U by Uniworld

U by Uniworld is a new take on the traditional River Cruise, designed for the young and young at heart with a passion for travel and a taste for exploring all whilst staying on your floating boutique hotel. The chic ships have a modern decor including funky egg stools, loads of mood lighting, Ibiza style beds on the top deck for lounging around making it feel like a Mediterranean beach club, and the on trend ice bar with its silent discos, mixology classes to create your own perfect cocktail. Uniworld has cooked up an array of quirky excursions, from a club night in Amsterdam to kayaking in Bamberg, Germany (a Unesco World Heritage site). The street-art tour in Paris, Ruin bar crawls in Budapest, blokcarting in Holland along the stunning beaches, cheese and wine tasting, beer tasting in Germany’s Franconian region (you have a choice of over 400 to taste!!) all along side exploring the traditional sightseeing in some of Europe’s famous cities and towns.

Uniworld want to attract the younger market who perhaps have not considered a river cruise before, yet they already visit the same destinations on weekend city breaks so why not combine the two and take a hip river cruise on the sleek and modern all matte black river ship, it really is a floating boutique hotel, you can indulge in the unconventional excursions and onboard inclusions, the daily offerings of included excursions, such as a guided bike ride along the Seine or a midnight stroll through Paris, These aren’t your traditional shore excursions, either. In Paris, street art walking tours weave their way through the artsy Belleville neighborhood, while the “Parisian Rooftops” tour shows off views of the city from a unique vantage point, the top of 19th century Haussmanian apartment buildings and 17th century townhouses. Amsterdam offers a unique club night and in Bamberg(a Unesco World Heritage site), why not have a go at kayaking down the river. Or just do your own thing, its easy to just get off and wander as the ships dock right in the heart of the cities. Back on board, the only thing you’ll have to pay extra for is alcohol and visits to the spa. Everything else, from free Wifi to 2 meals a day, gratuities and entertainment is included, mixology classes, painting, wine tasting, yoga sessions on the rooftop deck and a fully equipped gym to work off the excess’s of the day before. There’s even a complimentary laundry room and ironing board, so no need to worry about expensive laundry service.

You wont go hungry on board either with 2 meals included daily, brunch has replaced the traditional breakfast time as who wants to drag themselves out of bed after a late night, here you are encouraged to have a lie in, it is after all your holiday, Brunch is served between 10am and 2pm and includes buffet options like an almond butter and jam Atartine, traditional breads and croissants, sweet or savoury muffins, pancakes and smoothies to name a few.  Dinner is when the restaurant comes alive, try one on of the trendy Quinoa burgers or Miso marinated wild salmon, or just choose a sharing plate to share amongst friends. U by Uniworld boats, named The A and The B will sail along the rivers of Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and The Netherlands. In France you will be treated to the sights of the magnificent Palace of Versailles, visit the gardens made famous by Vincent Van Gogh, the historic beaches in Normandy famous for the D Day landings, Monet’s garden and iconic lily ponds and finally visit the Eiffel tower and the Louve whilst biking along the Seine or why not try the Retro sidecar tour and thats just in the day. At night join the old city bar crawl in Rouen or experience the world famous Moulin Rouge, fast paced high kicking can-can dancers. In Germany and The Netherlands begin with Amsterdam after dark experience some of Europe’s best nightclubs, if you are up for it the next day, after your scenic trip to Haarlem a hip and trendy city just outside Amsterdam, try blokarting on the beach, these custom made karts can reach upto 60 miles and hour! you may need a rest after all that before your ship sails into Cologne, step off the gangplank and into the epicenter of its pub scene to sample a nice cold German beer. Further along the river Rudesheim take to the water and paddle through jungle like forest in a Dragon Boat before ending with sundowners in Frankfurt. Austria and Hungary wont disappoint either, experience the electronic music scene in Vienna at Flex before continuing onto the giant Ferris wheel for your party in the sky! with roomy and plush cabins where you can indulge on street food and sparkling wine all whilst enjoying the incredible views over the city. Biking and hiking tours are available in every ports to make the most of the stunning scenery including the most famous, Wachau Valley. Bratislava with its Art Deco cafes and lively bars to stop and enjoy a Czech beer in and watch the world go by before heading to Budapest where you will be spoilt for choice with over 100 museums and Galleries, take a bike tour to see the Castle and Liberty Bridge before exploring the back streets to discover hidden gems of Budapest before stopping in a local restaurant to sample real Hungarian Goulash.

Want a quick getaway before Christmas to combine all your Christmas shopping with the best Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava have to offer then try the short 5 day A merry little Christmas trip on 16 December 2018. Hit it hard on arrival in Budapest and go straight on the town on the Ruin bar crawl. The next morning start that Christmas shopping in the Christmas Markets before heading to the Lukas Thermal Baths, relax and enjoy a spa tratment before heading over to the ice rink next to Vajdahunyard Castle and glide around the rink in a traditional Christmassy activity. Sailing onto Vienna sample the delights of the Christmas markets before your guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace at night when the crowd’s have gone your guide will show you the private and state rooms of the Palace. Then its upto you, do you sample Vienna’s classical music with a concert of Strauss or Mozart, finish your Christmas Shopping in the markets or just sample the Viennese street food.

So whether you are looking for a city break with a difference or just want to try something new a river cruise on U by Uniworld is a good choice, why just see one place when you can see so much more from your floating hotel.