The Art of River Cruising
Kerstin Taschke, Cruise Manager at Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, provides an exclusive look into the company’s operations. Discover how Uniworld transforms river cruising into a voyage of luxury and cultural exploration with its unique, destination-inspired ships, world-class service and immersive, all-inclusive experiences.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about Uniworld Boutique River Cruises?
A: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises leads the industry in all-inclusive luxury river cruising. Our boutique, floating hotels provide guests with a distinctive and elegant home away from home, each inspired by the destinations we sail to. With a commitment to excellence, our passionate crew curates unforgettable, immersive experiences in a new locale every day. Our fleet of 17 unique ships sails through Europe, Egypt, India, Vietnam, Cambodia and Peru. Unlike ocean cruises, our smaller river cruise ships offer a more intimate experience, with an average of 120 guests per voyage. This smaller guest capacity allows for a close-knit ambience, personalised attention and better access to our exceptional staff. In fact, Uniworld boasts one of the lowest guest-to-crew ratios in the industry, with our dedicated team members having some of the longest tenures in river cruising.
Q: What distinguishes Uniworld’s luxury experience, especially regarding staterooms and onboard amenities?
A: Our ships are like no other, each one a distinct, floating boutique hotel. Every vessel is adorned with décor inspired by its travel destinations, including hand-selected fabrics, original artwork and unique design touches that reflect the local culture.
Onboard, guests enjoy a philosophy of “no detail too small, no request too large.” Suite guests, for instance, benefit from personal butler service for added convenience, including unpacking, room service and more. Wellness amenities also abound, with fitness rooms, yoga classes, spa treatments and, on select ships, additional features like swimming pools, cinemas and speciality dining venues.
Q: Uniworld is known for its all-inclusive experience. Can you elaborate on what guests can expect to be included?
A: At Uniworld, almost everything is included. Guests enjoy gourmet meals, premium drinks, daily shore excursions, onboard wellness options, enrichment activities and gratuities—all part of their fare. There’s no need to worry about extra costs; simply relax and savour the Uniworld experience.
Q: What are some of Uniworld’s most memorable shore excursions that stand out from other river cruises?
A: We offer unforgettable experiences that go beyond standard sightseeing. For instance, our “Make Travel Matter” excursions focus on positively impacting the environment or local communities, aligning with the United Nations’ Global Goals. Highlights include skiff rides in Peru to observe wildlife, after-hours access to Venice’s St. Mark’s Basilica, private evening tours of the Bassins de Lumières in Bordeaux, a private Mozart and Strauss concert on the Danube, guided visits to the Luxor Temple, and sunrise or sunset views of the Taj Mahal.
Q: Uniworld emphasises local, regionally inspired cuisine. Can you share how the culinary offerings vary by region?
A: The dining room on each Uniworld ship is truly a highlight, not only for its elegant décor but for the exquisite cuisine. Our chefs make the most of locally sourced ingredients from each port of call, crafting meals that immerse guests in the flavours of the region. Our culinary team transforms these fresh ingredients into delicious, authentic dishes, allowing guests to taste the essence of their destinations.
Q: How does Uniworld maintain its high staff-to-guest ratio and ensure personalised service for each traveller?
A: Our guests consistently highlight the dedication and warmth of our crew, who quickly learn personal details like names and beverage preferences. Many of our staff members have been with Uniworld for decades, building a strong, experienced team committed to exceeding guest expectations through thoughtful, attentive service.
Q: Uniworld offers themed cruises, how do these enhance the experience compared to a traditional river cruise?
A: Our themed cruises add an extra layer of depth and excitement. We offer a range of specialised voyages, from holiday season cruises and family-oriented “Generations Collection” sailings to biking tours. New themes are always on the horizon; in 2025, we’ll introduce a women-only cruise, a Danube music cruise and a golf programme.
Q: What unique destinations does Uniworld explore outside of Europe, and what can guests expect from these itineraries?
A: Beyond Europe, we offer enriching itineraries in Egypt, Peru, India, Vietnam and Cambodia. Guests can explore iconic landmarks like Machu Picchu, the Great Pyramids, Angkor Wat and the Taj Mahal, as well as hidden gems along the river. In these destinations, we feature local guides, including Egyptologists on our “Splendors of Egypt & the Nile” tour and naturalists in Peru.
Uniworld also offers optional pre- and post-cruise land extensions, allowing guests to dive deeper into local culture. Options include European city extensions as well as explorations in Greece, Jordan, Rio de Janeiro, Iguazu Falls and Ha Long Bay.
Asia Dreams Volume 53
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
600 North Bridge Road
Singapore 188778
T: (+65) 69225950
E: info.asia@uniworld.com
W: uniworld.com/AP
IG: @uniworldcruises
#ExploreUniworld
