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European Holiday Markets

9th Dec 2024 | 7 nights | Uniworld | River Princess

Ultra-luxury cruising
All-inclusive
Excursions included
Tips included
Free wi-fi
Nuremberg
Regensburg
Deggendorf
Linz
Vienna
Ultra-luxury cruising
All-inclusive
Excursions included
Tips included
Free wi-fi
Show more
Show less

Itinerary Overview

This cruise takes you to some of the most famous and delightful holiday markets in Central Europe. At each market, you’ll find wooden stalls displaying traditional crafts that range from quirky little characters made of fruit and dressed in Bavarian costume to beautifully carved and painted Nativity figures. You’ll also find exquisite ornaments and fine contemporary crafts, along with fairytale villages decked in holiday finery.


Sparkling lights illuminate ancient cathedral squares and the sound of children’s laughter mingles with carols. Enjoy Uniworld’s exclusive “Taste of Christmas” program in Vienna, where you’ll see astonishing confectionary decorations in Café Demel’s windows. Celebrate the season in a new way as you meander through old lands, and remember, as the Christkind says, “While this market’s splendor is fleeting, the joy it brings is eternal.”


Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Day
Date
 
Arrival
Departure
 
1
9th Dec 2024 Monday
Nuremberg
2
10th Dec 2024 Tuesday
Nuremberg
3
11th Dec 2024 Wednesday
Regensburg
4
12th Dec 2024 Thursday
Deggendorf
5
13th Dec 2024 Friday
Linz
6
14th Dec 2024 Saturday
Vienna
7
15th Dec 2024 Sunday
Vienna
8
16th Dec 2024 Monday
Vienna

The ship is an extremely comfortable way to see some of Europe's most popular sights while unpacking only once. The long, narrow ships often dock in the heart of small towns and historic cities so passengers can simply walk off the ship to explore. Shore excursions are included and often are guided walking tours or motorcoach tours, sometimes with lunch in a wonderful restaurant for a local experience. Casual and comfortable during the day while evenings are slightly dressier. A jacket is suitable for men at the captain's dinner.

Subdued, genteel entertainment is the norm, from a pianist playing and singing standards to a local cultural performance. Most of the entertainment is in the European cities themselves; don't expect Jackpot bingo or Broadway revues on the ship. The ship's fitness centre has one treadmill, two stationary bikes and one climbing machine. Adjacent is a sauna and a shower for two with six shower heads for each person. Many shore excursions are walking tours, so passengers can get plenty of exercise while sightseeing. The Main Lounge has a cool atmosphere of navy blue with aluminium railings separating the couches and chairs from the bar. There's a small dance floor and room for a piano or small combo. The lounge is lined with panoramic windows, making it an ideal spot for watching the passing scenery during daytime cruising or a night-time view of city lights while docked. The Patio is a casual space for reading newspapers, playing board games or sipping coffee or tea. The expansive sun deck has lounge chairs and a glass-enclosed solarium that keeps passengers protected during inclement weather but can be opened when it's warm outside.

Breakfast and lunch are served buffet-style, with both cold and hot items, while dinner is served by the efficient, friendly waiters. There is one seating for dinner, but passengers sit where and with whom they choose. There is no room service.

All 65 cabins are 153 square feet and thoughtfully designed with comfort and efficiency in mind. The only difference between categories is simply the deck they are located on and the size of the windows. The top-category staterooms have two floor-to-ceiling windows while those on the lowest deck have two small windows near the ceiling, just above the water line. Depending on the deck, the colour scheme is bold, in jewel tones of emerald, blue or a pinky- red. Staterooms have three closets and eight drawers, twin beds convertible to a double, a small table and two chairs, a TV with local and satellite channels, a bathroom with shelf space and a good-sized, ceramic-tiled shower stall. The four suites measure 225 square feet and have three floor-to-ceiling windows and a roomier sitting area with a couch. All cabins have hair dryers, but bring along a converter and adapter for curling irons and the like since electric voltage is 220v.

Rhine Deck
Danube Deck
Moselle Deck

Best for...

Affluent travellers who enjoy a touch of opulence with their luxury.

Not the best for...

Young families, passengers with mobility issues and anyone who prefers subtle elegance over opulence.

Who goes on Uniworld cruise ships?

Uniworld attracts affluent, sophisticated travellers. The bulk of passengers fall into the traditional 60-plus river cruise age group, but a good sprinkling of people aged 40 to 60 are also drawn to the stylish onboard ambience. In addition, Uniworld was one of the first lines to offer themed family cruising, and those sailings attract multigenerational groups.


Do I have to dress up on a Uniworld cruise?

Somewhat. Uniworld passengers run to smart-casual by day, but at night they almost always opt for dressier outfits, especially at the captain's welcome and farewell festivities. For those meals, as well as select dining ashore or concert options, the line suggests men bring a sports jacket and women, a cocktail dress or pantsuit. With that said, Uniworld only asks that cruisers not wear shorts to dinner.


Is everything included on Uniworld cruises?

No, but the experience is fairly inclusive with some differences depending on the itinerary. In general, unlimited drinks, most shore excursions, Wi-Fi and gratuities (onboard and on shore) are all included in the cruise fare. Access to onboard bikes and a self-service launderette are also complimentary. You will pay extra for some shore excursions, as well as spa and beauty treatments.


What are Uniworld's most popular activities?

The ports of call draw passengers off the ship for much of the day and when they return onboard, they tend to spend quite a lot of time in the public rooms socializing. The indoor and outdoor pools attract more passengers than usual on river cruises, and the gym and spa facilities get plenty of use. Whenever offered, passengers gather for onboard programs, such as wine tastings, culinary classes and local group performance of traditional regional arts. Speakers from the line's Signature Lecture Series also usually draw a crowd. Dancing in the evening can prove popular depending on the passenger mix.


Dining

  • All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
  • 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
  • Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks and mineral water

Excursions

  • 6 days of excursions, including “Choice Is Yours” options, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
  • Guided “Taste of Christmas” program
  • State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
  • Use of Nordic walking sticks

Accommodations

  • 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the majestic S.S. Beatrice or the stunning River Princess
  • Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
  • Free Internet and Wi-Fi access

Experiences

  • 2 countries: Austria, Germany
  • 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
  • Group Transfers are included on arrival and departure days (please see terms and conditions for transfer guidelines)
  • Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
  • Captivating onboard local entertainment
  • Cultural enrichment, including a Signature Lecture

Uniworld Christmas River Cruises

Uniworld Christmas River Cruises: ’Tis the season to celebrate in Europe.

At Uniworld, they know it takes time, planning and attention to detail to make a truly magical Christmas. Now is the best time to start crafting your perfect holiday season.

Picture yourself wandering through quaint villages, the air rich with the scent of warm mulled wine, as you peruse an incredible selection of handcrafted gifts and trinkets to bring back onboard your warm and cosy festive ship, conveniently docked in the heart of the city. A Christmas cruise offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience the festive season while enjoying the luxury and comfort of a floating boutique hotel, decked out in its holiday finest. With something for everyone, from traditional Christmas markets to exciting shore excursions, a Christmas markets sailing is an ideal holiday that will leave everyone with lasting memories.

Here's what's included with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
  • Return flights from a choice of regional airports throughout the UK or Eurostar travel in Standard Premier Class
  • Airport to ship transfers
  • Unlimited premium spirits, fine wines, hand-made cocktails and locally sourced beers
  • Delicious, five-star farm to table cuisine from breakfast to dinner
  • Daily choice of carefully curated excursions - many of which exclusive to Uniworld guests
  • Locally inspired on board entertainment and enrichment
  • All on board gratuities
  • Services of the award-winning Uniworld team including a dedicated Cruise Manager
  • Bicycles and Nordic walking sticks for onshore exploring
  • Butler service in every suite
  • Free ship wide Wi-Fi access
  • On board fitness and wellness classes
  • Elegant and well-appointed staterooms and suites with the finest linens, towels and Savoir of England beds

Inclusions may differ depending on region. Please check with our team.

Christmas River Cruises

Christmas River Cruises

Make it the most wonderful time of year...

Experience the enchantment of European Christmas markets, where twinkling fairy lights illuminate the festive scene. Wander through charming market stalls adorned with glistening decorations and indulge in glorious treats that tantalise the senses. Embrace the spirit of the season by immersing yourself in the magic of these bustling markets while on a delightful river cruise.

While snowfall might not be guaranteed, the warmth of the holiday season is assured. Savour the comforting aroma of hot mulled wine, delight in delectable treats, and immerse yourself in the contagious Christmas cheer that permeates every corner of Europe's markets. Join a festive journey and discover the joyous traditions and vibrant atmosphere that make these markets a winter wonderland worth experiencing.

Prices based on:

Classic
AWAITING IMAGE

  • Lavishly appointed river view stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m)
  • Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, flat-screen TV with infotainment centre and satellite, individual thermostat and bottled water
  • Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, backlit magnifying mirror, cosy bathrobes and slippers

Cabin Grade Fly Cruise
CLASSIC £3,306 pp
Deluxe
Deluxe

  • Lavishly appointed river view stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m)
  • Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, flat-screen TV with infotainment centre and satellite, individual thermostat and bottled water
  • Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, backlit magnifying mirror, cosy bathrobes and slippers

Cabin Grade Fly Cruise
DELUXE £3,873 pp
Fetching latest prices and availability...
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