Sarah from our Prestbury branch and Nicola from our Tour Operation reservations team enjoyed a whistle-stop tour of a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise aboard SS Victoria. Here is what they had to say about their experience:
We were incredibly lucky to step aboard the elegant Uniworld SS Victoria for a one-night sailing between Amsterdam and Antwerp—and even though it was short, it was more than enough to get a true flavour of the luxury river cruise experience Uniworld is so well known for.
From the moment we arrived, everything felt effortless and refined. After a smooth coach transfer from Amsterdam, we were warmly welcomed on board by the crew with a glass of Champagne in hand—setting the tone for what would be a very special 24 hours. We began with a short training session in the lounge, which gave us the chance to learn more about Uniworld’s story and their beautifully curated fleet of ships. It was inspiring to hear how each ship has its own unique character and design, with SS Victoria offering a chic, contemporary take on luxury river cruising.
Despite this being our very first river cruise, we were both struck by just how spacious and comfortable everything felt. A common misconception is that river cruise ships are small or cramped—but we found the opposite to be true. The cabins were surprisingly roomy, beautifully styled, and well-equipped, offering everything you’d expect from a boutique hotel, just on water.
The main lounge was the heart of the ship, with floor-to-ceiling windows, plush seating, and a stunning glass roof that flooded the space with natural light. It was the perfect spot to relax, take in the scenery, or enjoy an aperitif. In the evening, the atmosphere came alive with live music from a singer and pianist, a small dance floor, and plenty of space to mingle or sit back and enjoy the show.
We also dined in the adjacent Bistro, which delivered from start to finish. Whether it was lunch, dinner, or breakfast the next morning, every meal was beautifully presented, full of flavour, and offered plenty of choice for all tastes. It was clear Uniworld puts a strong focus on quality and service, even within such a short stay.
Up on the sun deck, we found even more room to unwind—whether it was on a shaded lounger, at the small bar, or simply enjoying the peaceful views as we sailed. At no point did it feel crowded, which added to the overall sense of calm and sophistication. There’s also a small indoor pool on board, as well as a spa treatment area and a compact gym, making it easy to balance relaxation with wellness.
Overall, our brief time on board was a wonderful introduction to river cruising and completely exceeded our expectations. The blend of luxury, comfort, scenery, and service made for a truly memorable experience—and we can completely see why so many travellers fall in love with this style of holiday.
We might have only had 24 hours with Uniworld, but it’s safe to say—we’re already dreaming of our next cruise.
