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West Australian
12-07-2025
- West Australian
India, Uniworld & the Golden Triangle
This is India's holy river, the Ganges. This is the goddess Ganga Ma, a deity descended from Heaven; a brown ribbon of spiritual cleansing. And the goddess is all around me. I am on the river cruise ship Ganges Voyager II, on which Uniworld Boutique River Cruises offers a seven-day voyage, sailing out of Kolkata, in Bengal, east India. Uniworld offers this as part of two packages — one coupling it with the Maharaja's Express train, and one with a journey round the Golden Triangle, staying in Oberoi hotels. But we'll get to that . . . For now, all I can think about is this little stretch of the 2525km long Ganges. The ship has left Kolkata and is on the way to the village of Kalna — a place that I doubt travellers would get to by land. We are ferried ashore on the ship's solid timber tender, and what unfolds amazes. Ganges Voyager II carries a maximum of 56 guests, looked after by 36 staff, and generally runs full. For excursions, passengers are divided into three groups, each with an experienced and talented guide — so the groups walking around on shore are small and the guiding personalised and intimate. Guests have a small and unobvious audio box and ear-piece. The guide gently narrates in my ear. And I'm glad to be with Bikash (Vikas) Mehra in Kalna, which has temples dating to 1755 — most unusually, built of brick and clay, as is the style in Bengal. The temple for the Hindu god Krishna is covered in intricate details. But then we stroll into an extraordinary circle of 108 temples for the god Shiva. It's been an early excursion, and I'm glad to return to the ship for a late breakfast. It could be an Indian-style breakfast or Western, but I opt for a simple omelette. 'How would you like it? Medium or soft? Would you like it folded?' At every moment, the staff of Ganges Voyager II are attentive. Every waiter walks through the restaurant looking for a plate to pick up. My room is kept immaculately. I'm in a suite which has a four-posted bed, two armchairs and a desk and a very big bathroom with a shower that's 2m deep. Raj Singh, who owns the ship and charters it full-time to Uniworld, pioneered river cruising in India. Many of the crew and staff, like cruise and tour manager Vishal Bhaskar, have been with him from the beginning. I speak with one who has worked for Raj for 48 years. 'He has taught me everything,' he says with gratitude. Local youngsters are taken on, trained and retained, Raj tells me, and I see the importance of this to him. 'They are all young and they want to do it,' he says. 'That's what counts. We do find people locally rather than get people from outside. We train them every year.' They are full-time employees, and not on contract. The ship was designed specifically for the Ganges, after Raj did an extensive research voyage in a local boat. The Voyager was built in Kolkata. 'This is 100 per cent locals, and 100 per cent Indian,' Raj says. Certainly, it feels like a very Indian experience — and, once again, as we stroll along the Strand in Chandannagar, we are the only tourists in sight. After a 1673 agreement with the local ruler, and permanent French settlement in 1688, this town was ruled by the French then British, then French, then British, then French, until 1950 — three years after India got its independence, from British rule. There's French colonial architecture here, just as there is British architecture in Kolkata, including the epic Queen Victoria Memorial, which is built from the same marble as the Taj Mahal. But Chandannagar has also been one of the hotbeds of Bengali politics and resistance. Indians will tell you that Delhi is the political capital of India, Mumbai is the business capital, and Kolkata is the capital of culture. But Kolkata in particular, and West Bengal in general, has always pushed forwards with politics. Motifs for the Communist Party of India are sprayed on walls, and it is one of few States not run by the BJP party of Narendra Modi, which holds national power. It has a plain speaking female Chief Minister in Mamata Banerjee. Hinduism with its 330 million deities, Islam and the Partition of 1947, when Muslims from this area were told to leave for what is now Bangladesh and where to buy the best gifts — Bikash Mehra will discuss and explain anything and everything, gently and with great accuracy. And after these great dips into rural India, we retreat to the ship to move on (happily unpacking just once). Ganges Voyager II is a real sanctuary. There is one restaurant, where everyone eats what really tastes like home-cooked food, always with Indian and Western options. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are nice moments when all guests come together, mix and exchange experiences. This happens in the lounge and bar on the top deck, too, and out on the sundeck. The lounge has comfortable armchairs — enough for everyone, though there are times when there might be just a few other people there, each enjoying some private space and quiet time to read or muse through the pictures in their phone. Complimentary house wine, local spirits and beer, soft drinks, tea and coffee are served throughout the cruise. There's a gym and a spa, with a range of treatments. The ship also offers yoga and meditation sessions and coaching, and there's a class in cooking Indian cuisine, and a henna artist who comes on board to adorn guests' hands and arms. But the two evening performances, one of Baul musicians and one by a company showing various styles of Indian dance, are real highlights for me. Baul people sing and accompany spiritual songs which can be traced back to the 15th Century, and the Kalachand Haldar baul music group are expert exponents. I am mesmerised and head to bed with my head swirling the sweet sounds of India. Ah, the bed. The ship, launched in 2016, has the comforts of a quality hotel — quality linens and a pillow choice, spacious bathrooms, robes and slippers. My suite has a lot of storage space, including that nice under-bed spot for luggage. There are other touches — the ready supply of bottled water in the room and on excursions, fresh fruit and flowers upon arrival and universal electrical plugs. And the ship is air-conditioned throughout, with individual controls in rooms. The 56m-long ship has 13 Colonial Suites and 10 Signature Suites, both of 24.3sqm. If you pace out six big strides by four strides, I think you will agree that's a more-than decent 'entry level cabin'. There are also two 26sqm Heritage Suites, two 33.5sqm Viceroy Suites and a 37.2sqm Maharaja's Suite. There are French balconies and with floor-to-ceiling glass doors. For out there, all around us is the holy Ganges. Never forget that. (I never forget that.) Raj Singh says: 'What distinguishes this river from other rivers in the world is that it is natural. It is undammed, free-flowing. That's very different.' He adds that the river cruising experience here is also different because there aren't other ships. 'Wherever you go river cruising you will see ships and ships and ships,' he says. 'But not here. When you visit a village you will be the only ones there.' And, of course, he's right. To complete the full India experience, Uniworld includes either a rail trip or coach touring around the Golden Triangle to the days on the Ganges. There are two nights in New Delhi at The Oberoi New Delhi, one in Agra at The Oberoi Amarvilas and two in Jaipur at The Oberoi Rajvilas. Each hotel is splendid. Each place is full of wonders. Having flown from Perth to Delhi with Singapore Airlines, we start gently with a stroll along the wide walkway at Humayun's Tomb — a grand mausoleum clad in red sandstone with white and black inlaid marble borders. This dramatic example of Moghul architecture, built by Empress Bega Begum for the deceased Emperor Humayun, was completed in 1572. We visit Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated after his assassination by another Hindu in 1948, and bounce through the laneways of Old Delhi in cycle rickshaws. The Oberoi hotel group is a fine fit for the Uniworld package, as this is very much an India company, and proud of it. That comes through, again, in loyal and long-term staff, who are well trained and have pride in their work, and being part of Oberoi. A comfortable air-conditioned coach takes us on to Agra, where we see the Taj Mahal both at sunset and sunrise. Not only that, but I can see it from the window of my room at The Oberoi Amarvilas — just as you can from every room. This beautiful hotel, with pools bringing freshness to its entrance, and a grand lobby with a huge chandelier, is built for guests to fully experience the Taj Mahal. The pool area is that side of the building. And, to top it all, it is literally a stone's throw from the great, white marble monument built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Begum. It took 22 years to build and was completed in 1653. Another coach trip takes us on to Jaipur, the pink city. And the city does, indeed shimmer pink in the warm evenings. We visit City Palace, still run by a royal family and Jantar Mantar Observatory, built between 1728 and 1734, where 17 big astronomical instruments accurately plot the skies. A highlight for me is always the Amber Fort with its beautiful Ganesh Gate and Hall of Mirrors. But another highlight for me is the Oberoi Rajvilas. I do actually love this hotel — as it is built around an ancient temple. As the stone plaque outside rightly says: 'This ancient 280-year-old Lord Shiva Temple adds a very positive oorja (energy) and spiritual serenity to the entire resort.' Prayer is conducted by a local priest twice every day: 'We welcome you to participate in this age-old tradition and seek divine blessings.' More than 150 peacocks stroll the grounds and more than 1000 species of migratory and resident birds have been identified in these beautiful and extensive gardens. To me, Oberoi Rajvilas is more than a hotel. It is a sort of rare-air village, with rooms set at ground level among the gardens. My sunken white marble bath looks out at a private garden courtyard. The four-poster bed is set in the large main room, which has a window seat and a writing desk in one corner. There's a separate walk-in dressing room. Pathways to the rooms have gardens, waterways and fountains. Oberoi Rajvilas has a past, but also has an abundant, sharing life, here in the present. I feel the spirituality of the place. I feel deep joy (two words that roll around my head as I stroll in the gardens, visit the temple and feel a tranquil sense of 'coming home'). And I am completely unsurprised when my butler introduces himself. 'My name is Deepjoy.' + Stephen Scourfield was a guest of Uniworld. They have not influenced, or read this story before publication. + Ganges Voyager II sails from September to March and is in high demand, so travellers need to plan and book ahead. Most do this through a travel agent, can book direct with Uniworld by calling 1300 370 792. Also see + Uniworld has two packages which include a seven-night cruise on Ganges Voyager II. India's Golden Triangle and the Sacred Ganges is a 13-day package from New Delhi to Kolkata. It starts with Delhi, Agra and the Taj Mahal and Jaipur and the Pink Palace, staying in Oberoi hotels. Then travellers join the ship. In 2026, it is from about $12,239 per person in a Signature Suite, depending on date and cabin type. That includes excursions and 12 breakfasts, 10 lunches and nine dinners. Meals onboard prepared are excellent, using fresh ingredients. There is already limited availability. Bicton Travel is a key travel agent handling bookings for the packages. 9339 0277 + The other, 16-day package combines cruise and rail and is The Sacred Ganges and the Maharajas' Express — a luxury train from Delhi to Agra, Ranthambore, Jaipur, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Udaipur and Mumbai. Guests cruise the Ganges first on Ganges Voyager III, and fly from Kolkata to Delhi on day eight, to join the train. In 2026, it is from about $34,4843 per person, and there is already limited availability. + Both packages include welcome and farewell gala dinners.
Telegraph
04-07-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Five things to know before you board a Uniworld Boutique River Cruises ship
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises (to give the company its full title) is the stately doyenne of the river cruise world, known for its fleet of lavish ships brimming with extravagant touches and decorative themes inspired by the countries they sail through. The Los Angeles-based line revels in its reputation for flamboyant luxury: original artworks by Picasso, Chagall and Matisse adorn elaborately decorated walls, while immaculately uniformed staff and white-gloved butlers add to an ambience of exquisite exclusivity. To some, such ostentation may seem over the top, but impressive attention to detail and haute cuisine dining add flair to sailings, which are described as the most all-inclusive on the rivers. Having been founded in 1976, Uniworld is one of the longest-established river cruise operators and claims to have been the first American company to debut on Europe's waterways that same year. In 2004, Uniworld joined the Tollman-family owned The Travel Corporation (TTC) and launched new Super Ships, whose décor was inspired by its then sister company Red Carnation Hotel Collection. As the company grew, Uniworld expanded geographically and added the rivers of Egypt, Asia and South America to its portfolio in addition to adding zing to itineraries with mystery cruises, river and rail combinations, plus cruise-and-stay holidays. The line has even launched its own river equivalent of a world cruise. Uniworld was one of the first to offer family-friendly river voyages with its Generations family programme aimed at tempting younger guests onboard. The outfit also debuted a Make Travel Matter programme of sustainable shore experiences for guests as part of an overall eco-friendly strategy that also involved cutting food waste and eliminating single use plastics. In summer 2024, TTC and brands, including Uniworld and sister companies Trafalgar Tours and Insight Vacations, were sold to asset management firm Apollo. A few months later the line announced plans to expand its fleet further with three new Super Ships set to debut in 2027. 1. Where does Uniworld sail? It covers 17 rivers in 26 countries, though European heavyweights the Rhine and the Danube are the mainstay of Uniworld's programme, with classic sailings between Amsterdam and Basel that take in the castles of the spectacular Rhine Gorge along the former. On the Danube, Uniworld offers quintessential cruises between Budapest and Passau that feature the European capitals of Vienna and Bratislava, and sail beyond Budapest to follow the Danube's eastern stretch through Serbia and Bulgaria to Romanian capital Bucharest. Some sailings feature the Main and Moselle rivers, following routes between Belgrade and Nuremberg or Vienna. There are also voyages to the Dutch bulb fields and Christmas markets. In France, Uniworld cruises the Seine on round-trip voyages from Paris to Normandy, and the Rhone between Lyon and Arles and the wine-rich waterways around Bordeaux. Elsewhere in Portugal, voyages through port country are offered along the Douro. Uniworld is one of the few lines to offer sailings through the Venetian lagoon, visiting its lesser-known corners among the islands of Chioggia, Burano and Mazzorbo. In India, Ganges cruises are combined with the Golden Triangle tours or the Maharajas' Express train, while Nile cruises are twinned with stays in Cairo. Uniworld also cruises the Mekong through Vietnam and Cambodia – with sailings between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi – and in South America there are packages that combine the Peruvian Amazon with Machu Picchu. Themed cruises focus on golf, music, families and Jewish heritage, and there are women-only sailings too. There are also themed experiences on regular voyages with Village Days (whereby guests can meet locals); Let's Go, an active programme of pursuits including hiking, biking and kayaking; and Nights Out with evening entertainment ashore. Uniworld is increasingly adding tours and hotel stays to river cruises for its 'Spectacular Journeys' series and is twinning more cruises with trains for luxury rail-and-sail packages. Its Rivers of the World cruises generally last around 50 nights, and incorporate at least four rivers across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. 2. Who does Uniworld appeal to? Its upscale ambience appeals to a sophisticated and moneyed set of mainly Americans, followed by a growing number of British and Australian cruisers. Guests are generally retired (the average age of British guests is 65), well-travelled couples, but this mix changes on family-friendly Generations departures when the age range varies from four years upwards with a number of multi-generational family groups. The line is also increasingly popular with solo travellers. 3. The fleet This currently stands at 17 with the lion's share accounted for by Uniworld's Super Ships. These are described as floating boutique hotels but are arguably more reminiscent of pocket-size palaces owing to their grand chandeliers, elegant antiques, voluminous drapes and marble-swathed staircases. Super Ships Sails to: Europe and Egypt (SS Sphinx) SS Antoinette (152 passengers) SS Beatrice (148 passengers) SS Bon Voyage (124 passengers) SS Catherine (158 passengers) SS Elisabeth (110 passengers) SS Joie de Vivre (128 passengers) SS La Venezia (126 passengers) SS Maria Theresa (150 passengers) SS Sao Gabriel (98 passengers) SS Victoria (110 passengers) SS Sphinx (84 passengers) There are currently 11 Super Ships (with a 12 th, SS Emilie, due in 2026), representing what Uniworld terms as 'unsurpassed luxury.' Hallmark features include larger public areas, multiple dining venues and lavish décor that is inspired by the style of the destinations they sail through. Some Super Ships have ornate swimming pools; others have pocket-size spas or small cinemas. When it comes to show-stopping features, SS Antionette's reception is dominated by a stunning chandelier that used to hang in New York's famous Tavern on the Green restaurant, while the SS Maria Theresa is said to be the only ship on the rivers with hand-painted ceiling frescos. Rest of the fleet Sails to: Europe (River Duchess and River Princess); Egypt (River Tosca); Vietnam and Cambodia (Mekong Jewel); India (Ganges Voyager II); South America (Aria Amazon) River Duchess (130 passengers) River Princess (128 passengers) River Tosca (82 passengers) Mekong Jewel (68 passengers) Ganges Voyager II (56 passengers) Aria Amazon (32 passengers) These smaller ships in Uniworld's fleet are similarly luxurious and imaginatively decorated with the River Duchess and River Princess in particular having striking colour palettes. River Tosca and Mekong Jewel both have more of an exotic flavour, each with a sun-deck and swimming pool, while Ganges Voyager II and Aria Amazon are equally luxurious, reflecting the countries they sail through. All four are chartered by Uniworld. 4. Loyalty scheme Guests are automatically enrolled into the River Heritage Club after their first sailing where, following a welcome gift, they are eligible for special savings on all sailings and other perks that include an invitation to the captain's cocktail party, complimentary laundry and savings with TTC sister brands. 5. Access for guests with disabilities Some Uniworld ships have elevators and the line does its best to accommodate guests with varying medical and mobility needs. Passengers are asked to contact Uniworld on 0808 168 9231 to discuss their needs prior to booking. About our expert After finding her sea legs 20 years ago, Sarah has gone with the flow on around 200 voyages across the world's oceans and rivers, with Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands scoring as her all-time favourites.
West Australian
21-06-2025
- West Australian
Casey, from Italy to India
Casey has caught me by surprise in India. Just before this, we spent a few days in Italy, staying in a Venetian villa on the Brenta Canal. It was everything Casey loves. This became the riviera for wealthy Venetians between the 16th and 18th centuries, and our hotel, Villa Margherita, has frescoes, fine furnishings, boldly and traditionally patterned textiles, and period furniture. Casey is in his element and I don't even break it to him that we'll only be home a couple of days before coming to India. There are some aspects of the subcontinent which are simply not Casey's cup of chai. I instantly recall an image of him jammed into a bright yellow, highly chromed auto rickshaw with 'Jesus Loves' hand-painted across the back and Bollywood music blaring out as we (literally) bumped our way round Kochi, in the south-west. I quickly remember the time he was totally lost in Mumbai airport. I searched for nearly two hours and finally spotted 'his royal blueness' in a 5m-tall pyramid of black luggage which someone, for some reason, had pulled off a conveyor belt. ('It might be in the lost pile,' an official had said brusquely, pointing me there.) And not too buried in my memory is the hotel in Agra which was so dirty Casey literally stuck to the floor. There have been highs higher than those lows have been low, so here goes India again… But this time Casey and I (not necessarily in that order, but don't tell him) have been invited by Uniworld, which has a river cruise ship on the Ganges, sailing short return voyages from Kolkata — still one of my favourite cities in India. We are heading to their ship, the Ganges Voyager II, but in a loop through Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, staying at Oberoi hotels along the way. We arrive in Delhi and are escorted into the Oberoi Gurgaon, where a florist is just completing a sphere of red carnations in the lobby. Hundreds and hundreds of perfect flowers in a huge ball of Oasis. Casey visibly quivers with joy as I duck slightly to have a garland of plump marigolds put around my neck. In Indian Hindu life, these bright orange and yellow flowers are said to be the favourite offerings of many Hindu gods and goddesses. They are linked to Surya Dev, the sun god in Hinduism. Laksmi might likes the lotus and Kali might craves a hibiscus, but lords Vishnu and Ganesha admire the marigold. They are a symbol of the divine aura and, when we get to our beautiful and spacious room, I put it around Casey, spreading the blessing. But Casey is otherwise engaged — viewing the amenities, wallpaper with its lotus symbols, the full-sized bath and luscious bed. At the Oberoi Amarvilas in Agra and Oberoi Rajvilas in Jaipur, the marigold greeting is repeated and, as the story of Casey spreads, his arrival and farewell are taken increasingly seriously. Indeed, when we leave Oberoi Rajvilas, the baggage handler is careful to place him on top of all other luggage, and to solemnly salute him farewell. Casey absolutely loves all this. I can see his ego visibly inflating to trunk-like proportions… At the domestic airport in Kolkata, having just flown direct from Jaipur in a couple of hours with the rather good IndiGo (clean, efficient, new plane but you buy your food), I let Casey go past me and round the big, slow, looping luggage delivery belt. I think one more circuit might just rattle him. It might just take the wind out of his sails. Take him down a peg. He might just appreciate me a bit more. And all of that is a good thing as we make this jump from Rajasthan, with its monumental buildings (Taj Mahal, Pink Palace) and pretty things (block-print cotton, whirling dancers, bangles) to Bengal — to this dense heart and soul of India. It has a different political, creative and emotional 'temperature'. India's independence, as it built up to the British leaving in 1947, and the land reform that followed in 1950 are just two examples of movements seeded and grown in the fertility of Bengal. For Bengal also has the Ganges — this holy river, descended from heaven and caught in Lord Shiva's hair. Bengal is a testing hotbed of thought and belief and resistance. But Uniworld's Ganges Voyager II is not. It is calm and very comfortable. Casey is escorted to our suite, with its four-poster bed, big bathroom (with a 2m-deep shower), armchairs and air-conditioning. After placing Casey on the luggage stand, the room attendant takes one step back and puts his palms together, fingers pointing upwards in what we would recognise as a traditional form of prayer. He bows: 'Namaste.' Uniworld's tour manager, Vishal Bhaskar, has explained one meaning — that the two hands represent our two hearts. The left is his, the right is mine, and this is them coming together. The deeper the accompanying little bobbing bow, the more the respect. As the room attendant does this, I am standing next to Casey and, to this day, I'm not sure who he is bowing to. Well, this is different. Casey and I have flown home from India with Singapore Airlines (him in the hold, me in 66K), had one day at home (Casey emptied, all washing and ironing done) and flown direct from Perth to Uluru. And here is Casey, on a luggage trolley, being dragged out into the Red Centre sun. We were on our charter flight, in partnership with our great friends at Holidays of Australia, with around 100 readers. National Jet Express brought baggage handlers with us and, rather than being loaded onto a conveyor belt at Yulara, the airport for Uluru (sparing Casey that mortifying extra lap), the chaps have brought the bags straight out to the coaches. Our guests don't have to handle them at all. In fact, when we get to Sails in the Desert, the five star hotel at the Yulara townsite, the bags will be taken straight to their rooms. When I get to mine, Casey is already there, standing cheerily on the jolly Red Centre toned carpet. I hadn't expected Casey to be so amenable. I hadn't expected him to take our shift to red dust and spinifex so well. Casey isn't a fan of either, frankly, and I rather think he could do with a few days at home, just to let our recent travels settle and resonate, and to enjoy the echo. We all need that, sometimes. I think the gaps between our journeys can be as important as the trips themselves. This is when our experiences and reactions more firmly embed in us; they expand, enrich, inform and enhance us. They percolate through us. But Casey shows no sign of this. The weather at Uluru is perfect on this mid-June day — cool with a blue sky, and gentle sun, which is coming in through the window and falling in a warming shaft across Casey's blueness. I'd swear that Casey is exuding contentment.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
International tour company now offers river cruising in Europe
River cruises have always been in demand in Western countries, particularly in Europe. This isn't surprising, as Europe has plenty of long rivers (like the Volga, Danube, Rhine and Loire) that usually takes a few days to sail through. While river cruise tourism is not common in Asia – except perhaps in China where the Yangtze River and Yellow River stretch for much, much further than those in Europe – Asian travellers do appreciate a good sail. The Asia Pacific market for cruise tourism is expected to soar, especially when it comes to luxury cruises. With that in mind, tour operator Trafalgar, more known for its guided land tours and experiences, recently launched its own river cruise product with two sail routes in Europe: Rhine and Danube. The river cruises will begin sailing in April 2026 with two ships, Trafalgar Verity and Trafalgar Reverie . At a recent launch event in Singapore, Nick Lim, chief executive officer (Asia) of The Travel Corporation, said that it made sense for Trafalgar to start offering river cruises as the trend has seen an uptick in recent years. 'That's the trajectory that we have seen. River cruise as a travelling style has caught on, especially in this part of the world. I think Asia Pacific is one of the fastest regions to catch on to this market, so we need to pluck into the demand, especially in Malaysia,' Lim said. He added that river cruising is still quite a novel idea in Malaysia, and that he hopes it will eventually appeal to the wider public. 'Trafalgar is a brand that has always come with a value proposition, and with our price points, we are hoping to get more Malaysians to try our river cruise experience.' Verity will set sail on the Rhine for 10 days, while Reverie runs on the Danube for eight days. The ships are pretty similar in size and capacity – each one is fitted with 64 staterooms (128 passengers on double occupancy), which includes river-view and balcony suites. Both ships will carry 39 crew members, boasting a ratio of about one staff per three guests. The ships were last refurbished in 2010 and are currently undergoing another round of refurbishment, to prepare for the April 2026 sailings. 'You can expect something new and fresh, yet at the same time the decorations and style will largely remain the same,' Lim shared. He revealed that the ships were formerly owned and utilised by Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, which is under the same parent company as Trafalgar, The Travel Corporation (TTC). 'Uniworld always puts in a lot of effort into making their ships look great. In fact, Beatrice Tollman and her daughter (Vicki) hand-picked the paintings, chandeliers and most of the furnishings in the Uniworld ships. 'So that means there isn't a cookie-cutter ship under the brand; there's a bit of a personalised feel to it. And since Trafalgar took over the ships from Uniworld, we decided to keep the general style and design,' Lim said. (The Tollman family started TTC in the 1920s and has held ownership of the company until last year, when it was sold to US-based asset management firm, Apollo Private Equity Funds.) A preview of a stateroom on the Trafalgar Reverie. The cruises will include numerous ground excursions in the itineraries. Highlights for the 'best of the Rhine and Amsterdam' cruise on the Verity include landmarks like the Airborne Museum and Bridge Too Far in Arnhem, the Netherlands, as well as the Deutsches Eck or German Corner in Koblenz, and Rheinstein Castle in Trechtingshausen, Germany. Meanwhile, the 'best of the Danube' cruise on the Reverie features walking tours in Germany's historic city of Passau where the Inn, Danube and Ilz rivers meet, the Medieval Old Town of Bratislavia in Slovakia, and other exciting cultural experiences. 'We've always been about making it easy for travellers to connect with the heart and soul of every destination. Now, we're bringing that same philosophy and unmatched experience to Europe's iconic rivers,' said Lim in an earlier statement. Guests will also be able to immerse themselves in local culture when they participate in Trafalgar's popular 'Be Our Guest' and 'Make Travel Matter' experiences. Onboard entertainment will include regional performances and in-house demonstrations like baking. There are also wellness programmes to look forward to like spa and yoga sessions, as well as complimentary bicycles for off-shore excursions. As for meals, guests will be treated to local and regional favourites and specialties during each meal, with lots of other international varieties at hand. You can rest assured that everyone will be well fed onboard! Trafalgar's river cruise journeys are now open for bookings for sailings beginning April 11, 2026. Rates start from US$2,799 (RM11,931) per person, based on double occupancy. For more information visit
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Best river cruises this summer from bargain luxury to women's only sailings
Laced with scenic waterways, Europe is a joy to discover by water, especially during the summer months when the banks are lined with outdoor attractions and festivals. Calmer than a traditional ocean cruise, navigating rivers is ideal for anyone wanting to travel at a slower pace with multiple opportunities to jump off and explore with the convenience of usually mooring close to the town or city centre. Across the continent, events are taking place to commemorate iconic figures and celebrate the birth of major cities. These are some of the highlights to try as the weather warms up on the sun deck... South of France Whether it's the appeal of a girls trip in an female-friendly environment, or the opportunity to meet like-minded people, all-women holidays are on the rise. On August 24, Uniworld launches its first women-only cruise onboard the SS Catherine, sailing along the Rhone and the Saone rivers on a special edition of its Burgundy and Provence voyage from Arles to Lyon. A special programme of activities and entertainment will include a performance by US comedian Rachel Dratch, best known for her stint on Saturday Night Live, a chocolate and wine-pairing event, burlesque sessions and a luxurious pyjama party. Hop off in Lyon for a candlelight concert, visit the International Shoe Museum in Romans-sur-Isere, and take part in truffle hunting. Book it: A seven-night full-board cruise costs from £3,889pp sharing, including UK flights, transfers and a full programme of activities. Departs August 24. themed-cruises/women Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia Along with its connections to one of Europe's most beautiful waterways, Vienna has links to many of the world's greatest classical composers. This year, Austria's capital celebrates the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss II, known as the waltz king. To tie in with celebrations, Viking is offering a special itinerary along the Danube, including an evening performance of the Strauss Capelle at the Wiener Konzerthaus in Vienna with conductor and violinist Alma Deutscher – once hailed as a 'new Mozart'. Sail onward and relax at a Budapestthermal bath and explore lesser-known Central European cities such as Bratislava and Passau. Book it: A seven-night Danube Waltz cruise on a Viking Longship costs from £2,795pp, including UK flights and some activities. Various departure dates. Northern Europe Promising to go where others don't, CroisiEurope's MS R.E. Waydelich L.J. paddlewheel ship will operate a new itinerary this summer. Along with being more environmentally friendly than other vessels, the ship has a shallower draft, enabling river navigations, even when water levels are low. Jump on board for a voyage along four of Europe's most popular rivers – the Rhine, Neckar, Moselle and Saar – which flow primarily through Germany. Spend an evening wandering around the medieval heart of French city Strasbourg, sample fine wines at prime vineyards and gaze at views along the scenic Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO world heritage site. Book it: A seven-night full-board cruise starts from £1,867pp, including some activities. UK flights extra. Various departure dates. Venice, Italy At the height of summer, a top-end hotel in Venice can cost around £500 per guest a night just for a room. A cheaper way to see La Serenissima in style is to sail through on a small ship cruise. While bigger ships have been banned, Uniworld's 126-passenger La Venezia can navigate the Grand Canal in a vessel elegantly designed to match the destination, for less than £300 per night full-board. Beat the peak season crowds with a private VIP visit to St Mark's Basilica after-dark and join a tour of the Doge's Palace first thing in the morning before it opens to the public. You can get a selection of the most interesting, important and fun travel stories sent to your inbox every week by subscribing to the Mirror Travel newsletter. It's completely free and takes minutes to do. Uniworld is also the only cruise company to have an overnight docking spot at colourful island Burano. And as a further commitment to protecting the fragile Venetian lagoon ecosystem, proceeds from the itinerary go towards supporting a partnership with Venice's Barena Association. Book it: A seven-night cruise costs from £1,998pp, including UK flights and a full programme of activities and excursions. Various departure dates.
