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The luxurious décor of the 443-foot, 152-passenger S.S. Antoinette—Uniworld’s first Super ShipTM vessel—features fine Brazilian marble on the walls and floors, a 19th-century Venetian glass mirror, a stylish Bar du Leopard with full-service bar, and an onboard cinema. The two-story foyer boasts a 10-foot blue Strauss Baccarat chandelier with huge sapphires—a stunning piece that once hung in New York's famous Tavern on the Green—and a collection of original artwork is displayed throughout the ship.
My DH and I waited until 5 weeks before the embarkation date to book this cruise. Uniworld river cruises are very expensive compared to ocean cruises and we wanted to be sure that we would be able to travel. My DH and I have been on a lot of cruises but this was our second River cruise in Europe. We found out on the first trip (on another line) that river cruises are nothing like ocean cruises in that everything is announced at the last minute. I do not think this was to keep us in the dark but because the schedule can be impacted by so many things like water levels, river traffic, weather, even days of the week and unexploded bombs. We were looking forward to a much touted Vinegar Tasting in one port. We did not find out until we were on the ship that this place is closed on Sundays. We were looking forward to an “evening out” experience to tour Marksburg Castle. We were disappointed to find after we boarded that this is a level three excursion with about 15 minutes of strenuous climbing uphill to reach the castle. Many people including us on board were not able to take part in this included excursion but the usual dining experience was changed to a buffet and the evening entertainment were impacted for everyone. My husband has some difficulty walking and often uses a cane. We thought the walking tours would be slower and shorter with lots of talking stops. The first day we did the Alsatian Village tour which was a level 2 because of uneven surfaces. It turns out the bus had to park a long way from the center of the villages and the walk was fast to cover the distance into the center. On the way in there was very little to see or stop for so there were no stops. This day was a lot of walking with both my husband and I having over 10K steps on our fitness trackers. This was hard for most of the crowd, many had canes, three had walkers and one had a scooter. The steep steps up to the seats on the buses was a struggle for some. I guess some would say that river cruises are not for those who can't walk and who can't climb stairs but there are many who have trouble accepting they can't keep up. There was a small elevator (limit 2) to three floors not to the top deck. On the last day you had to go to the top deck to exit the ship. My husband could climb stairs but many could not and I have no idea how these people got off. Okay that is the end of the disappointments that I wanted make my cruise critic friends aware of about our experience. Now for the good stuff. We had a French Balcony cabin and it was wonderful. There was a lot of daytime sailing in scenic areas on this trip and the big window that opened was great. We had a swan view cabin on our previous cruise and it was small, dark and very noisy. I think the larger cabin and great bathroom really enhanced our cruise. I would have wished for a second chair and a USB port in room. We did spend a lot of time in our cabin. There is a camera showing the lounge and it was only busy for happy hour and the daily tour talks before dinner. The food was generally good and some local specialties were included. The dining room was sometimes noisy as others have said but it was because people were having fun. The service was good and servers tried to keep everyone happy. Bar service was good. No complaints about anything on board. I liked the swimming pool but beware of the ladder to get out. It is big step up and you have to pull yourself out but the water is deep and the spa jet is nice. There were live plants everywhere, not an artificial plant in sight. The free laundry room had up to date machines and they did a load of laundry quickly. The top deck had some covered areas plus lots of umbrellas and a nicely decorated night time bar. There was some entertainment in the evenings and enough people stayed up to make it fun. We danced on the Black and White night. It was a fun cruise because of the ship, the ports and the fellow passengers. There was a more international crowd than we expected. It was entertaining to talk to such a well traveled people. There were a couple of bored teenagers with their families, a couple of solos, some people with their adult children but mostly couples. We had one group of six couples traveling together but they mixed well with others so no group problems on our cruise. My husband and I both agreed that we could recommend Uniworld to others as a first class experience. After that tough first walking tour day, the cruise director added a gentle option for those who wanted to see some sites but who needed a more limited walking option so I think they were generally responsive to feedback. Over all it was a much more upscale experience than our first river cruise.
What a fantastic itinerary on the Rhine River and I just loved this ship! She is small and compact but brings the destination on board with local meals and local wines. I would recommend this itinerary for anyone who wants to see lots of small towns and villages in Europe. The crew on our cruise were outstanding and the attention to detail in the dining room was very impressive. Our waitress recognised from our last cruise and it felt lovely to be remembered. We love that Uniwrold includes everything and that we get a selection of shore excursions each day. That is what sets Uniworld apart from Viking. I also love not having to sign for our drinks and have the gratuities included. In fast I love paying for my holiday before we go with Uniworld. Can highly recommend this trip and would consider doing this again for hte Christmas season.
Staterooms and suites (with the exception of the Grand Suite and Suites 402 & 403, which have been gorgeously redesigned) on La Princesse Deck have balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows that, at the touch of a button, will raise the glass to create a completely enclosed conservatory.
Enjoy An Unrivaled Taste Of Your Destinations
When dining onboard, you’ll be treated to world-class cuisine made from fresh ingredients, locally sourced from the destinations you visit.
The Netherlands
Uniquely treasured heritage
The Netherlands is known for its picturesque landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. The country offers breathtaking scenery that attracts tourists from around the world, from the iconic windmills dotting sweeping green fields to extensive canal networks. The Dutch countryside is filled with small farms famous for their colourful tulip fields and cheeses, making a visit to meet a local farmer a delightful way to experience the country’s heritage. Whether you're exploring charming villages, cycling along scenic routes, or indulging in Dutch delicacies, the Netherlands has something to offer every traveller.
Landmarks
Boasting a wealth of iconic landmarks, the Netherlands is filled with history and architectural elements. The historic windmills of Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcase the country's age-old mastery of water management. The Anne Frank House stands as a poignant reminder of the impact of the Holocaust. And several world-class art museums, including the renowned Rijksmuseum and Mauritshuis, speak to the region’s impressive art history.
Cuisine
Dutch cuisine is diverse and reflects the country's rich culinary traditions. Traditional Dutch meals often feature hearty ingredients like potatoes, meat, and vegetables, with "stampot" being a classic comfort food made from mashed potatoes and various vegetables, served with sausages or meatballs. One of the most iconic Dutch dishes is "stroopwafels," thin waffle-like cookies filled with sweet syrup, generally enjoyed as a snack or dessert. Herring, often served raw with onions and pickles, is a popular street food and a must-try for seafood enthusiasts. Dutch cheeses such as Gouda and Emal are famous worldwide for their quality and flavour.
Beer
Beer holds a significant place in Dutch culture, and the Netherlands boasts a long history of brewing. Dutch beers are known for their quality and diversity, making them a beloved beverage choice for locals and visitors alike. In addition to famous brands like Heineken, the Netherlands is home to numerous craft breweries that offer a wide range of unique and flavourful beers. Dutch craft brewers often experiment with ingredients and brewing techniques, producing everything from hoppy IPAs to rich stouts. Beer enthusiasts can explore a growing craft beer scene in cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, and Rotterdam, where they can enjoy tastings at local breweries and cosy pubs.
Pottery
Dating back to the 16th century, pottery is deeply rooted in Dutch history. Various forms of the craft have taken root in the Netherlands, inspired by international styles from Italian to Chinese. The most famous Dutch pottery, however, is Delftware. The characteristic style got its start in the 17th century with the artisans of Delft, and traditionally features intricate patterns of blue on white ceramic.
Sip a glass of wine while you cruise past beautiful landscapes and world-famous landmarks on your way to your next destination...
Meandering by serene landscapes is a wonderfully restorative way to see the world. Enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation onboard your floating boutique hotel, full of wellness-minded inclusions—such as daily fitness classes, Traveling-Lite and other specialized dining options and active excursions. For those who enjoy active adventures, our “Let’s Go” excursions take travelers biking, hiking and even canoeing through their destinations. And for those looking to enhance their journeys with something special, every ship in our fleet has a relaxing spa onboard.
ALL-INCLUSIVE FAMILY RIVER CRUISES
Every Uniworld Generations cruise includes special programs, events and excursions designed specifically for your world travellers in training.
