by the window; adequate closet and drawer space; a vanity (make-up mirror and stool); TV with satellite channels and onboard information and videos; direct-dial telephone; safe; hair dryer; terry cloth robe.

What amenities will I find my suite?

If you expect the best, upgrade to a suite. A rare feature on other European river cruise ships, but available on our ships, our suites are extra spacious at 230 square feet. Suites feature: hotel-style beds; a sitting area, with a sofa and two chairs; three floor-to-ceiling windows; adequate closet and drawer space; TV with satellite channels and onboard information and videos; direct-dial telephone; safe; hair dryer; terry cloth robe; a luxurious extra-spacious bathroom with a shower. On the River Empress, River Countess and River Duchess, there is also a bathtub in the suites.

What are hotel-style beds?

Our beds are positioned in the middle of the room instead of being fixed to the wall like those found on other river cruise ships. Our ships do not have bunk-style or fold-out beds either. Every cabin has twin beds that can be combined into one large double bed.

Is there entertainment onboard the ships?

Gather around the piano in the Main Lounge for nightly musical entertainment. On certain evenings, local musicians and dancers will come aboard. Theme cruises add additional entertainment with organ concerts, choral music, Strauss waltzes, Bavarian "oom-pah-pah" bands, and gypsy melodies all presented ashore.

What types of Theme Cruises are available?

Several of our cruises are designated Theme Cruises. In addition to regular shore excursions, these cruises have additional theme features including: music celebrations on the great rivers of Europe, wine cruises along the Danube, and music along the Danube.

Is smoking allowed onboard?

There is no smoking permitted anywhere inside the ship. You may smoke on the Sun Deck only.

Is smoking allowed on sightseeing tours/transfer vehicles?

For the comfort of all passengers, smoking is not permitted on any sightseeing or transfer vehicle. Stops are available en route for photographs and breaks, providing opportunities for smokers. On sightseeing tours, we ask that passengers change seats to allow everyone to sit near the front.

Are there exercise facilities onboard?

The River Princess, River Queen, River Empress, River Duchess and River Countess have one of the largest fitness centres aboard any river cruise ship. There is also a sauna and a steam room.

What language is spoken onboard and ashore?

Uniworld River Cruises will be conducted in English only.

Is there laundry service onboard?

A self-service launderette is available on the River Princess, River Queen, River Empress, River Duchess and River Countess.

What do I do with valuables onboard?

An in-cabin safe is available on all ships. We urge you to leave valuable jewellery at home. Uniworld River Cruises is not responsible for any valuables left in the cabin. Please beware of pickpockets when going ashore.

Are there medical personnel onboard?

A crew member trained in first aid is always available, and medical personnel can be summoned aboard quickly in an emergency.

How do I pay for purchases onboard?

Prices onboard are in Euros. You sign for any purchases or services throughout your cruise, and pay by credit card at the end. European ships cannot exchange currency. The easiest way to get local currency is from an ATM (automated teller machine), using your credit card and PIN number.

What activities are available for children?

Passengers who are less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult aged 21 or older. Our experience is that most young children (under 8 years of age) do not enjoy or appreciate the cruise experience. There are no special arrangements, activities or accommodations for children on our cruise programs. Adults accompanying children are responsible for their behaviour during the trip.

Must I tip onboard?

Whilst they are customary, gratuities including the end-of-trip gratuity/tip for the cruise manager, tour manager and crew are not included in the price of your trip. The amount of the tip is entirely subject to your satisfaction with your travel experience.

Next: Reservations

How do I make a reservation?

To book your Uniworld River Cruise please contact your preferred Travel Agent. To contact Uniworld, please call 1300 780 231 or send an email to info@uniworldcruises.com.au

Are there any discounts or money savings offers to take advantage of?

Uniworld offers great savings and discounts to help you stretch your money such as our Pay-in-Full Discount and Early Booking Discount. Read More

How can I book a group?

We welcome groups of all sizes. If 9 or more people travel together, we offer attractive group discounts based on how many people travel. So it pays to get together with your family and friends! Conditions apply. Please see your travel professional for further information.

What happen if I am travelling alone?

Uniworld cruise ships have a limited number of single cabins available at an additional cost.

What is the single supplement?

The single supplement is the additional price that is offered to those who would like to stay in a room on their own.

Can I share a cabin if travelling alone?

No. If you are travelling alone you must pay the single supplement for a single cabin.

Are prices based on double occupancy?

All prices quoted on the Uniworld website and in the Uniworld brochure are per person, sharing a double/twin room (unless stated otherwise).

Are airport transfers included?

Transfers to/from the airport will be provided only for flights arriving/departing on the start/finish day of the cruise (and for extensions/extra nights). There may be a waiting period of up to 2 hours or more unless private car transfers have been purchased.

Do I need Travel Insurance?

Uniworld strongly recommends that all clients have an insurance policy to ensure your peace of mind before and whilst travelling. It's important that you protect yourself in case of trip cancellation/interruption for any reason, travel/baggage delay or loss of baggage and medical expenses.

Why isn't my existing medical insurance enough coverage?

Check with your primary care insurer but most insurance companies will not cover accidents overseas or out of the area and usually claims will only be met up to a stated limit. Travel insurance will cover balances up to a much higher amount. In addition you will receive cover for travel costs, accommodations and assistance.

Will I need a passport?

Passports are needed when travelling outside your home country. Your passport should be valid for 6 months beyond the conclusion of your trip.

Will I need a visa?

You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your cruise. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your cruise. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your travel agent, and local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting, well in advance to determine which visas you require and how to obtain them.

When will I receive my documents from Uniworld?

Travel documents are usually sent 21 days prior to departure. If you are leaving home earlier please ask your Travel Agent to request your travel documents in good time.

Can I request special dietary meals?

The meals on cruise will provide you with a balanced diet and are based on local foods and menus. We can accommodate passengers who prefer a vegetarian diet and can assist with diabetic, gluten free and other medically recommended diets. Please advise at time of booking. We regret that we are unable to supply meals in accordance with strict religious requirements.

Next: Travel Documents

Will I need a passport?

Passports are needed when travelling outside your home country. Your passport should be valid for 6 months beyond the conclusion of your trip.

Will I need a visa?

You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departure of your cruise. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your cruise. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks prior to your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your travel agent, and local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting, well in advance to determine which visas you require and how to obtain them.

When will I receive my documents from Uniworld?

Travel documents are usually sent 21 days prior to departure. If you are leaving home earlier please ask your Travel Agent to request your travel documents in good time.