Uniworld
History, Review, Itineraries, Ships, Deck Plans, News
Uniworld fleet
Uniworld SS Sphinx
Next cruise: 11 days, round-trip Splendors of Egypt the NileUniworldYear build 2021 / Age : 4 Passengers 84 SS Sao Gabriel
Current cruise: 7 days, round-trip Douro River ValleyUniworldYear build 2021 / Age : 4 Passengers 100 RV Mekong Jewel
Next cruise: 14 days, one-way from Saigon to HanoiUniworldYear build 2020 / Age : 5 Passengers 68 SS Victoria
Current cruise: 7 days, one-way from Brussels to AmsterdamRiverside CruisesYear build 2017 / Age : 8 Passengers 114 - 169 SS Elisabeth
Current cruise: 7 days, one-way from Amsterdam to BaselRiverside CruisesYear build 2017 / Age : 8 Passengers 114 - 169 SS Joie de Vivre
Current cruise: 14 days, one-way from Bordeaux to Paris CityUniworldYear build 2017 / Age : 8 Passengers 128 SS Maria Theresa
Current cruise: 7 days, one-way from Budapest to PassauUniworldYear build 2015 / Age : 10 Passengers 150 SS Catherine
Current cruise: 7 days, one-way from Arles to LyonUniworldYear build 2014 / Age : 11 Passengers 159 Ganges Voyager 2
Next cruise: 12 days, one-way from New Delhi to KolkataVantage ExplorationsYear build 2014 / Age : 11 Passengers 28 - 56 SS Antoinette
Next cruise: 10 days, one-way from Amsterdam to BaselUniworldYear build 2011 / Age : 14 Passengers 154 SS Beatrice
Current cruise: 7 days, one-way from Nuremberg to BudapestUniworldYear build 2009 / Age : 16 Passengers 152 Uniworld River Tosca
Next cruise: 11 days, round-trip Splendors of Egypt the NileUniworldYear build 2009 / Age : 16 Passengers 41 - 82 SS Bon Voyage
Current cruise: 17 days, one-way from Bordeaux to LisbonUniworldYear build 2006 / Age : 19 Passengers 124
Review of Uniworld
This CruiseMapper page reviews Uniworld's river cruise itineraries, travel destinations, departure ports (homeports), and shipboard experiences. We provide detailed cruise schedules (sail calendar with dates and prices per person). Another feature is the Uniworld cruise tracking service integrated into each page, showing the boat's current position on the river via a live map.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection (uniworld.com), based in Los Angeles, California, operates a fleet of river cruise ships along rivers in Europe, Russia, China, Egypt, and the Amazon in Brazil. The company also has operational offices in France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and China.
Uniworld is a subsidiary of TTC (The Travel Corporation), which owns major brands such as Contiki Tours and Trafalgar Tours. On July 16, 2024, Apollo Funds (part of Apollo Global Management, a New York-based asset management firm founded in 1990) announced its acquisition of TTC's 18 brands, including Trafalgar and Uniworld. Some TTC brands, like The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, were not included in the sale. The acquisition was supported by Sidley Austin LLP (Apollo Funds' legal counsel), Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP (TTC's legal counsel), and Zaoui & Co (TTC's financial advisor).
The current President and CEO of Uniworld 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 vessels previously marketed by the GHK-owned Crystal Cruises as "river yachts." Riverside Bach (formerly Crystal Bach) began Rhine cruises for Uniworld in 2024 as the "SS Victoria," while Riverside Mahler (formerly Crystal Mahler) began operations in 2025 as the "SS Elisabeth." Both vessels, rebranded by Uniworld as "Super Ships" (SS), were part of the four-ship Crystal River Cruises fleet acquired by Seaside Collection in 2022.
Note: A bareboat charter (also known as a demise charter) is an agreement where the shipowner provides the vessel's administration, crew, technical maintenance, and fueling during the charter period. The charterer (Uniworld) obtains possession and full control of the vessel, assuming legal and financial responsibility, and covers all operating expenses, including fuel, crew, port charges, and insurance.
IMPORTANT: In March 2025, Uniworld announced a fleet expansion, with three new "Super Ships" debuting in 2027. These new vessels will sail on the Rhine, Main, Danube, and Douro rivers. Their launch will mark the completion of Uniworld's transition to a fully Super Ship fleet. (news ID 14508)
Uniworld River Cruises - Company History and Changes
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection boasts a fleet of boutique-style river ships with an average capacity of 130 guests. Their itineraries feature exceptional cuisine, top-tier dining, custom shore excursions, and outstanding service from all-English-speaking staff.
After the 2004 acquisition by TTC-Travel Corporation, the company fully refurbished and upgraded its existing fleet and acquired new riverboats. Notable recent additions include SS Antoinette (2011) and SS Catherine (2014), both featuring larger cabins, al fresco dining, swimming pools with bars, marble bathrooms, and "smart windows" that transform into French balconies with the push of a button. In 2013, seven Uniworld vessels were ranked in Travel + Leisure’s "Top 20 River Cruise Ships," with River Countess (renamed SS La Venezia in 2020) securing the top spot.
Included in Uniworld's ticket prices are soft drinks, beer and wine (by the glass) during lunch and dinner, a specialty tea and coffee bar (available throughout the day), bottled water (in all staterooms), various dining options, live entertainment, themed lectures, and airport-ship-airport transfers. Most shore excursions, led by English-speaking experts using Quietvox audio systems, are also included.
Uniworld offers personalized shore excursions tailored to either a "gentle" or "active" physical level. Evening onboard activities are similar to those on other river cruise lines, typically featuring local entertainers. Uniworld's clientele consists mainly of senior North Americans and some Brits, though it also attracts passengers over 40 and hosts successful multi-generational family cruises each year.
In April 2023, Uniworld introduced sustainable dining options fleetwide, including new vegan and vegetarian menus. The company also implemented the Leanpath system in 2021, resulting in a ~40% food waste reduction across its fleet. As part of its sustainability plan, Uniworld eliminated all single-use plastics and replaced bottled water in staterooms with complimentary reusable water bottles. Cabin key cards are now made from bamboo, and in-cabin laundry bags are reusable.
50th Anniversary (2026)
In 2026, Uniworld will celebrate its 50th anniversary.
For the occasion, Uniworld will introduce a new riverboat (SS Emilie), additional itineraries, and a 50-night World Cruise.
Uniworld’s Mystery Cruise series will return with three undisclosed itineraries, two of which depart on April 26th and the third on May 3rd, 2026.
The 50-night "Rivers of the World Cruise," starting on April 16th (aboard the SS Emilie) in Brussels, Belgium, spans three continents. The itinerary includes a Mystery Cruise segment, followed by sailings on the Seine and Nile rivers, as well as a stay in Jordan.
Uniworld's expanded "Generations Collection" will include two family-themed river cruises (Burgundy & Provence itinerary) departing on July 19th and July 26th. These voyages feature dedicated family hosts, kid-friendly dining, and curated onboard activities.
European voyages will include three new Danube itineraries (aboard the SS Emilie) and extended back-to-back cruises. A new 17-day "Danube Grandeur & Prague" itinerary visits seven countries and merges two existing routes.
U by Uniworld
At the end of 2016, Uniworld launched a new cruise line brand called "U by Uniworld," designed specifically for younger travelers (aged 18-40). It is operated with a fleet of two newly refurbished ships and offers longer port stays on European river cruise itineraries.
- The brand's fleet includes the 116-passenger sister ships THE A (launched in 1999 as River Ambassador) and THE B (launched in 1997 as River Baroness). The fully renovated riverboats feature all-black exteriors, contemporary interior design, communal dining tables, onboard cocktail mixologists, and onboard DJs.
- Sales began in March 2017, with bookings available for 2018, when the brand started operations.
- "U by Uniworld" operates with separate brochures, a dedicated website (ubyuniworld.com), and distinct pricing.
- The product is tailored to cruisers aged 21-45 and offers fewer inclusions than the higher-priced sister line.
- The line's social media campaign uses the hashtag #AllAboutU to gather requests and suggestions for Uniworld's new cruising vacation experience.
Since April 14, 2018, "U by Uniworld" ships have offered 8-day cruises on the Danube, Main, Rhine, and Seine rivers. These itineraries include extended port stays in cities like Amsterdam, Budapest, Paris, and Vienna.
"U by Uniworld" packages include two gourmet meals per day, unlimited coffee, tea, wine, and soft beverages (at lunch and dinner), free Wi-Fi, and gratuities. Prices start from USD 2500 for an 8-day cruise aboard THE A and USD 3000 for a 7-day Seine River cruise aboard River Baroness, departing roundtrip from Paris to Normandy.
The ships feature a gym, main lounge, rooftop lounge, coffee bar, and two dining venues (main restaurant and rooftop dining). Cabin categories range from basic to luxury suites.
Signature onboard activities include outdoor yoga, cooking and painting with wine classes, bar mixology, a sundeck boutique bar lounge, a "silent disco" (on the sun deck, passengers dancing with earphones), and themed excursions like Seine River kayaking and Budapest river rafting.
In January 2018, Luftner Cruises announced their own millennial-focused voyages for 2019, offering 6-day cruise tours on the Rhine, Rhone, and Danube rivers. Each voyage is hosted by a popular social media personality and features trendy programs centered on healthy living, fitness, and nutrition. This campaign began in Spring 2018 aboard Luftner's Amadeus Provence.
In 2021, U by Uniworld introduced new experiences, including airport transfers and shore excursions, and launched themed cruises tailored to younger travelers. Additionally, the "GenZ on U" family program, created exclusively for teens and their parents, provides unique experiences for celebrating special occasions or simply bonding as a family.
After the debut of themed "U in Drag" and "Tattoo on U" voyages in 2020, Uniworld introduced its first food-themed cruise in 2021 (departure July 24) in partnership with food photographer and travel inspiration expert Salvatore DiBenedetto (aka The GrubFather).
Since 2021, U by Uniworld's cruise packages include wine and beer by the glass (at lunch and dinner), roundtrip airport transfers, and 3 daily meals with locally sourced ingredients. Guests also enjoy daily shore excursions, local DJ performances on the rooftop lounge, all gratuities, and shipwide Wi-Fi.
Uniworld Cruise Experience
Since its founding in 1976, Uniworld has expanded its fleet and market share, covering more than 20 countries and operating over 500 river itineraries annually. Cruises range from 7 days to 1 month. Uniworld’s boutique-hotel style river cruises appeal to a wide variety of passengers. In addition to its primary operations in Central and Western Europe, the company partners with major travel groups to bring its classic Uniworld experience to China, Vietnam, Egypt, and Portugal.
Onboard, whether in newly built or refurbished ships, Uniworld’s signature ambiance is colorful and dynamic. Cabins and public spaces are furnished to the highest standards, with luxurious fabrics, original artwork, and antiques alongside modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, Savoir brand beds, and plush bathrooms.
Service and cuisine match those of oceangoing luxury cruise ships. Although riverboats are smaller and lack options like Broadway-style entertainment or casinos, there are plenty of diversions, such as local performers and bands for dancing.
Uniworld has transitioned to offering mostly all-inclusive cruises. Fares (excluding for China, Vietnam, and Russia) include unlimited fine wine, spirits, beer, and gratuities for onboard and shore services. Most shore tours are included in ticket prices, although some optional activities, like wine-tasting tours, incur an extra charge. Each Uniworld riverboat also carries a fleet of complimentary bicycles for use at ports of call.
While large-ship entertainment is absent, each evening features local acts who perform onboard, enhancing the experience.
The following YouTube video provides a review of the Uniworld experience on European river cruises.
In 2018, Uniworld launched a new onboard dining program offering alternative and al fresco dining options, progressive dinners, and farm-to-ship meals with locally sourced ingredients. These new options were introduced on all "Super Ships," allowing guests to enjoy a 7-course dinner, with each course served at a different location onboard. The experience starts with appetizers in the galley (the ship’s kitchen) and ends with desserts on the Sun Deck. Beverage and food menus vary by destination, itinerary, season, and chef, and include local craft beers and wines from nearby vineyards.
In late October 2018, Uniworld announced plans to build four new riverboats: one for Russia (launch in 2021) and three for voyages on the Nile (SS Sphinx), Mekong (Mekong Jewel), and Douro (SS Sao Gabriel).
In January 2021, Uniworld launched the Uniworld Support Hub, an online trading platform for travel agents. It offers digital brochures and content to support virtual sales promos and events, including 10-minute destination videos showcasing various Uniworld-operated destinations and rivers.
(Coronavirus Crisis) Passenger Shipping Pause 2020-2021
Due to the COVID pandemic, Uniworld suspended its passenger shipping operations by canceling all voyages with scheduled departures from March 14, 2020, through July 2021.
All affected bookings were fully refunded. Uniworld's cruise cancellation policy was updated to allow penalty-free cancellations for new bookings up to 14 days before departure, with rebooking options.
Fares paid as Future Cruise Credit (FCC) were transferable to any Uniworld cruise tour planned for 2021-2022.
Itinerary of Uniworld
This section contains links to all Uniworld cruise ships, providing information on sailing schedules (dates and prices), current positions (cruise tracker), and internal links to related review articles.
Uniworld's top luxury ships offer itineraries along the largest European and Asian rivers, including in China, Egypt, and Russia. The company's operations cover more than 20 countries with over 500 departures annually. Itineraries range from one week to one month.
Below is a list of all Uniworld ships (both owned and chartered) and their itinerary regions:
- Ganges Voyager II (2015-built) - a chartered luxury vessel for India cruises on the 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) - Rhine, Main, Danube - Germany, Austria, Hungary, Czech Republic
- River Orchid (2013-built) - Mekong River - Vietnam and Cambodia
- River Princess (2001-built) - Rhine, Main, Danube, "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) - Egypt / Nile River cruises
- River Victoria (1982-built) - Volga River - Russia
- Queen Isabel - chartered for Spain and Portugal cruises on the 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, departing from Paris
- SS Joie de Vivre (Super Ship, 2017-built) - Seine River - France river cruises in Normandy, departing 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 agreement with the German shipowner Seaside Collection GmbH & Co KG for two 2017-built vessels, previously operated by Crystal River Cruises until 2022. Riverside Bach (formerly Crystal Bach) began Rhine River cruises for Uniworld in 2024 as the "SS Victoria," while Riverside Mahler (formerly Crystal Mahler) began operations in 2025 as the "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) began Uniworld-chartered cruises on the Peruvian Amazon River in September 2020 with three itineraries. This marks the company's first-ever program on the Amazon River. The program begins with a 15-day "Peruvian Amazon and Machu Picchu Exploration" (including a 5-star hotel overnight in Lima, Peru), followed by a 7-day cruise through the Amazon Rainforest (with visits to Cusco and Machu Picchu) and concluding with an 11-day "Peruvian Rivers and Rainforest Discovery" (roundtrip from Iquitos, cruising through Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve / Amazonian jungle in northeastern Peru). Bookings for this program opened on December 16, 2019, with prices starting from USD 12,000 per person (double-occupancy houseboat cabin rates).
Uniworld Mekong Cruise Itineraries
Since January 2020, Uniworld has been operating a 13-day cruisetour itinerary aboard the Mekong Jewel between Saigon and Siem Reap (both northbound and southbound), with the following ports 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, and Wat Hanchey Temple.
Below is Uniworld's day-by-day itinerary for ports of call:
- 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 (embarkation), cruise 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 (debarkation), 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 homeward flight
Uniworld's "Masterpiece Collection" (Fly-Cruise) Itineraries
Uniworld's "Masterpiece Collection" ("flight and cruise" deals) was launched in 2018.
The deals applied to departure dates on selected 2018 river cruise 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 deals are all-inclusive packages that include scheduled airport transfers (to/from the riverboat), all onboard meals and beverages (including spirits and wines), gratuities, Wi-Fi, bicycles (for land tours), Nordic walking sticks, onboard fitness classes, and all guided shore excursions at each port along the itinerary route.
Uniworld's "Masterpiece Collection" cruise prices start at USD 3700 per person and vary based on the departure date and cruise tour itinerary. Prices also include flights (offered from several major airports in the USA). Fly-cruise deals can be upgraded to business class (starting from USD 2500 per person).
Itineraries for 2025-2026
In September 2024, Uniworld unveiled its 2025 lineup, which includes the introduction of its newest vessel, the S.S. Elisabeth. The ship is set to make her maiden voyage from Amsterdam, Netherlands in March 2025, enhancing Uniworld's fleet with six new itineraries across Europe, in addition to extended land excursions. The Elisabeth will sail the 8-day Castles Along the Rhine itinerary in March, followed by the Rhine Holiday Markets voyage in late 2025.
Uniworld’s 2025 itineraries will expand its European offerings with the following highlights:
- 14-day Cruise & Rail: Paris to Istanbul: a combination of river cruising and private train journeys through 7 countries aboard the S.S. Joie de Vivre and the Golden Eagle Danube Express.
- 18-day Wine Roads of France and Portugal: connects two of Europe’s most celebrated wine regions, Bordeaux and the Douro River Valley, aboard the S.S. Bon Voyage and the S.S. Sao Gabriel.
- 15-day Rhine, Moselle, and Belgium Grand Discovery: from Belgium to Switzerland aboard the S.S. Victoria.
- 13-day Grande Italia: through Milan, Venice, and Rome, complemented by voyages through lesser-known Venetian towns aboard the S.S. La Venezia.
- 11-day Rome, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto: starting in Venice, with stops in scenic towns before transitioning to Rome, including a special visit to Vatican City.
- 11-day Dutch and Belgian Holiday Celebration aboard the S.S. Victoria, celebrating Christmas in Belgium and New Year’s in the Netherlands.
In addition to these sailings, Uniworld also offers 6 new pre- and post-cruise extensions, including stays in Madeira Island, Cassis, Biarritz Basque Country, Engelberg, Kitzbuhel, and Zurich, adding further depth to its 2025 travel experiences.
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) starts from Kolkata and travels to either New Delhi or Mumbai.
Below are the ports scheduled for Uniworld's India itinerary in 2024.
- Kolkata (Embark)
- Kalna
- Matiari
- Murshidabad, Baranagar
- Cruising the Ganges, Khusbagh
- Mayapur, Chandannagar
- Kolkata
- Kolkata (Disembark), Fly to Mumbai
- Mumbai (Embark)
- Udaipur
- Jodhpur
- Bikaner
- Jaipur
- Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri
- Agra, New Delhi (Disembark)
- New Delhi
Next are the itinerary's ports scheduled for 2023.
- Kolkata (Embark)
- Kalna
- Matiari
- Murshidabad, Baranagar
- Cruising the Ganges, Khusbagh
- Mayapur, Chandannagar
- Kolkata
- Kolkata (Disembark), Fly to New Delhi
- New Delhi (Embark), Agra
- Agra, Ranthambore
- Jaipur
- Bikaner
- Jodhpur
- Udaipur
- Mumbai (Disembark)
- Mumbai
The voyage starts at around ~US$ 27,100 per person (based on double occupancy). Uniworld's pricing includes 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 include coffee/tea, while dinners include more beverages (house wine, local beer, soft drinks, coffee/tea).
The unique voyage features 7 nights of ship cruising, 6 nights aboard The Maharajas' Express (luxury train), and two 1-night hotel stays (The Oberoi New Delhi and The Oberoi Mumbai/or similar).
2026 Rivers of the World Cruise Tour (50-night/5 Ships/6 Rivers)
In July 2024, Uniworld announced its third "Rivers of the World" itinerary, scheduled for 2026, marking the company’s 50th anniversary.
The 50-night B2B/back-to-back cruise starts in Brussels, Belgium (April 16th) and ends in Amman, Jordan (June 5th). The global voyage includes 5 "super ships" (SS Emilie, TBA/Mystery Ship, SS Joie de Vivre, SS Catherine, SS Sphinx) and offers unique travel experiences, including Uniworld’s signature "Mystery Cruise," which visits undisclosed destinations.
Part 1 (first leg, SS Emilie) is a 10-night Tulip Time cruise in Holland and Belgium.
Part 2 (second segment) is aboard a "Mystery Ship." The 7-night itinerary sails through France, ending in Paris on May 3rd.
Part 3 (third segment, SS Joie de Vivre) is a 7-night itinerary in France, ending on May 10th in Paris, with train travel to Lyon on the same day.
Part 4 (fourth segment, SS Catherine) is a 10-night itinerary in France, focusing on Burgundy and Provence, with a 3-night Mediterranean seaside resort hotel stay in Cassis. Departure from Cassis is on May 20th, arriving in Cairo later that day.
Part 5 (fifth segment, SS Sphinx) is a 16-night Egypt and Jordan cruisetour, starting with a 5-night luxury stay in Cairo, followed by Nile River cruising and a modified Jordan extension.
The Rivers of the World 2026 cruise includes farm-to-table cuisine, unlimited premium beverages (wine, beer, spirits), Wi-Fi, land excursions, scheduled airport transfers, onboard gratuities, and transportation between the cruise segments. Prices do not include pre-/post-cruise flights.
The special sailing also features a dedicated Traveling Concierge for the entire journey.
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 (maximum capacity 68 passengers) grouping 4 ships and visiting ports in 10 countries across 3 continents (South America, Europe, Southeast Asia).
The world’s longest river voyage starts with the 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 SS Beatrice in Holland/Amsterdam. The 16-day itinerary visits ports in 4 countries (Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Hungary), including 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 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 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 a Park Hyatt Saigon hotel stay before the homeward flight.
Uniworld Cruise Itinerary Themes and Homeports
Below is a list of all the company’s itineraries (all regions/rivers) by theme 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 (seasonal 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, followed by a river cruise from BUDAPEST to PASSAU.
- (2024) "CRUISE & RAIL: GRAND ALPINE & THE ENCHANTING DANUBE" (14 DAYS) PASSAU TO BUDAPEST plus train from VIENNA 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 from 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 from 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 feature integrated into all Uniworld river cruise review pages. At the bottom of each page, you will find a map showing the boat's current location (AIS position). All real-time tracking data is provided by VesselFinder. It's all about convenience—you can easily find where your Uniworld ship is cruising today, right now, along its current itinerary in real-time!
Enjoy "boutique luxury" river cruising on your Uniworld vacation!
Note: You can also explore CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All river passenger shipping lines and their fleets are listed there.
Uniworld related cruise news
- Cruise Industry
Uniworld to mark 50th anniversary with new ship, world cruise, and special sailings in 2026
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will introduce a new river vessel, expanded itineraries, and a milestone 50...
March 20, 2025 - Cruise Industry
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises to introduce 3 new Super Ships in 2027
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March 3, 2025 - Cruise Industry
Uniworld unveils 'Magical Parisian Holiday' river cruise itinerary in 2025
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February 2, 2025 - Cruise Industry
Uniworld’s Iconic India Tour hits TV screens in January
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December 27, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Uniworld unveils first women-only river cruise (2025, ship SS Catherine) in France
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is set to debut its first women-only voyage (full ship charter) in 2025, navigating through southern France's...
September 29, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Uniworld expands 2025 offerings with new ship SS Elisabeth and 6 European itineraries
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has unveiled its 2025 lineup, which includes the introduction of its newest boat - SS Elisabeth/fka Riverside Mahler...
September 21, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Olympics impact French river cruise demand for Summer 2024
Last-minute bookings and heightened demand for Rhine and Douro sailings have defined this summer's trends in European river cruising. While cruises...
July 29, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Uniworld celebrates 50 years with new 2026 Global River Cruise
Uniworld has announced its third "Rivers of the World" global itinerary for 2026, celebrating 5 decades of luxury all-inclusive river cruises...
July 29, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Apollo Funds acquires Uniworld, Trafalgar, and other TTC Brands
Apollo (NYSE: APO) and The Travel Corporation (TTC) have announced a definitive agreement for Apollo-managed funds (the “Apollo Funds&rdquo...
July 17, 2024 - Cruise Industry
Uniworld adds new sailing dates for Europe and Asia river cruises
In response to high demand, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has added sailing dates for 3 riverboats: two in Europe and one in Asia. SS Joie de...
June 18, 2024 - show more news