There’s a quiet revolution happening in the river cruising sector. Whereas ocean cruising has attracted a much younger clientele over recent years, river cruising has found it hard to shake off its traditional, genteel image. Surprisingly, it’s Uniworld, known for its glamorous, ostentatious styling, which has chucked out the chintz as well as the rule book with its new U by Uniworld cruises.
When we sampled the river cruising scene with Emerald Waterways in 2015, we sensed that change was afoot. The ship had a smart, contemporary feel and the package on offer was moving towards more active experiences onshore. But, aged 51 at the time, we were probably the youngest on board, except for two shell-shocked teenage boys, tagging along on the city tours as if they’d stumbled upon a jolly pensioners’ day out.
But we had a blast on that holiday. Our fellow passengers might have been mature in age but they were young at heart and full of mischief, scoping out the best wine bars in the cities when it became too warm for sightseeing. River cruising is a fantastic way to see the world. Why shouldn’t younger travellers experience the joy of disembarking in the very centre of Cologne or have the freedom to explore Amsterdam at night, hopping back on board when the fancy takes you.
U by Uniworld is geared to adults aged 18 upwards who are seeking a more adventurous experience on their river cruise. They are tempting younger passengers with a range of exciting, innovative ideas to put a bit of spice into the schedule. Which is why, when fellow travel blogger, Gretta, from Mums Do Travel, happened to mention the U by Uniworld cruises, I decided to book one. Yes, Dougie and I are off to France in a few months. We’ll be on the neatly-named ship, The B, travelling along the Seine from Paris to Honfleur and back to Paris. Its sister ship, not surprisingly called The A, will be taking passengers on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.
Enough of the preamble. I’ve teased you enough. What’s different about U by Uniworld?
The Ships
They’re black. Sleek, sensual vessels, gliding along the European rivers like very chilled torpedoes. The floating, boutique hotels cater for up to 120 passengers. Compare that sweet little number to the 5000 capacity of some ocean cruise ships and you’ll see we’re talking intimate.
The interior design still has Uniworld glitz but it’s pared down, featuring geometric patterns in black and white with flashes of bright red. It’s a clean, chic look, designed to emulate a hip city hotel. The studios, balcony rooms or more spacious suites (see image below) all, naturally, have river views and there are two studio triple rooms, for friends who want to cosy up together. Solo travellers can take advantage of single rooms or special room share rates. Flat screen TVs, built-in Bluetooth speakers, Savoir mattresses and organic BeeKind toiletries are standard in all rooms. Plus free WiFi.
The top deck is cleverly designed with padded bench seating around the sides, making this a very congenial open-air hangout. There’s a funky ice bar up here too, with retractable walls which can gently disappear when going under low bridges. The upper deck features the lounge, bar and shop whilst the lower deck is home to a spa, gym and the dining room.
The Food and Drink
The restaurant is designed with communal tables – large and small – for brunch and dinner each day. The U lounge, upstairs, is always open, serving tapas and sharing plates. What will we be eating? Farm-to-table dishes, vegetarian and vegan options: Bea Tollman͛’s Spaghetti Pomodoro, U by Quinoa Burgers and Miso Marinated Wild Salmon. And if there’s isn’t smashed avocado somewhere on the menu, something’s seriously wrong.
Complimentary water, tea and coffee is available 24/7, plus juice at breakfast/brunch. Later in the evening I’ll be heading to the bar for cocktails or a craft beer or two.
The activities on board
In order to reduce waste there are no traditional paper daily itineraries. Technology is the way forward with WhatsApp and email for internal communication with guests. Menus are displayed on screens in the bar and restaurant. There’s also a Press Reader app for guests to receive news on board.
Mixology, painting and wine classes, rooftop yoga, silent discos, international DJs – do these activities float your boat? Or you can make use of the 50 bikes if you really must leave the ship. And yes, you must, as U are providing some very enlightened options. If you think an excursion involves following someone with a loud voice and an umbrella, think again…
The itinerary and activities onshore
Our week on The B begins in Paris and then stops at Conflans Sainte-Honorine (for a visit to Auvers-sur-Oise, the village where Van Gogh’s spent his final months). A night in historic Rouen is followed by a stop in gorgeous Honfleur, on the coast, before turning back to Vernon and La Roche Guyon to see Monet’s gaff in Giverny, then two final nights in Paris.
Just looking at the options for The Seine Experience, we can take a foodie walking tour to the markets in Rouen, go kayaking on the river or try tandem paragliding in the Vexin Natural Park. We might opt to investigate the street art in Paris or see the city from above with a unique rooftops adventure. Trips to the Normandy Beaches, cider farms and Monet’s gardens ensure we don’t have to live life on the edge the whole week.
Activities start a bit later in the day than on traditional cruises as we young things aren’t awfully good early in the morning. Evening activities such as a trip to the Moulin Rouge or an old city bar crawl in Rouen might suit the owls more than the larks.
I’m intrigued to discover whether this new river cruise experience will entice the millennials on board. If you’re in your 20s and 30s, would the U by Uniworld concept appeal to you? If you’re my age and older, is this a bit too ‘out there’ – would you prefer to mess about on the river in a more leisurely manner? There’s still availability for this year’s sailings on both The A and The B if you fancy joining the hip and happening U crowd. I’m planning a whole new wardrobe – if I’m representing Generation X I need to do it in style!
All photos courtesy of U by Uniworld. This is a holiday we have booked ourselves so all opinions are my own.
I am not of this younger age group, but even I can see the appeal. What a modern and sleek look, that cabin photo really impresses. Not a thing like the cruise cabins of your parent’s generation! A nice way to travel. #FarawayFiles
The cabin we’ve booked is smaller but still the same style and colours. You’re right – no polished antique wood and brass here!
looks like fun, what is a silent disco? Do they play bridge? my two requirements!
Ha! The only bridge on this ship is where the captain can be found. Maybe he’s up for a game?
Silent disco – dance to the music on headphones: saves annoying the neighbours. 🙂
Hi Trish. Excellent writing! I am 31, however, things like this don’t usually appeal to me. It certainly does look nice, maybe something I would do with my girlfriend or future wife whoever she may be. I’ll try anything once!
Thanks Daniel!
You’re definitely in the target market. Uniworld originally had an upper age limit of 45 but thankfully realised this was restricting people like me who wanted a more adventurous, contemporary river cruise. I do think you’re right and that it’s likely to be something that attracts couples.
I so want to do a River Cruise the thought of stopping along the river at lovely towns to explore. I love the art deco colour theme of this boat, you have convinced me I need to do it Trish x
It’s such a relaxing way to see cities and smaller towns that would otherwise require a road trip. We found our Rhine/Main cruise effortless.
I think they’re some way from attracting families to river cruising (though my teen would have loved it if he could have been sure of other younger passengers). A treat for you and your husband though! x
We loved our cycling river cruise down the Danube but seeing the average age of passengers and decor on other ships did put me off, this looks fantastic #FarawayFiles
The Emerald Waterway ship we were on had a similar contemporary look but the age range was still about 60 +. It will be interesting to see if U by Uniworld will attract the Instagram-loving cohort or whether it’s the empty nesters in their 50s, like me, who are on board.
Wow, was not expecting the boat to look so chic!
#farawayfiles
It’s stunning, isn’t it. A floating nightclub, never mind a hotel.
I’d definitely try this, Trish! It really appeals. I’ve been thinking of doing a river cruise recently – I’d like to go down the Danube on a small luxurious ship, stopping off to visit all the various towns along the way. I wouldn’t say I was a big cruise lover but the small luxury ones do appeal. Thanks for inspiring me on #FarawayFiles
We did a Mediterranean ocean cruise when my son was about 10 and it was good fun but it’s a totally different holiday to a river cruise. A river cruise is so much smaller, no seasickness and always something to see when you’re up on deck or looking from your balcony.
Loving the design – so funky! #FarawayFiles
It makes quite a statement!
We’ve never been on a cruise, but if we did plan one I think we would love this! I love the idea of sailing through the cities. I think my camera would never stop clicking. The room decor is lovely, and the food options looks tasty too. I hope you enjoy and update us on your experience. #farawayfiles
I’ll certainly let you know how we get on!
Ooh yes, this definitely appeals to me, even though I’m ‘only’ in my early forties! Your description of the shell-shocked sons did make me smile, though. I’d love to try out a cruise, river or otherwise. #FarawayFiles
I must admit I wouldn’t be keen on a mega-sized ocean cruise now, even though we enjoyed our Mediterranean one some years ago. River cruising is so wonderful – if you get the chance, do give it a go!
I really really like the sound of this, your trip sounds wonderful. Looking forward to hearing all about it. I am just about over my jealousy at your tapas! 😀 x
I keep wondering what we’ve let ourselves in for – I think it will be lots of fun, anyway.
The food in Mallorca was amazing. Palma is great for foodies too: definitely recommend for a city break. x