Dreams of elegance on Europe’s waters with the River Empress
Since entering service in 2001, the River Empress by Uniworld Boutique River Cruise has embodied the very essence of river refinement. Fully renovated in 2014, the 110-meter River Empress combines the charm of a boutique hotel with the perfection of a modern ship. Its 65 cabins accommodate up to 130 passengers, attended by a thoughtful and discreet crew. The design, inspired by European residences, blends cobalt blue, silver, and ivory tones in a soothing harmony.
Harmony and refinement on board
Suites where light inspires rest
The cabins of the River Empress evoke the comfort of an elegant private hotel. Egyptian cotton sheets, Italian marble, and custom-made furniture create a serene and intimate space. Each beautifully appointed cabin features large panoramic windows, a modern entertainment system, a refined bathroom, and twice-daily housekeeping service. The suites add special touches such as a spacious lounge area and personalized service, true to Uniworld’s enduring spirit of excellence.
The art of conviviality and design
The shared spaces of the River Empress are thoughtfully designed for the pleasure of living together. The grand panoramic lounge, bathed in soft natural light, reveals an Art Deco-inspired décor punctuated with mirrors, noble textures, and subtle contemporary accents. The intimate Captain’s Lounge invites guests to enjoy a coffee or glass of wine while admiring the passing scenery. Every space, from the reception hall to the bar, reflects Uniworld’s passion for elegance and detail.
Suspended moments on the river deck
On the spacious Sun Deck of the River Empress, life slows gently to the rhythm of the current. Loungers, pergolas, and shaded corners invite pure relaxation. In the morning, passengers practice yoga or light walking, while the afternoon lends itself to quiet reading or an aperitif facing the horizon. As evening falls, the warm glow of the sunset transforms the deck into a natural theater where the beauty of travel unfolds gracefully.
Flavors and gourmet pleasures aboard the River Empress
The poetry of dishes and wines
The elegant restaurant of the River Empress celebrates European gastronomy in a refined and welcoming ambiance. The talented Uniworld chefs work with local ingredients with boundless creativity: fish from the Danube, asparagus from the Rhine, and delicate Viennese pastries. The menus change with each region, paired with wines carefully chosen by the onboard sommelier. In the panoramic dining room, every meal becomes a symphony of flavors, aromas, and breathtaking scenery.
A culinary journey across the rivers
Aboard the magnificent River Empress, the table tells a captivating story. Themed dinners highlight local culinary traditions, while special tastings offer an authentic glimpse into the wine-growing richness of each country. Outdoor meals, when the weather allows, add a special charm: the evening breeze, the gentle murmur of the river, and the golden glow of lanterns make the experience truly unforgettable.
Evenings of elegance and sweetness
Evenings aboard the graceful River Empress unfold in a serene and convivial atmosphere. The stylish lounge bar comes alive to the sound of piano music, intimate performances, or long conversations over a signature cocktail. Guests may also enjoy an elegant library or a cozy fireplace corner for a moment of absolute tranquility. Each enchanting night reveals a different facet of the discreet and timeless luxury that beautifully defines Uniworld.
Cultural stopovers and inspirations from afar
The soul of cities and shores
The elegant River Empress connects the iconic cities of the Rhine, Main, and Danube, offering travelers a deep immersion into the heart of European history. From Strasbourg to Passau, passing through Cologne or Nuremberg, each stop unveils a unique and captivating cultural identity. The Uniworld excursions emphasize local encounters, guided walking tours, and exclusive cultural discoveries, creating an intimate and profoundly enriching exploration of every destination.
Serenity and the art of well-being
The serene spa of the River Empress is a haven of softness where both body and spirit are renewed. Massages with essential oils, rejuvenating facials, and relaxing sessions create a complete ritual of pure well-being. The glass-walled fitness room, open to the river, allows guests to exercise while admiring the ever-changing scenery. Every thoughtful detail is carefully designed to encourage inner harmony and extend the deep sense of calm that defines river cruising.
When night reveals the river’s beauty
At night, the River Empress becomes a haven of elegance and gentle serenity. Classical concerts, cultural screenings, and themed evenings enliven the ship with graceful charm. Passengers gather on the upper deck to admire the reflections of the river or share a drink beneath the glittering stars. It is within this intimate and poetic atmosphere that one truly grasps the magic of a Uniworld voyage, an experience both deeply personal and profoundly human.
Itineraries and horizons of the River Empress
Between traditions and eternal landscapes
The River Empress sails along the most iconic and prestigious routes of Central Europe, connecting Amsterdam to Budapest. These cruises unveil the most magnificent river landscapes of the continent: vineyard valleys, medieval villages, perched abbeys, and forests lining the tranquil banks. With every turn, the panorama widens, revealing a natural and architectural heritage of breathtaking and unforgettable beauty.
Gourmet stops and local discoveries
Passengers aboard the elegant and luxurious River Empress are invited to discover the diverse flavors of the European continent through authentic and enriching culinary experiences: traditional German markets, wine tastings in Austria, Belgian artisanal chocolateries, or historic Viennese cafés. These warm encounters with welcoming locals add a deeper human and cultural dimension to the cruise, enriching the journey with authenticity, warmth, and genuine soul.
Lights and moments of eternity
On the river, the River Empress becomes the witness of rare, precious, and magical moments. The sunrise over the Rhine hills, the reflection of a castle on the water, or the golden dusk over the Danube compose a collection of unforgettable and luminous images. These suspended moments remind us that the beauty of travel lies not only in the destination but in every fleeting instant fully lived between sky and river.
The Uniworld experience with Voyages Aqua Terra
Tailor-made assistance
Voyages Aqua Terra offers a truly exceptional and complete service for every unforgettable cruise on the River Empress. The dedicated advisors accompany travelers before, during, and after their journey: cabin selection, organization of exclusive excursions, private transfers, and personalized assistance. This constant and carefully coordinated attention ensures a seamless, harmonious experience, perfectly tailored to the unique expectations and desires of every single guest.
Exclusive privileges and delicate attentions
By booking the River Empress with Voyages Aqua Terra, passengers enjoy exclusive advantages such as upgrades, onboard credits, private culinary experiences, and special Uniworld offers. The agency ensures that every moment is unique, guaranteeing comfort, discretion, prestige, and flawless fluidity throughout the journey. These privileges reflect a bespoke service where refinement and thoughtful details elevate each day’s experience.
Elegant memories and lasting emotions
Every cruise on the River Empress becomes an unforgettable and precious memory. From shared laughter to dinners under chandeliers, from ever-changing landscapes to the caring gestures of the crew, everything contributes to creating a sincere and memorable emotion. With Voyages Aqua Terra, each fleeting moment turns into a refined art of living, a celebration of beauty, discovery, and the enduring pleasure of travel.
