A few weeks ago I sailed from Passau to Budapest on Uniworld’s River Beatrice. We had beautiful spring weather and the ship proved to be quite regal – from the elegantly decorated staterooms to the white table-clothed dining rooms to the deep hues of the Captain’s lounge which offered a quiet retreat.
The crew – at all levels – catered to the needs of their guests. In the dining room, meals were prepared with care and creativity to reflect the tastes of the region, dishes always came out hot, and the wine flowed at dinner. The wait staff was charming, quick on their feet, and anticipated their diners’ wishes. It was obvious that all staff onboard took great pride in Uniworld and the River Beatrice.
The ship’s Cruise Director was brilliant. Each evening, she presented a Port Talk, filled with information of the next day’s stop and what the cruising would be for the next 24 hours. At each stop along the way, the city guides were knowledgeable and enthusiastic and had good senses of humor. The included tours were informative of each town and city, and there was the option of additional tours in most ports. The Hotel Manager was gracious, credited his staff with helping to make the trip smooth, and always had a smile and kind word for his guests. And of course, the Captain guided the ship smoothly along the Danube and through the 11 locks on the river.
The silk-fabric brocade walls of the halls and staterooms were warm and welcoming. The bed linens were luxurious; closet, cabinet, and drawer space were quite functional; the bathroom was well-stocked with L’Occitane amenities. The room was cleaned and made up twice daily, and there was turndown service each evening.
This is an exciting itinerary on a top river cruise line’s newer ship from Passau to Budapest! The ship itself was graceful and well-designed. Early port towns were quaint and just as one would expect; the cities were exciting. The ship’s personnel were warm and welcoming, helpful, and eager to assist. Sail with Uniworld for a relaxing and exciting cruise vacation!
by Andrea D.