Six star living

Welcome to life on board a river cruise. There is around 120 people on each ship accompanied by an international crew of 40, from 11 countries that work as one. That happens when you have been together multiple years and speaks well for how Uniworld treats them. They are proud to serve on their ship and the service is outstanding, which knowing me as you do, you will know that’s high praise.

We have been on River Queen and River Duchess with the later my favorite, it has a clear edge and superior service. Nothing is a bother, Caleb has been treated respectfully and the sports conversation an easy entry point for both waiters and Caleb.

What do I love about this? The nougat in the room (I love nougat as much as chocolate), the divine pillows, (never thought I could get excited about such a thing), the L’Occitane products in the bathroom, the way you go to breakfast and magically return to your room made up again. After dinner you return to find your bed turned and treats awaiting you be it Lindt chocolate or face masks, …yep all of that I love but in addition to the service there has been two things that stand out.

Firstly the tours and the guides, these people are like walking history books. Intelligent on the past, articulate about the present, they have given Caleb and I an education that is priceless. We had Car-T-Ana (phonetic) in Wurzburg whom we will remember a very long time, not just for her yodeling to get our attention which was hilarious but also her wit. History was alive when we were with her. Delivered boat to door, headsets to allow you to view your own things of interests but still hear the guide, rooms opened to you that aren’t accessible to others and unique “community ” experiences that you don’t get on holiday. When you return to the boat, warm towels greet you along with the best hot chocolate and lemon tea I have ever had.

The second thing is the food, what can I say but it’s divine. Fresh regional produce absolutely delicious. I noted my allergy on the pre cruise paperwork and the maitre’d Romica, looks me out each meal to advise what will be of concern in the menu but to also assure me that should I want that dish they will prepare a special version for me, he’s not kidding either. The wine and coke flows freely and your English breakfast requirements are delivered each morning without asking. Newspapers at the ready should you want to keep up with the outside world.

Piano music is played through afternoon and early evening and this is intermingled with guest lectures on topics from canals to Christmas traditions, glass blowing demonstrations to children singing. Specialist entertainment post dinner has been wide-ranging reflecting the locations we pass through or just for pure entertainment sake. Caleb has been in hysterics at some of this.

The people we have met have been interesting, lovely and fun. Curious about Caleb, many have gone out of their way to interact with him. Mostly US and Canadians there are British also and a handful of Australians and five Kiwis this time.

Gano, a waiter from Bosnia speaks British English, evidentially one of the highest praises we could give him, and intermingled this with Kia Ora. Tihmoir is encouraging Caleb to order confidentially from the menu himself and Steffani ensures his glass is never empty and directs my wine choices confidently and Marko is just delightful. Silvia the hotel manager is seriously impressive and Monica and Gongi are fabulous cruise managers. I know a little of organisational logistics for a group this size and the fact I never see any of it speaks volumes for their skill.

Thank you to the team at Uniworld for a wonderful holiday. I shall warmly recommend you.