Uniworld River Beatrice moored in Melk Austria

Tips for Travellers on Uniworld River Cruise’s River Beatrice “Enchanting Danube” cruise

Enchanting Danube

I was delighted to be take my first river cruise and with the prestige boutique company Uniworld. I travelled on their 7-night “Enchanting Danube” cruise in May 2014 taking in three countries (Germany, Austria and Hungary) cruising from Passau (near Munich) right into Budapest (the capital of Hungary). I travelled on their beautiful River Beatrice river ship which was named Cruise Critic’s Editor’s Pick for “Best New River Ship”.

Here are my articles, videos and audio podcasts about the trip:

Articles

River Cruising Advice and Tips. Based on my experience I answer the questions I get asked most often about river cruising.

See and read My initial impressions of the River Beatrice stateroom captured through a series of photographs of the treats and surprises provided

Uniworld River Beatrice Bedtime Chocolate on my Pillow

Uniworld River Beatrice Stateroom 605

See and find out more about the embarkation city and day we spent the first day exploring: Passau in Germany. A unique city where three rivers meet – with a stunning cathedral and one of the world’s largest church organs!

After Passau, we travelled to the Austrian city of Linz. The third largest in the country it is a major steel producer, home of the largest cathedral in Austria and a gateway for visitors to head to Salzburg. I took the advantage of staying in Linz to explore this less well-known city and a nearby farm where we tasted cider and ate a meal entirely consisting of food grown, raised and made there. Read more and a selection of some Linz photographs

Stained Glass Windows in the Cathedral in Linz Austria

Famous Austrian treat Linzertorte in Linz

From Linz we stopped at two charming towns further down the Danube the next day: Melk and Durnstein. Melk is home to the remarkable and impressive Melk Benedictine Monastery and Abbey, while Durnstein has a ruined castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was once held prisoner after offending the Austrian ruler on his crusades. Read more and see some of of photos of Melk and Durnstein

Melk Monastery Austria

Durnstein on the Danube River Austria

It is not all relaxing and walking tours on a river cruise! There are “Go Active” options every day including hikes and bike rides. Guests had the chance to cycle 17 miles from Melk to Durnstein to catch the ship up!

Uniworld Danube River Cruise guests prepare to cycle 17 miles from Melk to Durnstein in Austria

In this next post I share some photographs of the main public rooms and some of the surprises and treats on board the River Beatrice including the lounge, dining room and unusual and dramatic chandelier  in the lobby.

Uniworld River Beatrice Lounge and Bar

Afternoon tea is a real treat. Served in the lounge each day at 4pm there is a theme for every day of the week. My favourite was the day we had a chocolate fountain and a celebration cake that covered all the destinations on the cruise. See all the photographs at Afternoon Tea on the River Beatrice

Uniworld River Beatrice Enchanting Danube Afternoon Tea Celebration Cake

We spent the last day in the beautiful city of Budapest. All along the Danube there are stunning buildings that are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was magnificent sailing into the city around 8am and standing on deck watching the city pass by. Read more about it and see more pictures on my Uniworld River cruises in Budapest article.

Budapest seen from Castle Hill area looking across to the Pest side and Houses of Parliament

Videos

Video tour of the “River Beatrice” ship

Highlights of the “Enchanting Danube” river cruise on “River Beatrice”

Why You Should Take a River Cruise. Interviews with the crew of Uniworld River Cruises

Who a River Cruise is Best Suited for – and why. Interviews with Uniworld River Cruises

 Explaining the Uniworld Six-Star Experience. What it is and what it means to passengers.

Photographs

Take a look at my “Enchanting Danube” photo album on Flickr, where you can see over 200 images of the ship, destinations, food and excursions from the trip and experience.

Audio Shows

River Cruising Tips and Advice – the most asked questions answered!

River Cruising Tips Live

Recorded during the trip I have created a two-part audio show, each lasting one hour long, full of observations, insights and packed full of tips and advice about river cruising. You can listen to the two parts of the show online using the online players below, clicking on “River Cruise Live Part One” and “River Cruise Live Part Two” or by subscribing for free to the Tips for Travellers Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher Radio, TuneIn Radio otr using the RSS feed in your favourite podcast app or catcher.

River Cruising Tips Live (Part One):

River Cruising Tips Live (Part Two):

 River Cruising Insider Tips and Advice. Interviews with the Captain, Hotel Manager, Executive Chef and Cruise Manager:

Declaration: I travelled as a guest of Uniworld River Cruises and Titan Travel on a 7-night “Enchanting Danube” river cruise on the River Beatrice ship. Uniworld is the world’s only boutique river cruise line.