Uniworld

 

My husband and I were fortunate enough to have recently sailed from Paris to Normandy on Uniworld. We have sailed on more cruises than I can count, but had never done a River Cruise and we were not disappointed! A River Cruise is not your traditional cruise ship experience, but that doesn’t lessen the appeal for many. If you like personalized service and want an up close experience with no crowds, no lines, no formal wear and no rushing; this is a cruise for you!

 

The first thing I noticed was how easy it was to board the ship. There were no lines, no hassles, no waits, and no security issues. We just walked right on and were shown to our room. The rooms are small, but functional. We had a large picture window and an over sized double bed. Storage space was limited but we managed just fine.

 

There is a lovely lounge onboard as well as a small library and work out room. The ship is in excellent condition. Up on the top deck there are lounge chairs and tables, as well as an enclosed area in case the weather acts up. The dining room was nice as well.

 

Unlike a traditional cruise, meals are not the focus of the trip. There are 3 meals a day with light snacks served all day long. Wine is complimentary at dinner and bottled water is available (also complimentary) in the staterooms. Meals were good….sometimes excellent. Breakfast and lunch were buffet and dinner was served. Choices were good but not as many options as you would find on a traditional cruise. Trust me, we never went hungry.

 

What I loved about the trip was the casual and relaxed atmosphere and the scenery. At almost every turn, we were looking at beautiful chateaus or French country side. We saw castles and churches and quaint villages along the way. Every day we would port in a different place and just walk right off the ship and be in the center of town. Some of these villages looked like they looked 200 years ago with the exceptions of modern day conveniences, but you could just imagine you were back in time. 

 

All of our tours were included in the price and we had excellent guides in every town. I really felt I was seeing the heart of France. The staff on board was excellent as well. One thing that really sets the river cruise experience apart from a traditional cruise ship is the entertainment….or lack there of. You have to be able to make your own fun on a river cruise….there is very little in the way of organized activities onboard. However, since you are touring most of the day, by the time evening comes, most people welcome a quiet evening sitting in the lounge or just a simple walk into town after dinner.

 

 It’s a great trip to take with friends, but I would not recommend it for families with small children. Most of the clientele are in their 50’s and 60’s. Although there are some handicapped facilities, this is not a cruise I would recommend for anyone who has mobility issues. There is a lot of walking involved with the tours. 

 

In summary, the ships are intimate and modern, and if you like wonderful service and new cultural experiences, you will like River Cruising. We are looking forward to going again in the near future.