The best river cruise line in the world, according to our fussy travel editor
A river cruise line you've probably never have heard of, especially if you’re used to sailing with the biggest players in the industry, Uniworld can't be beaten when it comes to luxury holidays on water - and we're here to tell you why.
Offering an exceptional travel experience that goes beyond the usual cruise holiday, Uniworld's offering left us in awe after we experienced the luxurious cruise line for the first time on a seven-night Venetian cruise on its stunning ship, S.S. La Venezia (try it for yourself with TV's James Martin and Monica Galetti). We say 'cruise line' with reluctance as we feel it's closer to a boutique hotel brand.
And we're not the only ones to be blown away by the company. Uniworld has dozens of awards and accolades under its belt, including the Best River Cruise Line award in the prestigious Telegraph Travel Awards and a top three spot in Travel & Leisure's World’s Best Awards. Most recently for 2024, it was named the number one river cruise line in the world in the Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards.
There's simply nothing else like it, perhaps because it is a cruise line founded by a five-star boutique hotel brand, which believes 'no request is too large and no detail is too small.' Everything from the service to the food is delivered to impress and once you take to the water with Uniworld, you are unlikely to ever look back.
To give us the most authentic feel for the river cruise line, which is an antidote to overtourism attracting discerning travellers, the very few in search of extraordinary holidays, we explored the ship from top to bottom (including going below deck in the most luxurious way possible) and spent a week hearing first-hand what guests, from Kent to Australia, thought of the company before we felt fully confident to declare Uniworld as the world's best river cruise line.
With a high returning guest rate (it's not unheard of to be sailing with guests who are on their seventh or even their 50th Uniworld cruise) and staff who proudly admit "we don't consider ourselves to have any competitors," this is the bucket list cruise line you'll want to tick off again and again.
Read on for our honest review of why Uniworld is the best river cruise line in the world…
The style and decor
Stepping onto a Uniworld ship is like entering a boutique hotel - but better. The style is as elegant and refined as you'd expect from a five-star hotel, with fine details and luxury wherever you turn. Uniworld's small ships take inspiration from their destinations, complementing their surroundings while maintaining the sophistication of the brand. Modelled after sister company Red Carnation Hotels, which has the likes of Rubens at the Palace in London and The Oyster Box in South Africa among its collection, the ships are very much luxury hotels on water.
You won't hear loud announcements and the high staff-to-guest ratio means you're not just a number - they'll remember your name. You can expect opulent decor, with bespoke fabric, original works of art and beautiful antiques in your home for the week. On La Venezia, which you can experience with Good Housekeeping, the fabrics are by Venetian maker Fortuny and the chandeliers and mirrors made from Murano glass.
The suites throughout Uniworld ships have marble bathrooms, and in every room or suite an incredibly comfortable Savoir bed awaits for restful nights on the water.
The destinations
While we're almost certain we could enjoy a Uniworld cruise, wherever it's going, the river cruise specialist does its utmost to bring travellers the most exciting locations to explore in style. Keen to discover Venice and its islands? Uniworld will take you to see the highlights and many of the islands tourists haven't heard of. Fancy experiencing a Nile cruise? You can tick off the Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings and the sounds and sights of Cairo while enjoying the luxuries of Uniworld.
Or, maybe you have a far-flung cruise in mind? Uniworld's Mekong River cruise in Cambodia and Vietnam takes you to ancient temples and gives you the chance to meet local villagers, while sleeping in five-star surroundings on stunning ship, Mekong Jewel. And the Ganges Voyager II is a timeless way to explore India, with its hand-painted murals and dark wood observation deck.
The cruise line's Bordeaux, Danube and Douro itineraries are other fantastic itineraries guests keep returning for.
The staff
We can't praise Uniworld's staff enough and neither can other guests. Guest Deb, from Pennsylvania, who has been on six of the company's cruises, told us: "Every staff member makes you feel special. They really want to make your experience wonderful." Meanwhile, Joanne, from New Jersey, says: "The staff get to know you quickly and intuit what you want and need. They bring you something before even you know you want it. I don't think you get the same attention at a hotel."
With a 1 to 2.4 staff-to-guest ratio, it's clear that service is high on the priority list for Uniworld, but as Joanne added, "they're helpful but not in your face."
Wendy, from Warwickshire, told us how, during her cruise, she would often help herself to the orange water available for guests at the bar and made a passing comment to the bar staff about how much she enjoyed the drink. Before the end of the day, she found a carafe of orange water in her suite.
Another guest, Charlotte, from New Hampshire, described the staff like a "relative who knows you, knows your likes and your dislikes," adding that it makes the cruise "special."
The incredible excursions
While life on board the ship is a joy, stepping off a Uniworld cruise will leave you with fabulous memories you can't miss, either. Uniworld cruises are packed with carefully-curated inclusive and optional excursions, which range from after-hours tours of popular attractions (the perfect way to skip the queues) to walking tours that provide a look at local life, and the privilege of meeting working people in their workshops.
During our cruise, we had an outstanding after-hours visit of Basilica di San Marco, one of Venice's most popular sites, where we had the cathedral to ourselves and were able to bask in the tranquility and beauty of this world-famous attraction after the crowds had left.
One solo guest, who wished to enjoy Uniworld's excursions at her own pace, told us that she had booked the same cruise twice, back-to-back, so she could spread out her days and ensure she didn't miss out on anything.
The butler service
While you'll be treated to a personalised experience regardless of the cabin you book, suite guests on Uniworld cruises have the benefit of their very own butler who will take this service to another level. Working to the motto that 'no request is too large, no detail is too small,' the suite butlers, trained to the standards required by Buckingham Palace, do everything they can to make you feel important.
Whether you would like a special dinner organised just for you and your loved one, or a private sabering ceremony (a champagne sabering ceremony by the ship's butler at the start of a sailing is a Uniworld tradition), your wish is their command.
While we didn't have any extravagant requests for butler Marko during our time on La Venezia, we knew he was at our service for anything we needed, whether it was a cup of tea brought to our room, or help unpacking our suitcase.
The behind-the-scenes dinner
If you've always wanted to see what life is like below deck, Uniworld has the most luxurious way to do it. Its Progressive Dinners (extra charge, with a maximum of 10 passengers) take you to the bridge to find out about life as a captain, from the captain himself. The dinners are usually a surprise so stop reading now and skip to the next image if you prefer no spoilers...
They might take you into the kitchen to see how the ship's elaborate meals are meticulously prepared. A look inside the steaming hot engine could also be part of the tour, as well as a chat with the laundry staff and a peek at the staff room. The best part is tucking into a different dish along the way, culminating with your main meal in the ship's private dining room, all while meeting the wonderful people who make your cruise holiday perfect.
The thoughtful touches
Whether its sustainability, guest safety or satisfying your hunger, Uniworld goes above and beyond. You'll find compostable slippers and a gifted water bottle for each guest to stay hydrated while caring for the environment. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners are elaborate enough, with a varied selection and locally sourced ingredients used to create delicious feasts, but if you find yourself feeling peckish in between, the Panini Bar (on La Venezia) has pastries and fruit you can help yourself to, and panini made to order.
Another observation we made during our cruise was the care and attention of the tour managers on the excursions. During our after-hours tour of Basilica di San Marco, the tour manager stood at the entrance of the crypt, with its low ceiling, and warned each and every guest to watch their head as they made their way down the stairs.
Back on the ship, the housekeeping team are nicknamed 'fairies' for being in and out of the rooms without a peep. Then there's the River Heritage Club that rewards your loyalty with complimentary laundry, cocktail parties and savings on your next trip.
It's truly all inclusive
On a Uniworld cruise, you can rest assured that everything is included. Premium drinks are part of the package at any time of day and there's an extensive programme of activities throughout the cruise without the need to put your hand in your pocket. Gratuities are included so you don't have to bring extra cash for crew and tour managers, either.
On board entertainment can be enjoyed at no extra cost and Uniworld goes the extra mile to offer an all-inclusive experience that doesn't compromise on quality. The food and drink is genuinely excellent, and when it comes to sightseeing, guests are split into groups, with a guide for each group to give you a more intimate tour experience.
Of course, there are ways to upgrade your experience if you wish, with dinners, premium excursions and pre- or post-cruise land extensions available.
You can combine your sailing with amazing land stays
As a specialist in luxurious holidays, Uniworld knows exactly how to make your cruise extra-special and has some incredible river cruises with five-star land or rail options. For example, in India you could enjoy seven nights on the Ganges Voyager II, as well as nights in the Golden Triangle staying in Oberoi Hotels.
Or you could sail the Mekong River for seven nights, before exploring the cities of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Siem Reap while staying in top hotels.
You really can't fault it
After many conversations with other guests, we failed to find a reason not to love Uniworld. Not only do the staff think of everything a guest could possibly need before they've thought of it themselves, but they continue to look for ways to improve.
We received a feedback form on day two of the cruise (naturally, we struggled to provide anything negative) but one of our new friends told us that she mentioned that she would have liked some Greek yoghurt and additional healthy options at the breakfast buffet. The next morning and every morning for the rest of the cruise, there was Greek yoghurt and a large selection of fruit added to the buffet.
Good Housekeeping has partnered with Uniworld to bring you a selection of cruises exclusive to our readers, including the Ganges and India's Golden Triangle, Bordeaux with Ian Botham and Rosemary Shrager, the marvellous Mekong River, Venice with Monica Galetti and more.
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