River Empress
River Empress: Visit castles along the Rhine
Snapshot
Some say river cruises are the new bus tours of Europe — only better. Cruisers unpack only once and get to sail down Europe's famous rivers and dock in the heart of its fabled cities. "European Jewels" and "Castles Along the Rhine" are two itineraries that will bring to life your fairy tale notion of these classic locales. Like most river boats, Uniworld's River Empress is long and narrow with a stylishly designed interior. The ship generally sails during daylight hours so passengers can enjoy the view while eating lunch, and docks at night so they can stroll around in town after dinner.
Who will enjoy sailing the River Empress
The ship was designed to appeal to Americans and features English-speaking staff with a lighter cuisine and no smoking allowed except on the Sun Deck. Uniworld cruisers tend to be older and have enjoyed ocean cruises before.
Where River Empress sails
Home port: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Destinations: The Uniworld River Empress sails the Rhine River from Amsterdam to Cologne, Germany; Germersheim (Speyer), Germany; Kehl, Germany (near Strasbourg, France); and Basel, Switzerland.
Dining
Dining with a view! Acknowledged by Zagat for top dining, and outstanding service from an all-English speaking staff, your journey will be a real treat. The elegant dining room serves scrumptious meals , often sourced locally. Wine, beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner, bottled water in staterooms and a specialty coffee and tea bar are all complimentary.
Entertainment, bars & lounges
- Main Lounge with full-service bar and dance floor
- Captain's Lounge with library
- Patio lounge
- Sky lounge
- Sun deck with life-size chess and shuffleboard
- Fitness center & sauna
- Serenity River Spa
- Boutique
Other amenities include: 24-hour reception service, complimentary 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar, use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks, and free Internet and Wi-Fi access and guest laundry and ironing facilities, and elevator.
Staterooms
Lavishly appointed river view staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir of England beds draped in high-thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, along with a menu of pillow options. Staterooms and suites on the Rhine Deck have French balconies.
Stateroom and suite amenities include:
- Generous built-in closets
- Hair dryer
- Individual climate-control thermostat
- Direct-dial telephone
- Infotainment center with flat-screen TV
- Complimentary movie and entertainment options
- Bottled water and safe for valuables
Marble bathrooms include: L'Occitane en Provence bath and body products, plush towels, backlit magnifying mirror, and cozy waffle bathrobes.
All suites are uniquely decorated and have additional amenities and services, including: daily fruit and cookie plate, and an evening amuse-bouche; slippers; private DVD; iPod docking station; Nespresso coffee machine; bathroom towel warmers; refrigerator; bottle of wine upon arrival; morning coffee and tea; continental breakfast; shoe shine; and free laundry service.
Your take
How about you? Have you sailed on River Empress? How was it? We'd love to see your photos and hear about your experience.
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Interested in a cruise on this ship?
If you're interested in a cruise on Uniworld's River Empress, contact a Cruiseable travel advisor at 1-877-322-3773 or by email. You'll usually get a better deal than you can get by contacting the cruise line directly.
Top highlights on this ship
- Enjoy the lounge with a view as you cruise down the Rhine
- The small number of guests allows you to get to know many of your fellow and make friendships that will last
- Dining with a view!
Fast facts
Overheard
“This modern river ship might be a good choice for a well-rounded cruise though the cabins are small with limited storage. The cuisine is reasonably good and includes a healthy choice menu, although lacking in finesse.”
