We've Been On Uniworld's S.S Victoria! Here's How It Went

• Boutique Floating Luxury: Discover why the intimate and serene atmosphere of the S.S. Victoria makes it the perfect entry point for anyone new to cruising.

• Lavish Accommodations: A look inside the Signature French Balcony Stateroom, featuring unparalleled river views and handcrafted comfort.

• Exquisite Local Cuisine: How Uniworld's culinary team crafts changing menus sourced directly from the fresh markets of docked ports.

River cruising offers an entirely unique way to see the world, trading the frantic pace and vast crowds of ocean liners for a serene, intimate journey right into the heart of iconic destinations.

Whether navigating the historic waterways of Europe or exploring legendary rivers worldwide, the total lack of waves and the ever-changing scenery rolling past your window make it the absolute pinnacle of relaxed, effortless travel.

Recently, Cruise.co.uk Social Media Executive, Rosie, had the incredible opportunity to step onboard Uniworld's S.S. Victoria, for an exclusive overnight sailing from Amsterdam to Brussels.

Here is her firsthand diary of 24 hours spent immersed in pure maritime luxury.

Day 1 - Friday 19th June

We caught the Eurostar from London to Amsterdam, so it was a very early start... 3:45 am early...

The entire experience was seamless from start to finish. We were greeted by a Uniworld representative at the station for our pickup, and upon arriving in Utrecht, we smoothly embarked onto the ship. The lovely team welcomed us at the entrance with a fresh glass of bubbly - VERY much needed.

We headed straight to the restaurant for lunch, which featured an incredibly delicious buffet. The spread included a fresh salad bar, a selection of meats and sides, a charcuterie style spread, and an array of desserts.

The service was immaculate, with attentive waiters regularly offering water, soft drinks, wine, tea, and coffee. The dining area itself was a serene and cosy sanctuary, offering a peaceful escape on the water.

Between the elegant table setups, soft lighting, and stunning views, it was the perfect, tranquil setting for a memorable meal.

Shortly after lunch, we attended a Uniworld presentation in the lounge and a short speech from the captain and manager.

The lounge is luxurious, airy and contemporary, designed to offer passengers a relaxed space to enjoy drinks while looking out at the river. The atmosphere was remarkably modern and sophisticated.

This was followed by a ship tour! While the ship typically accommodates 110 guests, this sailing was limited to around half that capacity as it was an agent-only event. This lower headcount gave us an incredible amount of space to explore the vessel.

Our tour took us through every corner of the ship, from the various stateroom options and the indoor pool room to the spa, fitness centre, private dining room, and expansive top deck.

We checked into our rooms, and all I can say is WOW. I had the privilege of staying in the Signature French Balcony Stateroom.

While the decor and layout were beautiful, and the bathroom was immaculate, the true showstopper was the massive window overlooking the river.

Being able to open it completely meant we could relax with a cool breeze and watch the world go by. The bed was 10/10 for comfort.

They are handcrafted Savoir beds that everyone needs to experience. Stunning. It was the kind of room you never want to leave. For one night, I got a true taste of pure luxury.

The only minor issue I encountered on board was charging my phone. I highly recommend bringing a portable power bank and a fast-charging cable as a backup, as my phone wouldn’t charge with my original setup - which works everywhere else.

Fortunately, when I had to track down an alternative cable, the lovely team stepped in and immediately helped me out.

Dressed in our evening attire, we headed to the top deck for sunset drinks before making our way down to the dining room for a spectacular four-course meal.

The top deck is a spacious, open air promenade that blends functional design, with a relaxed, upscale atmosphere. It is a sun-drenched outdoor space, for passengers to walk, relax, and enjoy refreshments while on the water.

The cuisine was, once again, exquisite; I enjoyed the smoked duck breast to start, followed by the crusted salmon for my main, and finished with a delicious key lime pie for dessert. (You could have soup, which also looked divine).

The menus differ depending on the itinerary, as the chefs will go out and grab fresh meat/fish from wherever the ship is docked at the time.

We wrapped up the evening in the lounge, where we were treated to an incredible live singer and a selection of delicious drinks.

Day 2 - Saturday 20th June

After an 8:00 AM checkout, we enjoyed a final breakfast in the dining room. The buffet featured an impressive spread, from fresh smoothie shots, fruit, and pastries to breakfast classics like eggs, bacon, and sausage.

Finally, we said our goodbyes and disembarked the ship to head off for a day in Brussels. As a quick side note, transfers from the ship to Brussels and the train station were not included.

Unfortunately, a broken bridge overnight blocked the ship's path to Brussels, forcing us to dock in Antwerp instead.

This plot twist actually worked in our favour, as it gave us a great, unexpected opportunity to explore a new city! From there, we had to take a train to Brussels.

The Uniworld team was incredibly apologetic and handled the situation well, arranging a coach to ensure guests with early Eurostar connections made it to the station right on time.

Final Thoughts

As a newcomer to cruising, let alone river cruising, I didn’t really know what to expect. The idea of taking to the water can feel intimidating at first, but my time on board completely changed my perspective and showed me why a river cruise is actually the perfect entry point for any first-time cruiser.

Unlike the overwhelming hustle and bustle of massive ocean liners, there is absolutely no rush on a river cruise.

The atmosphere on board is naturally serene, intimate, and sophisticated, making it feel less like a crowded tourist ship and more like a boutique floating hotel.

For someone testing the waters of cruising for the first time, it offers the ultimate balance of effortless travel; you only have to unpack once, and the destination seamlessly comes to you.

River cruising itself is spectacular; because you are travelling along a river rather than the open ocean, there are no waves to worry about, and you are constantly surrounded by stunning, ever-changing scenery that beautifully complements the ship.

Instead of days of empty horizon, you get front-row seats to charming villages, rolling hills, and historic landmarks right outside your window.

Finding that perfect blend of peace and luxury aboard the S.S. Victoria made my very first voyage truly unforgettable.

I would definitely return to the S.S. Victoria in a heartbeat, and I truly believe river cruising deserves so much more recognition, especially for those who have never cruised before. It is an incredibly calming and unique way to travel.

Finally, I want to say a huge thank you for this incredible opportunity. Experiencing a river cruise first hand has been immensely valuable. As my very first solo trip, it is a journey I will truly cherish for a lifetime!