I recently had the absolute pleasure of cruising down the Danube River aboard Uniworld’s S.S. Maria Theresa—and what an incredible journey it was. From the moment I stepped on board, I was transported into a world of elegance, comfort, and exceptional service.
First Impressions: A Ship Like No Other
The S.S. Maria Theresa is a work of art. Every hallway and stateroom is inspired by 18th-century décor, giving the ship a regal, timeless feel. With only 150 guests on board, it felt intimate and peaceful—never crowded. I loved waking up to the soft lapping of the river and stepping into the beautiful main restaurant for a leisurely breakfast.
There’s a cozy café where I started each morning with coffee and a croissant, and I always looked forward to the afternoon snacks after our excursions. Evenings were a treat, with entertainment ranging from a pianist to a silent disco—yes, a silent disco on a river cruise, and it was surprisingly fun!
A Truly All-Inclusive Escape
What really stood out to me about Uniworld was how truly all-inclusive it is. One excursion per port is included (and they’re amazing), and there are optional tours you can book as well. All meals and drinks are included—yes, even the good wine and cocktails—and so are the gratuities.
Excursions were super easy to manage—no need to book anything in advance. Once onboard, we simply chose the experiences that suited us best. One of the things I really appreciated was how Uniworld weaves purpose into their travel experiences. Their MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® excursions give guests a chance to engage meaningfully with local communities and support sustainability efforts, whether that’s preserving cultural heritage or protecting wildlife. And in some cities, they offer special “Nights Out” events—private, after-hours tours and lively local experiences that add an extra touch of magic to your evenings.
Our Journey: Vienna to Budapest
We started with three nights in Vienna—something I highly recommend so you can settle in and explore the city. From there, we visited Dürnstein, Melk, Grein, Bratislava, and finished in Budapest. Except for Vienna, every port was right in the heart of town, which made getting on and off the ship effortless.
Here are some of my favorite experiences from the trip:
Vienna: An after-hours tour of Schönbrunn Palace, a private Mozart & Strauss concert, and a city highlights tour that brought Vienna’s charm to life.
Dürnstein: A tasting at Nikolaihof Winery, the oldest winery in Austria—so rich in history and flavor.
Grein: We toured Clam Castle, a medieval treasure still privately owned.
Melk: The Melk Abbey was breathtaking—one of Europe’s most magnificent monasteries.
Bratislava: A walking tour through cobblestone streets and lively squares.
Budapest: Exploring this stunning city on foot was the perfect way to end the trip.
Travel Tip: Arrive Early
If you’re planning a river cruise (and I highly recommend it), consider arriving at least a couple of days before embarkation. It gave me time to really enjoy Vienna and ease into the new time zone—such a great way to start the trip feeling refreshed and ready.
Let’s Plan Your Uniworld Cruise
If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing through Europe in style, Uniworld is the way to do it. Their attention to detail, stunning ships, immersive excursions, and all-inclusive comfort make every day onboard feel effortless and indulgent. Whether you’re drawn to the Danube, the Rhine, or something more exotic, there’s a Uniworld journey that’s just right for you.
At Next Travel, we know these cruises inside and out, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way—from picking the perfect itinerary to arranging flights and making sure your journey flows smoothly from start to finish. We’ll help you get the most out of your time, whether that means adding a few days in a favorite city or finding the right balance of adventure and relaxation. Let’s turn your dream cruise into a stress-free, unforgettable experience.
