Low Prices On All Uniworld River Cruises

Uniworld is highly regarded for its farm-to-table culinary approach, focusing on regional flavors and local sourcing. Since the fare is all-inclusive, you won’t find yourself reaching for your wallet at every meal.

Dining Experience & Style

• Open Seating: There are no assigned tables or fixed dining times. You can sit with whom you like, when you like (within the restaurant’s operating hours).
• Regional Menus: The kitchen sources ingredients from local markets along the river. For example, you might have fresh Prosciutto di Parma while sailing through Italy or Wiener Schnitzel in Austria.
• Service Style:
• Breakfast & Lunch: Usually served as a high-end buffet with made-to-order stations (like an omelet bar)
• Dinner: A multi-course, sit-down affair featuring Signature Dishes from the region and classic favorites.
• Al Fresco Dining: On many Super Ships, you can dine on the Sun Deck (weather permitting) or in specialized venues like the Sky Lounge.

Beverages (Unlimited & Included)

Unlike many lines that only include drinks with lunch and dinner, Uniworld’s policy is truly open:

• Unlimited Premium Spirits: Includes brands like Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire, and Jack Daniel’s.
• Local Wines & Beers: Hand-selected by sommeliers to match the region you are currently sailing through.
• Specialty Coffee & Tea: 24-hour self-service stations are available, and Barista-made coffees are included.

Dietary Accommodations

Uniworld is very proactive about dietary needs:

• Traveling Lite: Every dinner menu features a Traveling Lite section for lower-calorie, healthier options.
• Vegetarian & Vegan: A variety of plant-based dishes are integrated into the main menus.
• Gluten-Free & Allergies: Guests are encouraged to notify the line at least 45 days prior to sailing. Once onboard, the Maitre d’ will usually meet with you to review the daily menus and ensure your safety.

Dress Code

• Daytime: Smart-casual and comfortable. Shorts and activewear are perfectly fine for breakfast and lunch.
• Evening: No shorts at dinner. Most guests opt for resort casual (slacks and a button-down for men; sundresses, skirts, or nice pants for women).
• Special Events: For the Captain’s Welcome or Farewell Dinner, some guests choose to dress up a bit more (sport jackets or cocktail dresses), but formal wear (tuxedos/gowns) is never required.

Uniworld’s fuel surcharge policy is designed to protect the cruise line against extreme fluctuations in oil prices. While they generally aim to keep your fare locked in, there are specific conditions under which a surcharge can be applied.

The Price Guarantee vs. Fuel Surcharges

Uniworld typically guarantees that your cruise fare will not increase due to currency fluctuations once they have received your deposit. However, fuel surcharges are the primary exception to this guarantee.

• Right to Impose: Uniworld reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement on all guests if the price of fuel increases significantly (usually tied to market benchmarks like West Texas Intermediate or Brent Crude).
• Post-Payment Application: In most cases, Uniworld reserves the right to levy this surcharge even after the booking has been paid in full.
• Airfare Exception: If you book your airfare through Uniworld and pay for it in full, your airfare, taxes, and any air-related fuel surcharges are generally considered final and locked, protecting you from further increases on the flight portion of your journey.

Payment Schedule

• Deposit: A deposit of at least 10% of the fare is required within 48 hours of booking to secure your spot.
• Final Payment: Due no later than 120 days prior to your departure date.
• Last-Minute Bookings: If you book within 120 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.
• Promotional Fares: Certain Pay-in-Full offers (often providing 10–50% savings) require the total balance at the time of booking, regardless of the departure date.

Standard Cancellation Fees

If you need to cancel, fees are calculated per person based on how many days remain before your trip starts.

For Europe & Most Regions:

For Exotic Regions (Egypt, Peru, India, Vietnam): The penalties are often steeper. For example, cancellations made 120+ days out typically incur a $500 fee (instead of $250), and the 100% penalty kicks in earlier (often at 89 days or less).

Refunds & Credits

• Unused Services: Uniworld does not provide refunds for any unused portion of the trip, missed excursions, or no-shows.
• Port Taxes: These are typically refunded if you cancel before the departure date.
• Deposit Protection: Uniworld offers a program that allows you to cancel 120+ days prior and receive a credit for your deposit to be used on a future cruise (valid for 2 years).
• Airfare: If you booked air through Uniworld, you usually have a 24-hour grace period for a full refund. After that, air deposits ($450+) are typically non-refundable.

Revision Fees

Changing your mind can cost you. A $50 fee per person is charged for any revisions made to the reservation (like changing a name or switching a cabin) unless the change increases the total value of the booking.

Important Note: For the Rivers of the World (itineraries spanning multiple weeks and countries), the initial deposit is often significantly higher (around $2,500) and is non-refundable from the moment it is paid.

Uniworld maintains a very strict smoking policy to ensure the comfort of all guests, as the ships are intimate and enclosed.

Designated Smoking Areas

• The Sun Deck Only: Smoking is strictly limited to designated areas on the outdoor Sun Deck.
• Indoor Ban: Smoking is prohibited in all indoor areas, including lounges, restaurants, lobbies, and hallways.
• Staterooms & Balconies: Smoking is strictly prohibited inside all cabins and on all balconies (including French balconies). Because the ships are docked closely together and cabin windows are often open, this is strictly enforced to prevent smoke from drifting into neighboring rooms.

What Counts as Smoking?

Uniworld’s policy is comprehensive. The following items are restricted to the designated Sun Deck areas:

• Cigarettes and cigars.
• Pipes.
• Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices (these are treated exactly like traditional tobacco).

Off-Ship Restrictions

• Motorcoaches & Trains: Smoking is strictly prohibited on all Uniworld-operated motorcoaches and any included rail transfers (such as the Cruise & Rail itineraries).
• Shore Excursions: Guests are asked to refrain from smoking during guided tours. Note that many historical sites and UNESCO World Heritage locations in Europe, Egypt, and Asia are now legally smoke-free zones.

Fines and Enforcement

While Uniworld focuses on a refined, hospitable atmosphere, they take fire safety and guest comfort seriously. Guests found smoking in their cabins may face cleaning fees (often starting at $250+) and, in extreme cases of repeated violation or safety risk, could be asked to leave the ship without a refund.

Traveler Note: If you are a smoker, it’s worth noting that the Sun Deck is occasionally closed during “low bridge” transits or during certain docking maneuvers. During these brief windows, there is effectively no place to smoke on the ship.

Uniworld offers two primary types of protection: their own Gold Seal Protection (specifically for European cruises) and a more comprehensive Travel Protection Plan (underwritten by Arch Insurance).

Uniworld Gold Seal Protection (GSP)

This is a budget-friendly option primarily designed for flexibility.

• Cost: Approximately $199 to $259 per person.
• The Benefit: If you cancel for any reason up to 90 days before departure, Uniworld will reimburse 100% of your cancellation penalties in the form of a Future Cruise Credit.
• Expiration: The credit is typically valid for two years from the date of issue.
• Key Catch: It must be purchased at the time of your initial deposit and does not cover airfare or rail components.

Travel Protection Plan (Insurance)

This is a full insurance product that provides both cash reimbursement for covered reasons and travel credits for non-covered reasons.

The Cancel For Any Reason Feature

Uniworld’s insurance includes a unique Future Travel Certificate feature. If you cancel for a reason not covered by the insurance policy (like just changing your mind):

• The Insurance Company denies the cash claim.
• Uniworld then steps in and provides a credit certificate worth 100% of the non-refundable cancellation penalties.

Note for NY Residents: Some policies vary by state; in New York, the CFAR credit can sometimes be purchased separately.

Medical & Pre-Existing Conditions

• Medical Coverage: At $50,000, the medical coverage is adequate for minor issues, but some travelers prefer third-party policies (like AIG or Allianz) if they want higher limits ($100k+) for major emergencies in remote areas.
• Pre-Existing Conditions: To get a waiver for pre-existing conditions, you generally must purchase the plan within 14 days of your initial trip deposit.

Deposit Protection (No Cost)

Even if you don’t buy a plan, Uniworld offers a basic Deposit Protection program. If you cancel 120+ days prior to sailing, you can receive a credit of your deposit amount (minus a small admin fee) to use toward another cruise within 2 to 5 years (depending on the specific 2026 promotion).

Uniworld has one of the most generous and straightforward tipping policies in the river cruise industry. For the vast majority of guests, the rule is simple: everything is included.

Onboard Gratuities

Unlike many other river cruise lines that add a daily suggested fee to your final bill, Uniworld includes all onboard gratuities in your initial cruise fare. This covers:

• Dining Staff: Waiters, maîtres d’, and sommeliers.
• Housekeeping: Cabin stewards and laundry staff.
• Bar Staff: All bartenders and lounge servers.
• General Crew: Engineering, deck hands, and reception.

Onshore & Excursion Tipping

Uniworld also includes gratuities for the people you encounter off the ship during scheduled excursions. This is a significant perk, as it eliminates the need to carry small change for every tour. Included are:

• Local Experts: Professional guides who lead your walking or bus tours.
• Drivers: The pilots of the luxury motorcoaches.

Regional Nuances (Egypt, India, Peru, Vietnam & Cambodia)

In Exotic regions where tipping culture is more complex, Uniworld extends its policy even further to ensure a seamless experience.

• Included Personnel: For these itineraries, tips are included for onboard staff, plus your Cruise/Tour Manager, Egyptologists (in Egypt), boat crews (on smaller local vessels), and drivers.
• The Baksheesh Factor: While the official policy covers the essential service providers, in places like Egypt, you may still encounter locals offering unsolicited help (like opening a door or pointing out a photo spot) who expect a small tip or baksheesh. These informal interactions are not covered by Uniworld.

When You Might Still Tip

While the policy is all-inclusive, there are two specific scenarios where you might choose to reach for your wallet:

• Exceptional Service: If a specific crew member (like a butler or a favorite waiter) has gone truly above and beyond, you are welcome to offer an additional personal tip at your discretion.
• Independent Services: If you wander off on your own and hire a private taxi, eat at a local café, or book a private tour not arranged by Uniworld, you are responsible for those tips.

All-Inclusive Luxury River Cruising
Uniworld delivers a comprehensive all-inclusive experience that typically includes meals, premium beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi, airport transfers, and shore excursions.

Boutique Ships with Distinct Design
Each Uniworld ship is uniquely designed with lavish interiors, original artwork, and upscale appointments that evoke boutique hotel luxury.

High Staff-to-Guest Ratio & Personalized Service
Uniworld is known for its exceptional service, often including in-suite butler service on select European ships and personalized attention throughout the voyage.

Gourmet Cuisine & Premium Beverages
Five-star dining with unlimited premium wines, spirits, and specialty drinks is a hallmark of the Uniworld experience.

Immersive Shore Excursions Included
A wide range of included excursions connects you with local culture, history, and cuisine, from gentle guided walks to “Go Active” hiking and biking options.

Well-Being & Enrichment Onboard
Fitness classes, wellness programs, enrichment lectures, and curated entertainment help guests stay engaged and relaxed throughout the voyage.

Global River Destinations
Uniworld’s river cruise itineraries span Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia — offering diverse cultural experiences

What is included in a Uniworld river cruise fare?
Most Uniworld fares include luxury accommodations, all meals, unlimited beverages, gratuities, airport transfers, shore excursions, onboard Wi-Fi, and enrichment programs.

Are gratuities included?
Yes, all onboard and onshore gratuities are included in the cruise fare.

Does Uniworld offer shore excursions?
Yes, guided shore excursions are included, with multiple touring styles such as “Go Active” and “Gentle Walking.”

Are children allowed on Uniworld cruises?
Children are welcome on select sailings, particularly summer and holiday departures, but most itineraries are tailored to adults.

What kind of dining is offered?
Uniworld’s dining includes farm-to-table cuisine, specialty meals, and regional dishes with unlimited premium beverages.

Is Wi-Fi included?
Yes, shipwide Wi-Fi is typically included.

What destinations does Uniworld sail?
Uniworld sails rivers in Europe, Egypt, China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and more.

Do Uniworld ships have fitness facilities?
Yes, most ships include onboard fitness and wellness classes.