The boutique-hotel ships
River Cruises Uniworld
Uniworld is the line to book when the ship itself is part of the reason you're going — every vessel is decorated differently, and nearly everything you drink and do aboard is already paid for.
- 50years in river cruising, marked in 2026
- 110–158guests on its European ships
- 22ships planned by 2028
- 24/7wines and spirits in the fare
Best for Couples who want a characterful ship and a fare that covers the bar, the tips and the Wi-Fi.
- Ship size110–158; 94 on the Douro from 2027
- DrinksUnlimited, all day
- GratuitiesIncluded
- ExcursionsWide choice; premium tours extra
- FamiliesAsk us
- SoloSupplement applies; offers through year
Overview
A collection of ships, not a fleet of copies
Most river lines want you to forget the boat. Uniworld wants you to remember it.
The company turns 50 in 2026, and its whole identity rests on one idea — that the ship should have as much character as the towns outside the window.
So no two look alike. The S.S. Maria Theresa leans into 18th-century Habsburg grandeur on the Danube. The S.S. Joie de Vivre on the Seine borrows from Parisian design of the 1920s through the 1960s. The S.S. La Venezia was redesigned around Fortuny fabrics and Murano glass for the Venice Lagoon.
That's the first half of the pitch. The second is the fare.
Uniworld's own inclusions page lists unlimited drinks — fine wines and premium spirits, not just at meals — plus gratuities for all onboard staff, ship-wide Wi-Fi and a wide slate of excursions. Bikes, Nordic walking sticks and 24-hour room service are in there too.
Put the two together and you get a line built for travellers who define luxury as beautiful rooms and no bill at the end. It's the deliberate opposite of Viking's Scandinavian restraint — a point of view, not a compromise.
The honest fit
Is Uniworld your line?
- you want the ship to be as memorable as the itinerary
- you'd rather not sign for a single drink all week — wines and spirits are in the fare
- individual character matters more to you than fleet-wide consistency
- a suite with butler service and a stocked mini-bar is the trip you're picturing
- you want a long, unusual voyage — its 2026 programme included a 50-night Rivers of the World cruise and Mystery Cruises
- you're travelling solo on a tight budget — a single supplement applies, and Uniworld doesn't publish a fixed rate
- the kitchen is your top priority — in our view AmaWaterways builds more of its identity around food
- you prefer calm, pared-back interiors — Viking is the cleaner fit
- you want contemporary suites over antiques and gilt — Riverside keeps its interiors quiet
- you want the lowest fare on the river — Uniworld prices as a premium product
Where it sails
Uniworld’s rivers, on one map
Tap a river to see what Uniworld does there and when it sails. Every lit pin is a stop on Uniworld’s published itineraries; open any river on our Cruise Atlas for the full port-by-port card.
The deepest programme — Enchanting Danube runs eight days between Budapest and Passau on the S.S. Maria Theresa, with longer routes to Bucharest, Prague and Amsterdam.
Castles along the Rhine sails Basel to Amsterdam or Arnhem on S.S. Antoinette, Elisabeth and Victoria.
Covered on Danube–Rhine crossings such as European Jewels, Budapest to Amsterdam.
S.S. Victoria and the 2027 S.S. Audrey are listed for Rhine and Moselle routes.
The S.S. Joie de Vivre runs Paris round trips, and Grand France links Paris to Arles over 15 days.
S.S. Catherine sails Burgundy & Provence, eight days between Arles and Lyon.
Porto round trips on S.S. São Gabriel, with the 94-guest S.S. São Rafael joining in 2027.
S.S. Bon Voyage runs Brilliant Bordeaux, an eight-day Bordeaux round trip on the Garonne and Dordogne.
Splendors of Egypt & the Nile, 12 days from Cairo, with S.S. Sphinx among the Nile ships.
Mekong Jewel sails a 15-day Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi journey; Mekong Mystique is listed for 2028.
Beyond the classics: the Venice Lagoon, India's Ganges, Peru's Amazon tributaries on the 32-guest Aria Amazon, and Indonesia on the Aqua Blu yacht.
What it costs
Uniworld’s published fares, river by river
Every Uniworld lead fare in our seven river guides, as the line published it. Filter by river, sort by fare or by night, and tap a river for its full guide.
- DanubeEnchanting Danube 2027, 8 days Budapest–Passau$2,099≈ $300 a night
from about $2,099 pp on offer dates, as published 21 Oct 2026; regular fare $2,849, 21 Mar 2027 departure
- DanubeDelightful Danube 2026, 8 days Budapest–Regensburg$2,499≈ $357 a night
$2,499 pp, based on the 1 Nov 2026 itinerary (the last 2026 date — ask us for 2027 pricing), as published 21 Oct 2026
- DanubeGrand Highlights of the Danube 2027, 17 days Passau–Bucharest$8,249≈ $516 a night
$8,249 pp, based on the 1 Aug itinerary, as published 21 Oct 2026
- RhineCastles along the Rhine & Amsterdam 2027, 10 days Basel–Amsterdam$3,199≈ $355 a night
$3,199 pp offer price (regular $3,949), based on the 19 Mar itinerary, as published 21 Oct 2026
- SeineGrand France, 15 days Paris–Arles (two ships)$8,399≈ $600 a night
$8,399 pp offer price (regular $9,399), based on the 27 June 2026 itinerary, which has sailed — ask us for 2027 Grand France pricing, as published 21 Oct 2026
- Rhône & SaôneBurgundy & Provence, 8 days Arles–Lyon$3,499≈ $500 a night
$3,499 pp, based on the 25 Oct 2026 itinerary (the season's last days — re-price for 2027 before relying on it), as published 21 Oct 2026
- Rhône & SaôneGrand France, 15 days Paris–Arles (two ships)$8,399≈ $600 a night
$8,399 pp offer price (regular $9,399), based on the 27 June 2026 itinerary, which has sailed — ask us for 2027 Grand France pricing, as published 21 Oct 2026
- DouroDouro River Valley 2026, 8 days Porto round trip (S.S. São Gabriel)$4,799≈ $686 a night
$4,799 pp double occupancy, based on the 1 Nov 2026 itinerary (one of the last 2026 dates — ask us for 2027 pricing), as published 21 Oct 2026
- NileSplendors of Egypt & the Nile, 12 days Cairo–Cairo (S.S. Sphinx or River Tosca)$5,099≈ $464 a night
$5,099 pp offer (regular $6,099), based on the 24 Apr 2027 itinerary, as published 22 Oct 2026
- MekongTimeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong, 15 days Ho Chi Minh City–Hanoi (2026, Mekong Jewel)$8,949≈ $639 a night
$8,949 pp double occupancy, based on the 10 December itinerary, as published 22 Oct 2026
Lead fares per person as each line published them; the line under each bar keeps the line’s own wording. “A night” is our arithmetic: the lead fare divided by the trip’s nights (days minus one, hotel nights included where the package has them), before taxes and port charges. Your dates will price differently. That’s the job we do for free.
The ships
Every ship a different hotel
Uniworld calls its top-tier vessels Super Ships — grand design, more space, top-tier amenities. The newest builds are where the line is heading.
The Super Ships
Uniworld's site names six Super Ships today — S.S. Victoria, S.S. Elisabeth, S.S. La Venezia, S.S. São Gabriel, Mekong Jewel and S.S. Sphinx. Cruise Industry News reports that the 2027 additions complete the move to an all-Super Ship fleet. The new European ships carry about 154 guests each, so they're a little larger than the older boutique hulls, not smaller.
S.S. Maria Theresa
Habsburg-era decor on the Danube for 150 guests, with Grand Suites of about 410 sq ft. It sails the line's Enchanting Danube route between Budapest and Passau.
S.S. Joie de Vivre
A 128-guest Seine ship inaugurated in 2017 — handcrafted furniture, antiques and original art inspired by mid-century Paris.
S.S. La Venezia
The former River Countess, redesigned in 2020 for the Venice Lagoon. Murano glass and gilded accents nod to early 20th-century Venice.
The 2026–2028 newbuilds
S.S. Emilie (Klimt-inspired, 2026), then S.S. Audrey, S.S. Marlene and the 94-guest S.S. São Rafael on the Douro in 2027. S.S. Helen, S.S. Clara and Mekong Mystique are listed for 2028.
| Ship or class | River | Guests | Debut | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S.S. Maria Theresa | Danube | 150 | 2015 | |
| S.S. Joie de Vivre | Seine | 128 | 2017 | |
| S.S. La Venezia | Venice Lagoon | 126 | 2003 | redesigned 2020 |
| S.S. Beatrice | Danube, Main, Rhine | 148 | 2009 | remodelled 2018 |
| S.S. Catherine | Rhône, Saône | 158 | — | |
| S.S. Bon Voyage | Garonne, Dordogne | 124 | — | |
| S.S. Victoria | Rhine, Moselle | 110 | 2024 | joined the fleet |
| S.S. Elisabeth | Rhine | 110 | 2025 | joined the fleet |
| S.S. Emilie | Danube | 154 | 2026 | newbuild |
| S.S. Marlene | Danube | 154 | 2027 | launching |
| S.S. Audrey | Rhine, Main, Moselle | 154 | 2027 | launching |
| S.S. São Rafael | Douro | 94 | 2027 | launching |
The Uniworld difference
The 50th-anniversary voyages
Uniworld used its anniversary to go big, not just to throw a party.
The 2026 programme added two new Mystery Cruise sailings — destinations undisclosed until you go — plus a first Grand Mystery Cruise joining both, and a 50-night Rivers of the World voyage across three continents and four ships. Every European sailing that year got a "Golden Party".
These sell to a narrow audience. If you have the time and the appetite for surprise, few lines offer anything comparable — worth asking about the 2027 versions before they fill.
The fare
What’s in the price, and what isn’t
Drinks
Unlimited beverages, including fine wines and premium spirits — not limited to mealtimes.
SourceExcursions
A wide variety of excursions, including private experiences and Nights Out events. Uniworld describes its programme as "included and optional", so check each tour.
SourceBikes and walking sticks
Bicycles and Nordic walking sticks are free to use, alongside daily fitness classes.
SourceMasterpiece Collection
Uniworld's premium tours are optional and "available for an additional cost."
SourceAirfare
Not part of US fares; flights can be added on request. UK fares are packaged differently and include flights.
SourceSingle supplement
Uniworld's pricing pages state that a single supplement applies. Reduced-supplement offers are announced through the year.
Source
Inclusions differ by itinerary and market, and lines revise them. We confirm exactly what’s in your fare when we price it.
Cabins
Which room to book
Every category gets the same design attention, so the choice is really about floor space and fresh air. Sizes vary ship to ship — the figures below are from Uniworld's own deck plans.
Best value
French Balcony Stateroom
The default for most couples — a floor-to-ceiling window that opens, and the full boutique finish. On the S.S. Maria Theresa and S.S. Joie de Vivre it runs about 194 sq ft, the same footprint as the Deluxe Balcony.
Smart alternative
Suite
This is where the inclusions grow — butler service, a stocked mini-bar and unlimited laundry come with it. Price the suite against a rival's balcony plus drinks and tips before deciding it's out of reach.
The splurge
Grand Suite or Royal Suite
Most ships top out with a Grand Suite — about 410 sq ft on the Maria Theresa. The S.S. Beatrice also has two Royal Suites at about 390 sq ft. There are only a handful per ship, so these go early.
Skip unless…
Classic Stateroom
The lowest deck, with windows at the waterline rather than an opening wall. Skip unless the fare gap is what makes the trip happen — on a scenic river the French Balcony is usually worth the step up.
Before you book
The honest downsides
- 01
Solo travellers pay a supplement, and the rate isn't published.
Uniworld's pricing pages simply say a single supplement applies, with reduced-supplement offers announced through the year. That makes it hard to plan around. If you're solo, ask us to watch for those offers rather than booking at the standard rate.
- 02
The design is a taste — a strong one.
Gilt, antiques, bold colour and Murano glass are a joy if they're your thing. If you find opulence busy, you'll be paying a premium for rooms you'd rather were quieter. Look at the photos of your specific ship before you commit.
- 03
Low water can change the plan.
In October 2026 Uniworld's site carried a notice about unusually low water on sections of the Rhine, Main and Danube, with operational adjustments on some sailings. That's a river problem, not a Uniworld one — but it's worth asking how your sailing would be handled before you pay in full.
Compared
Uniworld against the alternatives
Near-opposites. Viking runs a large fleet of similar ships with a pared-back look; Uniworld runs individually decorated ships with drinks and gratuities in the fare. Pick by taste first, then compare the all-in cost.
Read our Viking reviewIn our view Ama leans harder on food and active touring, while Uniworld leans on interiors and a bar you never sign for. Eat-and-cycle trip, Ama. Room-you'll-remember trip, Uniworld.
Read our AmaWaterways reviewBoth price at the top of the market with most extras folded in. Scenic's ships are contemporary; Uniworld's are ornate. Same tier, different aesthetic.
Read our Scenic reviewTauck sells the guided journey — its directors and land arrangements. Uniworld sells the ship. If the hotel matters more than the tour leader, Uniworld fits better.
Read our Tauck reviewHead to head
Uniworld against any other line
Pick a rival and the table rewrites itself. Every cell comes from the same checked facts as our reviews; the fare row is the lowest lead fare in our nine river guides.
| This reviewUniworld | Viking | |
|---|---|---|
| In one line | Characterful ships with drinks around the clock, gratuities and Wi-Fi already in the fare. | Adults-only calm, one ship design and a tour in every port: the predictable first booking. |
| Ship size | 110–158 on the main rivers; 94 on the Douro from 2027 | 190 guests per Longship |
| Drinks | Unlimited, all day | With lunch and dinner |
| Gratuities | Included | Extra (about $20 pp a night suggested) |
| Excursions | A wide choice; premium tours extra | One guided tour per port |
| Families | Ask us | 18 and over only |
| Solo travellers | Supplement applies; offers run through the year | Ask us |
| Lowest fare in our river guides | $2,099 | $1,999 |
Before you book
Five questions to settle before you book Uniworld
The answers separate two sailings that look the same on paper. Tick the ones you care about and we’ll answer them for your dates.
Why trust this page
The Seabound standard
Sources, read at the source
Every fare, berth and timetable here was checked on October 21, 2026, at the line, port or hotel wherever they publish it. Where they don’t, we name the source we used, or say nothing is published.
Paid placements
No line or hotel pays to appear here or to rank higher. Affiliate links are labelled, and they never decide what we recommend.
Advisors, not a booking engine
A Seabound Journeys advisor reads your brief, compares the lines for your dates and answers you personally. CLIA-affiliated, Florida Seller of Travel ST15578.
Before you board
Arrive a night early, somewhere worth it
Many of these cities put the ship close to the centre, though a few, such as Bucharest, mean a road transfer to the ship. A night or two ahead absorbs a delayed overnight flight and gives you the city before the ship does. Here are hotels to consider in Uniworld’s main embarkation cities.
Hotel and tour links go to Booking.com and Viator; Seabound Journeys may earn a commission at no cost to you. Your line’s included excursions stay with the line. Affiliate disclosure. Prefer us to book the nights with your cruise? Say so in your brief below.
Our verdict
Book it for the room you'll remember
Uniworld is for travellers who think the vessel should be part of the memory — and who'd rather not see a bar tab.
Fifty years in, the ships still don't look like anyone else's, and the fare covers the wine, the spirits, the tips and the Wi-Fi. Suites add a butler.
The edges are clear. Solos face an unpublished supplement, the decor is a definite taste, and food-first travellers may find a better match elsewhere.
Pick your ship before you pick your dates — then ask us to price the suite against the balcony, because on Uniworld the gap is often smaller than it looks.
- Usually the same fare as booking direct, and our advice costs you nothing.
- We compare Uniworld against the other lines for your dates, not just one brochure.
- Pre- and post-cruise hotels, flights and transfers can go into the same plan.
Your river brief
Tell us the trip. We’ll find the sailing.
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Quick answers
Uniworld river cruise questions
What is Uniworld known for?
Individually designed ships and a fare that includes most of what you'd pay for aboard. Each vessel has its own theme, from Habsburg Vienna on the S.S. Maria Theresa to Venetian glass on the S.S. La Venezia. The line marked its 50th anniversary in 2026.
Is Uniworld all-inclusive?
Close to it. Uniworld lists unlimited wines and premium spirits, gratuities for onboard staff, ship-wide Wi-Fi and a wide range of excursions in the fare. Airfare isn't included on US fares, and the Masterpiece Collection tours cost extra. Inclusions can vary in Egypt, India, Southeast Asia and Peru.
What is a Uniworld Super Ship?
It's Uniworld's name for its top-tier ships — grand design, extra space and top-tier amenities. Its site currently names six, including S.S. Victoria and S.S. Elisabeth. Cruise Industry News reports that the three 2027 newbuilds complete the move to an all-Super Ship fleet.
What new Uniworld ships are coming?
S.S. Emilie debuted on the Danube in 2026. S.S. Audrey, S.S. Marlene and S.S. São Rafael are due in 2027, followed by S.S. Helen, S.S. Clara and Mekong Mystique in 2028. Cruise Industry News puts the fleet at 22 ships once those arrive.
Is Uniworld good for solo travellers?
The onboard experience suits solos well, but the price can sting. Uniworld says a single supplement applies and announces reduced-supplement offers at times through the year, without publishing a standard rate. Booking during one of those offers makes a real difference.
How much does a Uniworld river cruise cost?
Uniworld's US site showed Enchanting Danube, eight days between Budapest and Passau, from $2,099 per person on offer dates such as 21 March 2027 (regular fare $2,849), and from $2,999 for the last 2026 dates, as published on October 21, 2026. Suites and peak dates run several times that. Fares change often, so treat any number as a starting point.
How we checked this page 15 sources
We checked the line’s own pages and the trade press on October 22, 2026. Where they disagreed, we used the more conservative figure or named the source. Nothing here is paid for, and Booking.com, Viator and CruiseDirect never see a page before it’s published.
- Uniworld — All-Inclusive Luxury
- Uniworld — All-Inclusive River Cruises
- Uniworld — Super Ships
- Uniworld — Ships
- Uniworld — S.S. Maria Theresa
- Uniworld — S.S. Joie de Vivre
- Uniworld — S.S. La Venezia
- Uniworld — S.S. Beatrice
- Uniworld — Expertly Curated Excursions
- Uniworld — River Cruises (itinerary listing)
- Uniworld — Enchanting Danube 2027 pricing
- Uniworld UK — Solo Travel
- Cruise Industry News — Uniworld plans biggest fleet expansion yet with three new ships in 2027 (Oct 19 2026)
- Cruise Passenger — Uniworld celebrates its 50th anniversary
- Cruise Passenger — A new sneak peek at Uniworld's 2027 Super Ships (Mar 2026)
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