The next time you’re considering cruising, a river cruise is an ideal choice.

What we find most attractive about river cruising, however, is how well it immerses travelers in their destinations. Small river ships can travel far past the coastline to places ocean liners can’t reach and bring you to both major cities and hidden gem towns along the way. You’ll also find yourself in constant proximity to land, always immersed in your destination through the views from your ship. The best part? River ships can dock in the heart of town, so you can step right off the boat and into the action.

Uniworld’s claim to fame is its fleet of floating boutique hotels. Inspired by the rivers on which they cruise, every ship is beautifully decorated, down to the finest details. Each stands apart with elegant color palettes, sumptuous furnishings, original artwork, custom fabrics, and spacious suites with all-marble bathrooms. No two Uniworld ships—or even suites, for that matter—are alike. And everything onboard is crafted to reflect your destination, from the design to the included onboard experiences (think cooking classes, local entertainment, fascinating lectures, and more).

You’ll find the very best service onboard with Uniworld. The crews are passionate about going the extra mile to give guests an unforgettable experience, with friendly and dedicated teams that live by the motto “no request is too large, no detail too small.” Suite guests enjoy the service of butlers trained to the same high standards required for butlers that work at Buckingham Palace.

Arguably, the best room onboard any of the ships is the dining room—not just for the same elegant décor that defines the entire vessel but also for the incredible cuisine served there. Uniworld’s Master Chef and his talented culinary team have ensured that every Uniworld guest enjoys 5-star, locally sourced cuisine inspired by the destinations they visit.

Local cuisine is an integral part of every journey, but for some destinations, food is truly the star. Uniworld’s all-inclusive, luxury river cruises through France, Italy, and Portugal dive deep into some of the most renowned culinary and winemaking traditions in the world. Our recommendation? Combine two or more of these itineraries for an unforgettable voyage through the flavors of Europe.

Onshore experiences with Uniworld are all about getting to know your destination intimately, and they offer a wide range of excursions aimed at helping you do just that. “Village Day” outings bring you to charming small towns and introduce you to the people who call them home—perhaps a local potter in their shop or a small winemaker ready to take you on a tasting tour through their vineyards. On “Do as the Locals Do” tours, you’ll follow an expert local guide through their cities to see the less touristy sides of major destinations like Paris or Venice. And if active adventures are more your style, “Let’s Go” excursions take you on hikes, bike rides, and more through picturesque locations. Uniworld offers a selection of included MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, chosen for the positive environmental or social impact they have on the guests who experience them and the people and places they visit.

Whether you are looking for the classic European river cruising experience or something a little different, Uniworld is ready to impress. You’ll find special programs available on select sailings, from Jewish Heritage itineraries to Generations Collection departures with kid-friendly perks. Uniworld’s Holiday Season Cruises offer enchanting itineraries through the centuries-old Christmas markets of Europe and a yearly OUT on the Rivers! A cruise for LGBTQ+ travelers features LGBTQ+ performers, dance parties, themed events, and more.

For the ultimate experience, Uniworld offers the farthest-reaching journey in river cruising: Uniworld’s 2024 Rivers of the World cruise is a 55-day odyssey spanning three continents and four luxurious ships, starting in Lima and ending in Ho Chi Minh City. Combining all the best of river cruising, land, and train travel, Uniworld’s Cruise & Rail itineraries represent the most innovative and exciting new way to see the world. Additionally, a pre- or post-cruise luxury train extension can be added to many of their itineraries. These rail journeys join an extensive land extension selection Uniworld offers, including experiences in Paris, Athens and Santorini, Rio de Janeiro and the Iguazu Falls, and Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. Customizable extensions, arranged in partnership with Adventure World Travel, provide guests with a collection of extraordinary adventures and stunning accommodations in new locations around the world.