THE A

"U by Uniworld" River Ambassador ("THE A") cruises on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, departing from Amsterdam, Vienna, Prague, Basel, and Frankfurt am Main.

The vessel (ENI number 2320666) is currently Germany-flagged (MMSI 218017870) and sails under the name OTELLO.

Uniworld (officially "Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection") is a major river cruise company and part of The Travel Corporation group.

Ships with similar features and amenities include Baroness (1994, now THE B), Countess (2003, now SS La Venezia), Duchess (2003), Empress (2001), Princess (2001, now Trafalgar Reverie), Queen (1999, now Trafalgar Verity), and Royale (2006).

Note: Since April 2018, the vessel operates under the new brand "U by Uniworld" (renamed "THE A"), and together with her fleetmate River Baroness (THE B), she also cruises on the Seine River, departing from Paris, France.

• The "U by Uniworld" product is tailored for travelers aged 21-45, with fewer inclusions compared to standard Uniworld packages.
• "U by Uniworld" fares include two meals per day (breakfast and dinner) and one or two daily shore excursions. Additional optional tours and excursions are available at extra cost.
• Following the 2017 refit, both riverboats feature black hulls, a gym, main lounge, rooftop bar lounge, coffee bar, and two dining venues (main restaurant and rooftop/alfresco). Cabins are offered in only three categories.
• Both "U by Uniworld" ships were launched on April 14, 2018.
• THE A operates on Rhine, Main, and Danube itineraries, featuring overnight stays and extended port calls in Amsterdam, Holland, Budapest, Hungary, and Vienna, Austria.

In 2020, both sisterships (THE A and THE B) were redeployed in Central Europe with updated itinerary programs. THE B cruises between Brussels and Amsterdam, and between Amsterdam and Frankfurt, while THE A operates between Nuremberg and Vienna, and between Vienna and Belgrade.

In 2020, "U by Uniworld" was rebranded as "U River Cruises", with an initial launch planned for April. However, THE B’s and THE A’s inaugural departures were rescheduled to May 1 (THE B) and May 15 (THE A). For the 2020 season, the ships introduced three new 8-day itineraries.

• "Vienna Vibe" (between Nuremberg and Vienna) visits Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Melk, and Krems.
• "Eastern Europe Escapes" (between Vienna and Belgrade, Serbia) visits Bratislava, Budapest, Mohacs, and Novi Sad.
• "Amsterdam and Brussels Bound" itinerary visits Rotterdam, Middelburg, Ghent, and Antwerp.

MS River Ambassador entered service in 1993 and is one of Uniworld’s older vessels. Following refurbishments in 2006 and 2011, the ship features light and stylish interiors that effectively mask her age.

Cabins

River Ambassador suites and staterooms on the Rhine Deck feature French balconies. All Riverview suites and standard staterooms are equipped with handcrafted UK-made Savoir beds and premium bedding. Amenities include built-in closets, individual climate control, hairdryer, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV, infotainment system with complimentary movies, bottled water, and marble bathrooms with L'Occitane en Provence products. Guests also benefit from 24-hour reception service, a complimentary specialty coffee bar, and free Internet and Wi-Fi access. Uniworld cruises emphasize walking and exploration tours led by local guides.

River Ambassador cruise fares are per person, based on double occupancy, and are indicative only. Prices may vary depending on travel agency promotions, special offers, group bookings, or last-minute deals. Uniworld also offers air-inclusive cruise packages and pre-/post-cruise hotel stays (available at additional cost).

Following the 2017 refit, "U by Uniworld" THE A offers 4 suites, 29 studio single cabins, 26 balcony staterooms, and 2 triple-occupancy studio cabins. All accommodations provide unobstructed outside views and feature built-in Bluetooth speakers.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The "U by Uniworld" brand offers onboard dining focused on locally sourced ingredients, with menus reflecting regional cuisine along the itinerary. Dining options include classic comfort dishes, as well as organic, vegan, vegetarian, and healthy selections. Special dietary requirements are accommodated upon request.

The ship offers two meals per day, depending on the daily schedule. Guests can also enjoy made-to-order items such as specialty burgers (with bacon, goat cheese, and fresh-cut fries), custom pizzas (with fresh local toppings), and homemade granola with fresh juices. Local street food specialties are also served when available.

Water, tea, and coffee are included in the fare. Additional charges apply for craft beers, bottled wine, cocktails, and specialty coffees. Since 2021, U by Uniworld packages include wine and beer by the glass (served at lunch and dinner) and roundtrip airport transfers. Fares also include three daily meals (with locally sourced ingredients), two dedicated U Hosts (destination experts), daily shore excursions, DJ performances (at the rooftop bar lounge), gratuities, and shipwide Wi-Fi.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

River Ambassador features a Main Lounge (with dance floor and full-service bar), Sun Deck (with chessboard and shuffleboard), Library, Boutique Shop, and Serenity Spa. During scenic cruising, passengers can participate in onboard activities such as painting sessions on the Sun Deck, with wine and art supplies provided.

Additional onboard activities include mixology classes (cocktail preparation), cooking classes (multi-course, led by the ship’s chef), silent disco events (with headphones provided), and complimentary morning yoga sessions on the Sun Deck, guided by the ship’s wellness coach. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the vessel.

"U by Uniworld" THE A also features rooftop/outdoor venues, entertainment by international DJs, professional mixologists, communal dining tables, and farm-to-table cuisine.

"U by Uniworld" cruisetours and excursions

All itineraries include complimentary shore excursions, such as cycling tours (along the river or within cities), evening walks, canal cruises (Amsterdam), vineyard hikes, and castle visits. Guests also have access to Nordic walking sticks and bicycles for use during shore excursions.

All boat-to-town transfers are included. Passengers may also arrange private excursions independently. Additional curated experiences, designed by the company’s destination experts, are available at extra cost on most itinerary days. These activities range from relaxed sightseeing to more active experiences. U by Uniworld emphasizes competitive pricing, complimentary transfers, and high-quality service.

"U by Uniworld" Itineraries

U by Uniworld cruise fares start from GBP 160 / USD 250 per person per day (compared to approximately USD 330 per person per day for entry-level Uniworld cruises). The fleet (THE A and THE B) operates on Seine, Rhine, Main, and Danube itineraries, featuring overnight stays and extended port visits in major European cities.

THE A’s 10-day itineraries are themed as "The Danube Flow", "Germany's Finest", and "Rolling on the Rhine". In addition, 5-day holiday cruises are offered under themes such as "A Merry Little Christmas" and "Dashing Through the Danube".

In 2020, both sisterships (THE A and THE B) were scheduled for deployment in Central Europe with revised itinerary programs. THE B was planned to operate between Brussels and Amsterdam, and between Amsterdam and Frankfurt, while THE A was scheduled to cruise between Nuremberg and Vienna, and between Vienna and Belgrade.