Just a short note to let you know our agents thoroughly enjoyed our Tulips and Windmills cruise aboard the River Queen on 4/21/09. It was our first time sailing with Uniworld and we look forward to highly recommending it to our clients.
 
The crew and staff was so professional and friendly from the first step aboard and made us feel right at home in our new surroundings. The staterooms were so convenient, immaculate, and comfortable. Food was outstanding and the dining room staff always made us feel pampered.
 
We're looking forward to being able to highly recommend Uniworld using our personal experiences ... which we have found is the best way to market a product.
 
BettyAnn Zyla
Owner B.A.Z. Travel Read More...

I just wanted to say a proper and huge "Thank You" for all you (and the entire River Beatrice staff!) did to make our Uniworld River Cruise experience so wonderful. Both Byron and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and it exceeded my expectations by a long way.

There were so many highlights on the trip that I hardly know where to begin, and all the extra touches too, like the clocks and the pillow gifts on the last evening, and having dinner with the Captain! The ship is really lovely and it was terrific to see all the various ... cabin categories. It was also great to see River Countess - I feel I have a more complete picture of Uniworld since all your ships aren't as new as River Beatrice.

I don't think there is a single thing that I could criticize about the ship, the crew or the itinerary, and of course the food was amazing. Without exception, everyone was great and with people like Captain Tom, Siggy, Gyongi, Alina and the other front desk people, we really were in good hands.

Anyway, thank you so much again...

Ellie Hender, CTC, MCC
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I turned eighteen on the maiden journey of Uniworld’s River Beatrice. This nine-day- long river cruise along the Danube started out in Budapest, went on to Vienna, Salzburg and several small enchanting villages in Austria and Germany. It was an incredible initiation into young adulthood. Every night I dined with men and women who have hiked, sailed, and flown across the world many times over. They shared with me their life experience, and took me on narrative tours of the crème de la crème of their travels.
I visited some of the most exquisite restaurants and patisseries in Austria ... and Hungary, toured magnificent Rococo abbeys, and reveled quietly in the verdant mountainsides of Salzburg.  It was my first time sailing on a river vessel, and the smaller ship made this trip more personal as the staff quickly learned my name and the distinctive occasion of my journey.  River cruises highlight the star attractions of relatively small geographical areas, and eliminate the need for spending entire days at sea. Each alluring port was promptly succeeded by another, without the long hours of wave watching on the vast ocean that are inescapable on larger cruise ships. 

...I know that I will see the Danube flowing through the concrete canyons of New York City many years from now, that opulent dinners and photographically still Bavarian countryside will adorn my daily activities at home.

Turning eighteen is a personal experience. Like getting married it is an occasion that one long waits for in eager anticipation.  It is a benchmark that seems far off right up until the very day when it comes.  Its culmination therefore leaves one in doubt asking, “Is it true, am I really eighteen?” or “Am I really married?” This incredulity is the most important reason why these days must be adorned with ceremony, to stand in the mind as reassurance that they have occurred.  Indeed, without the Bavarian hillsides to remind me, I might start to forget the occasion as time and distance encroaches.
 
This trip has held so much significance for me. On the dinner table I saw not the entrée, but the culmination of years of anticipation. I feel as if the world opened itself up to me on the deck of the River Beatrice. It seemed to promise that dreams can be scheduled in between school or workdays, and that it is better for one’s soul to be a world citizen than a national one.
– Nathaniel Black Read More...

I have just returned from our Russian River Cruise with my group. To say that they and we were pleased is a huge understatement. Everything about the cruise exceeded the expectations of my discerning clients.
 
In particular, I wanted to praise Inna Medvedkova, the cruise director, Svetlana, her assistant and all the excellent on-board Uniworld ladies, and Sergey, the hotel manager. A particular bouquet is deserved to Prof. Inna Gritsenko whose lectures were spell-binding, authoritative and enriching. And the entertainers, Galina on the piano was astonishingly talented (my wife is a piano teacher so this is high praise from her) and ... Sergey on the accordion completed a dynamic entertaining duo – they’re indefatigable!
 
I also want to thank you for the special arrangements you made regarding wine & water in the cabins as well as the greatly appreciated wine reception you now provided on board – my group felt very special indeed! And I noticed that you have the Quietvox headsets in Russia – they certainly facilitated communication between guides and their audiences.
 
This first group having gone so well, I want to tell you that we are going to feature all Uniworld Cruises on our website to individual travelers and to potential groups. We plan to grow our business with you – we have already proposed Egypt/Jordan to one group and will look particularly at the Danube. Having just received your 2009 Europe River Cruises, I acknowledge the continuation of amenities as well as the new ones for company-owned ships in 2009.
– Don Harper (Travel Agent)
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I wanted to let you know what a fabulous job the crew on the River Countess did during our trip. We were on the Christmas Market trip from Vienna to Nuremberg on Dec.1st.

Christine Bremberger was the Cruise Manager and she was fabulous. She handled all the passengers professionally and knew the area like the back of her hand. She was extremely knowledgeable. The crew was personable and very professional. We will travel with Uniworld again.
– Gretchen Heinlein-Wilson

As the weeks have passed since our wonderful cruise aboard the River Countess ... I wish to send these sober words of my appreciation for your fine crew and vessel. We were indeed very fortunate to experience the Christmas Markets cruise upon the Danube River with such a fine vessel and crew that work for Uniworld. Under the fine leadership of Captain Jord Zwaal we were safely and efficiently shown the fine offerings that this itinerary presented. He was attentive to any and all questions that we asked of him with respect to his operation of the vessel along ... the Danube and through the numerous locks for which his attention was thorough and dedicated. As the ship's main host, he kept his guests at ease and thoroughly interested. His mannerisms were that of a person much more senior in years than his youthful appearance offers.

Christine, the cruise director, was such a pleasure to be around. She not only handled the myriad of details necessary for a successful cruise but did it in an unflappable way as to denote experience and professionalism. A truly lovely German woman, it was such a delight to talk to her. She was such a good ambassador for her country and induced the spirit of travel and the holiday season in all she had contact with. There were efforts on her part that were above and beyond what a usual cruise director would accomplish. I simply cannot say enough about this fine person; it was wonderful to meet her.

Our Hotel Officer, Lucia was as professional as any individual that I have ever seen in her capacity. With her leadership, her department excelled at every aspect of their duties. She work particularly well with her Maitred',( whose name escapes me but he was of Czech descent), and, as a team, were a portrait of excellence. She treated all within her department with respect and with the professional guidance that distinguished her as an outstanding Officer.

Julie, of the front office, was a delight to converse with and was another of the carbon copy of excellence that this crew established for our journey.

As my wife is a travel agent for Just Travel here in Novato, California, you can be assured that Uniworld will receive a personal note of satisfaction from her and the office. With me, I will second that motion. Thank-you for making our cruise, and indeed the 6 other members of our party, such a wonderful experience and lifelong memory.
– Marla and Gene McCandless Read More...

My husband and I recently took one of your Rhine River Cruises from Cologne to Basel (Nov 29, 2008 to Dec 7th). Unfortunately I became very ill on the cruise. The staff members were so kind and considerate. However, I want to to laud one of your employees for outstanding service and care to me and my husband. Her name is Emma and she worked in food service as our waitress. She was so kind asking how I was every day and sending special food to my room with my husband. Some of my family lives in Germany ... and they were welcomed to the ship and allowed to visit me and have lunch in the dining room.

Again Emma went out of her way to be thoughtful and kind to all my family. You are blessed to have her in your employment. We were so impressed that we hope to do this cruise again as well as the one that goes to Romania, Emma's home country. Thank you again.
– Dr. and Mrs. Donald and Constance Ostergard Read More...

We recently concluded the Nov. 9 Grand European Discovery cruise aboard River Countess. It was marvelous! But I do want to comment on one thing very important to us. The cruise or tour manager, Heiner is of the utmost in professionalism. He, simply put, is a "walking encyclopedia" of European history and culture. He was enjoyable, courteous, kind and helpful. This man's service to Uniworld is nothing short of "gold & sterling". Uniworld is extremely fortunate to have him aboard! Thank you for the wonderful experience.
– Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Anderson

My wife and I just completed the Provence/Burgundy river cruise on October 19th with an extension in Paris. I just wanted to write to let you know how much we enjoyed the cruise and your entire staff, from the cruise director to the housekeeping. Everyone was always courteous and friendly, providing the service for which Uniworld in known.

As much as I enjoyed this trip, I did however, start having some respiratory problems while in Lyon which worsened when I arrived in Paris. On Monday, October 20, I needed to go the hospital. Your local host, Betsy Dryer, was ... absolutely outstanding in the help the she provided. She took us to the American Hospital and stayed with us for several hours while I was being evaluated. Fortunately, after 5 hours in the emergency room, the problem was identified and resolved over the next few days with medication. Betsy in an excellent representative for Uniworld in Paris, and we can't say enough to truly indicate our appreciation for the help she provided. She is genuinely committed to assisting the Uniworld guests and you should be proud and honored to have such an employee.
– Sincerely, Richard Beauchemin Read More...

We have just returned from the Grand France river cruises. We had a wonderful time and would like to compliment the staff of both ships, especially Martijn Karman, the restaurant manager on the River Baroness.
– Brian and Barbara O'Brien

Gloria & I sailed on the River Countess from Vienna to Bucharest Sept.3 to 17 ( room 307 ) and we want to express that it was one of the best cruises we have ever taken and everything was so well organized and we would like if you would express our sincere thanks to the total crew for such a wonderful time. It is the people you meet and the people who organized everything that made it so wonderful. We are considering a trip to China & the Yangtze next year with Uniworld.
Regards, Gloria & Bob Perkins

We just returned from your 16 day China tour, that began on 8 September. Without a doubt it has been the best of our many vacations.

Mr Chen Liang was extraordinary. He is to be commended for his efforts to exceed our expectations. This was our first trip with Uniworld but because of Mr Chen it will certainly not be our last. He and his staff hit a home run on this vacation.
– David J Kaucheck and Marian Hansen Kaucheck

My wife and I just returned from a Uniworld Trip to China and Tibet with your guide, Lin Yihong (Kevin) and I write to commend you on his leadership with this tour. Kevin reflected a gentle hand in guiding the various personalities through this two week tour. He has a great sense of humor and knowledge of the various cities we visited. As a result of Kevin's leadership, not only would we recommend a Uniworld Tour but would, without reservation, take another trip with Uniworld - in hopes that the Tour Guide would reflect the same gifts as did Kevin. ... Please convey our thoughts to his personnel superior and to Kevin, himself.
– Lawrence W. Wick Read More...

We were on the Uniworld Tour 2008 July 21-August 2. Our tour director was Hubert. It was the best tour we have ever been on. Hubert was very informative also he was very concerned about our every need. He was very friendly and had a great sense of humor.I would highly recommend this tour.
– Richard and Georgiana Teach

George and I would like to thank you for the opportunity to sail on the River Queen in August on the Rhine and Moselle Rivers between Basel and Amsterdam. Needless to say, we had a wonderful trip!

The crew and staff were all extremely professional and helpful in all aspects. Captain Schlenther was personable and available to the passengers when free. Hildegard Peiker, cruise manager, went out of her way to help passengers. As an example, when we thought of taking the local bus in Trier to see some of the Roman ruins that were not ... included in our excursion, Hildegard went out of her way to get us bus numbers so we would not get lost.

Sightseeing was very comprehensive. The guides were excellent in all the cities we visited. In Koblenz we did a side-trip on our own which might be worth-while incorporating in the regular sightseeing if at all possible. We went up to Festung Ehrenbreitstein which is a fortress built in the 19th century. At the fortress there was a short slide show presented in various languages including English on the history of the fort. From the fort there were magnificent views of the Rhine and Koblenz. If this is not possible then maybe information can be given to the passengers as to how to get there; we took a local bus up to the fortress, walked down from the fort and then took the ferry across the river back to the city center (or one can take the ferry both ways and a chair lift up and down or the bus down rather than walk).

The food was very good and the presentation was lovely especially at dinner. It was nice that breakfast was buffet, yet, one could always ask for different eggs or hot cerel. Lunches were good, but we felt that there were too many pork dishes served (even the meat sauce was made with pork). For those who do not eat pork, it would be nice to have basic alternatives such as tuna fish or egg salad or even turkey included on the cold-cut platter at lunch. Having the alternatives of chicken or steak at dinner was very good.
– Helene and George Levine Read More...

I recently returned from the European Jewels Cruise (August 17-31) and had a wonderful time. EVERYTHING exceeded my expectations! The River Princess was wonderful and the staff and cruise director were so helpful and did everything they could to make this a wonderful vacation. Only downside was having to come home and not be able to enjoy the wonderful meals and great service. I hope to take another of your cruises in the next year or two. Thanks again!
– Diane Duplissis

We just wanted to let you know what a wonderful representative you have in Lisbon, Portugal - Pilar Garrido.

As you know, we were robbed at the Hotel Tiara on June 27, 2008, and Pilar gave us super support and help - she took us to the US Embassy to get new passports, loaned us 400 Euros of her own money, took us to the Western Union office in Lisbon in her own car to pick up money that our son wired to us, made many phone calls for us, had our new credit cards delivered to Pinah, and just gave ... us wonderful support. We really appreciate her help and the support of your company.

By the way, we enjoyed the Douro River Cruise and all of the people that made it so nice!  

We arrived back in the US after spending an additional two weeks in Spain and although our vacation started out on a "bad note", we enjoyed our time in Europe.
– Tom and Katie Scharf
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I just returned from a 16 day Uniworld European Jewels river cruise.  I had a small group of 10 friends that sailed with me and I just wanted to let you know how wonderful it was.  We sailed on the River Princess and everything from the staff to the food, tours, entertainment was the best.

Captain Menno de Sera was wonderful and made judgments that enhanced our trip. Because the river was rising near Regensburg he decided to get ahead of schedule so we could make it under the Deggendorf bridge. This was a great judgment call since ... several ships after us did not make it through that day.  I've been on many many cruises and have never had a Captain that was so visible, warm and friendly. 

Doris van Jeveren, the cruise director was wonderful and gave such informative history lessons on the ports we were going to.  She was so personable, friendly and always available. Jan Wlodarcyzk, the hotel manager, was also so friendly and made everything on the ship run smoothly. A special thank you to Tomas Lysak, the restaurant manager,  with his special help with my group for dining. I could mention everyone of the staff because they were all wonderful and made for a glorious cruise.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Everyone in the group had such a great time and we can't wait to take another river cruise with Uniworld. 
– Carolyn Martz, Manager
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Dear Uniworld I recently took the Southern France cruise
(July 6-13, 2008 - River Royale) and had the time of my life. I would like to commend Emmanulle, our cruise director, as she made the trip very much more enjoyable than I could have ever imagined. She and I bonded on the bus trip from Marseille to Arles and the trip continued upward from there. This was my first trip to France after having dreamed of going for twenty years.
– Sincerely, Rudi J. Bertrand

This letter is being written on behalf of one of your valued employees, George. The fact that he made our recent vacation pleasant and memorable cannot go unnoticed. George was our Grand China and the Yangtze River Cruise tour manager June 24-July 13, 2008.

From the moment he met us at the airport, we liked him because he was professional, knowledgeable, and hospitable as he tried to ensure our comfort and safety while in China. As we traveled across a foreign land via plane, boat, and bus multiple times, our trip was filled with fun and adventure primarily because of George. ... His ability to speak English and our inability to speak Chinese, made George's presence and leadership even more important. Thanks to George, our accommodations exceeded our expectations; the food was great; and the sites were unbelievable.

In addition, he and his colleagues' knowledge of Chinese history and culture were impressive. They all made sure that all guests were accounted for and treated with respect at all times. Again, thanks to George, if we never see China again, we have enough memorable experiences of China to last a lifetime. His level of professionalism went above and beyond the call of duty.
– Dr. Dell Wilkerson Read More...

I am a Scottsdale, AZ travel agent and have worked in the travel industry for 25 yrs. Recently my husband and I, along with 10 friends, returned from the Paris to Normandy cruise aboard the River Baroness and would like to recognize excellent service.  
 
We began our trip with two nights in Paris and from the minute we collected our baggage and were transferred to the hotel, everything went smoothly.  Dominique greeted us at the hotel and made us feel welcome and comfortable during our stay.

She waved and said goodbye to each of us as we boarded the ... motorcoach for our short drive to the River Baroness. Lunch was waiting for us on board the ship and our cabins were available immediately following. As a group of 12, we settled in for our exciting adventure. The cabins were comfortable and the beds and linens so divine that getting into bed at night was a true delight - not to mention turn down service with chocolates on each pillow.
 
Christian Basel, our Uniworld Cruise Manager, performed every task with a smile and no request was too small or too big for him to accomplish.  When we arrived at the American cemetery in Normandy, he presented each of us with a yellow rose to place on a grave marker of our choosing.  This special touch was very moving.
 
Sebastien Wendling, our Hotel Manager, and his staff go the extra mile when it comes to service.  All cabins were cleaned and made up while we enjoyed breakfast and upon returning from excursions, the staff welcomed us with fresh juice, hand sanitizer and warm towels. 
 
My husband and I celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary while sailing and this special day was recognized.  We had a bottle of champagne waiting for us in our cabin and for dinner we were invited to sit at the Captain's table.
 
The knowledge of our escorts to the museums and towns was amazing. In particular, John Louie's love and appreciation for art came across beautifully and made each excursion special. Also, while in Paris, our escort to the Musee D'Orsay was equally enthusiastic about her love of the arts. In addition, all escorts spoke beautiful English.
 
Finally, the preparation and presentation at each meal was beautiful and the food delicious.  Our thanks too for the wonderful on board entertainment.
 
This was not our first Uniworld River Cruise and hopefully not our last. 
– Mary Anne Hyde
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We have just returned from Our European Grand Serenade cruise and wish to report that after 21 cruises starting in 1978, Ingrid Van de Ven is the best cruise director we have ever met.

– Marcel Bouchard

I returned yesterday from our Eastern Europe vacation where we cruised on the River Empress, Enchanting Danube. I had two other, well traveled, couples with us. I can say that the experience exceeded all of our expectations. The ship, the itinerary, the food and above all the crew were exceptional.

Tony was the cruise director and he was unbelievable. I think he could write a book on European history without looking at any reference notes. Rudy the new hotel manager was a classic. The whole crew was very friendly and we developed ... great friendships on board.

When people ask me about the “cruise”, I tell them it is actually not a “cruise” but more of a very easy way to see wonderful cities, villages and learn the history of these areas, without the normal hassles of traveling. Unpack only once, your hotel goes with you, the food is always good, the staff becomes your friends and someone else is handling nearly all of the details.

Great experience. Thanks.
– Randy Goodrich Read More...

We were extremely pleased. The ship had a warm, friendly atmosphere. The land tours were well organized & led, & not as strenuous as some other tours we've taken. The room was fine, especially since all the passengers were on more or less the same schedule, so we were sleeping or awake in unison.

The staff & the food were outstanding. Price isn't cheap, but neither is anything comparable. It was nice to pay in advance, so exchange rates for the dollar, or inflation were not a worry. All we had to pay on the spot were the tips, & they ... were well explained.

We couldn't have been more pleased with your services.  Every time I contacted you, you acknowledged it immediately, & then got back with an answer, if needed, within a day. You painted a clear picture of what to expect. And you volunteered much specific helpful information. We hope to be able to use the services again. What is always a question mark is health issues.  We can't book until we've gotten medical clearance relatively close to departure date. However, we've definitely been recommending you to friends & family, & will continue to do so.

Sincerely,
Marian Wemple Read More...

I am writing to let you know how very pleased we were with everything during our lovely holiday on the Danube Cruise aboard the River Empress. Our cabin was excellent, the food superb and the crew and staff were always pleasant, polite, friendly and helpful.  You should be very proud of them all because although they worked very hard they remained smiling and polite constantly.
A super holiday - we would not hesitate to travel with Uniworld again and would recommend this trip to others.
– Ida Brown, England.

We have just returned home from a wonderful cruise on the River Rhine. We left Amsterdam on 6/8 and arrived in Basel on 6/15 aboard the River Ambassador. I just wanted to say that our trip was made so special by our cruise manager "Rick". He was the most professional, efficient person I have encountered in a long time. Rick "made" the the trip for us. The onboard services met our expectations, but it was Rick who exceed all our expectations. Rick looked after us in a way I never expected. Simply put, he was the best. Overall, ... we we were satisfied with the trip, but it was the personal touch that Rick gave to everything that made us loyal Uniworld travelers I hope Uniworld recognizes they have such a talented person working for them.
–John Mcgarry, Queens NY
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