River Duchess

A PASSION FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AND A PENCHANT FOR GIVING BACK

Travel has provided us the chance to give back and lift up others, and we strive to do so whenever possible. We focus on making a positive impact, with a mission to #MakeTravelMatter for people, wildlife and the planet for generations to come. And as a signatory of The Glasgow Declaration that has united several travel companies and organisations to hold each other accountable to vital carbon emissions goals, we’re part of a global effort to make the travel industry better for our planet—not just for our brand.

People: We work with local artisans and small business everywhere we travel, so we can bring you authentic local experiences while also supporting the livelihoods of the people who make these communities special.

Planet: Every year, we find more ways to cut back on our carbon footprint, from committing to eliminate more than 60 types of single-use plastics to reaching Net Zero by 2050.

Wildlife: Partnering with leading wildlife organisations, we work to protect and rehabilitate elephant, rhino and big cat populations around the world, while ensuring that all of our experiences meet strict animal welfare standards. Learn more about our wildlife projects here.

How We Tread Right
MEET OUR SUSTAINABILITY OFFICER

Travel can and should be a force for good, which is why we've introduced an entirely new role to help keep pushing us towards a brighter future.

"What has become blatantly clear for us is that to make progress, we need to ensure that we can measure, and understand our impact. Once we can measure, only then can we manage!"

–Julie Higgins, Sustainability Officer for Uniworld

WE’RE COMMITTED TO NET ZERO BY 2050 OR SOONER

We conduct comprehensive measurements of our emissions in order to reduce and offset our carbon footprint, with the goal of reaching Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. On our way, we’re supplementing our efforts by supporting third parties that remove the existing carbon in the atmosphere.

REDUCING FOOD WASTE ONBOARD
Food waste is one of the largest contributors to climate change, so we’ve partnered with a food waste management company, Leanpath, to reduce our carbon footprint. Their system measures how much food gets discarded after every meal onboard. With the precise measurements it will provide us, our chefs will have the data and confidence necessary to make the perfect amount of each dish. Watch the video below to learn more about how Leanpath works.

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® EXPERIENCES
We offer a selection of included MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences on our cruises. They are chosen for the positive environmental or social impact they have on the guests who experience them, and the people and places they visit, and they support one or more of the United Nation’s Global Goals.

Say Goodbye to Single-Use Plastics

It is estimated that an additional eight million tons of plastic pour into our oceans every year. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, if nothing is done to push back against the deluge of plastics currently overwhelming our oceans there could be more plastic in the oceans than fish by 2050.

We're banning more than 60 types of single-use plastics across all operations—including straws, water bottles, and plastic bags. It's all part of our commitment to ensure the environment remains vibrant for generations to come.

Passengers are required to advise the Company at time of booking of any physical, medical, or other special needs that require accommodation. After the time of booking, should a Passenger develop a physical or medical condition that requires accommodation, the Passenger is required to advise the Company.

The Company may impose health and safety requirements necessary for the safe operation of the cruise-tour, and for the wellbeing of our Passengers and crew. The Company may also exclude an individual from participating in a tour or activity if that individual’s participation poses a direct threat to health or safety. To stop the spread of contagious illnesses, the Company or local authorities may require the isolation or quarantine of Passengers. These measures will not result in the eligibility for a refund of unused features or services.

The Company welcomes Passengers with special needs or disabilities, however please note that the Company does not provide personal medical or mobility devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or prescription eye glasses) or services of a personal nature (such as pushing a wheelchair or assistance in eating, toileting, or dressing). A companion capable of providing such assistance must accompany any Passenger who requires services of a personal nature.

The Company does not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention will be provided by a local facility at the passenger’s expense. The Company is not responsible or liable for any losses or costs incurred as a result of medical services obtained while on tour, or for the quality of the care or services received.

Passengers should be aware some tours include rough terrain, extensive walking over cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, stairs, and locations which may not be easily accessible or accessible by wheelchair. During the tour, the Company may make arrangements with carriers, hotels, and other independent suppliers to provide travel services. These parties are independent entities over which the Company has no control. Accommodations on international tours may differ from those in your home country. The Company cannot guarantee disability access or accommodations for passengers travelling on international tours.

The Company may, in its sole discretion, decline the booking of any passenger or remove any passenger who cannot comply or refuses to comply with Company’s Terms and Conditions.

Kindly inform us in advance if you have specific dietary requests (e.g., low-fat, low-calorie, gluten-free, sugar-free, vegetarian, etc.). This information can be provided to us when completing your Passenger Information Form. We have a “Travelling Lite” menu for guests seeking more health-conscious options, as well as light lunches, vegetarian options, and generous buffets that offer something for everyone. We will do our very best to accommodate your needs given the resources available to us.

In our experience, most young children—especially those under 4—are simply not yet old enough to enjoy river cruising. We make no special arrangements for little ones and offer few kid-friendly activities onboard or onshore. Please note: Our Generations program departures include programs and services designed for families traveling with children. Adults accompanying children are responsible for their safety and behaviour onboard and onshore.

Europe, Asia, India, and Egypt: Guests must be 4 years of age or older. Guests who are less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and booked in a cabin with someone who is 21 years of age or older.

For destinations in EUROPE: It's best to prepare for a variety of weather conditions, depending on your travel season and the regions through which you will be cruising. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, as this allows you to adjust to most temperatures, including artificially maintained temperatures, by adding or removing items throughout the day.

Comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear is appropriate both onshore and onboard. Everyday slacks, khakis, walking shorts and everyday skirts/dresses are recommended. For warmer temperatures, we suggest lightweight clothing that can be layered, such as a mix of sweaters, lightweight knit shirts, slacks and walking shorts. For early spring and late fall departures, you’ll find sweatshirts, heavier cotton or wool tops and long-sleeved shirts, and corduroy or heavy khaki pants perfectly suitable. Mix and-match colour schemes work best to help keep baggage light. You will participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option. For evenings, any resort-type wear is perfectly suitable; however, we do ask that you not wear shorts to dinner. Men may want to bring one sport jacket for dressier restaurant venues and for special events onboard such as the Captain’s Welcome and Farewell festivities. Women may wish to bring a cocktail dress or two for finer dining or entertainment experiences. Don’t forget to pack a lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) or even a heavier weight wind-breaker for colder temperatures.

We recommend wearing comfortable, smart-casual clothing both onshore and onboard. We also suggest sturdy walking shoes, as you will do a significant amount of walking on shore excursions, often over cobblestones or uneven terrain. A sun hat, rain gear, and a coat or wrap for chilly evenings are useful items to have. While there is no formal dress code for dining ashore, concerts, special events onboard, etc., men may want to bring a sports jacket and women a cocktail dress or pantsuit. Neckties are optional. Please note that shorts are not allowed at dinner aboard the ship.

For our EXOTICS destinations: These programs are very different from European river programs; attire is more casual due to the region’s warmer temperatures. During the cruise/tour portion of your program, comfortable, lightweight clothing in lighter colours is strongly recommended. We suggest clothing that can be layered, such as a mix of cotton shirts, lightweight knit shirts, sweaters, everyday khakis, slacks, skirts/dresses, walking shorts and sun hats.

Prepare for a variety of weather conditions, depending on your travel season and the regions through which you will be cruising. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, as this allows you to adjust to most temperatures, including artificially maintained temperatures, by removing or adding items throughout the day. Mix/match colour schemes work best to help keep baggage light.

You will participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option.

Don’t forget to pack a lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) or even a heavy weight windbreaker for colder temperatures, especially during early spring, fall and winter departures.

PLEASE NOTE: To enter the temples and other holy sites, guests should ensure that their shoulders and knees are covered.

Egypt: For evenings, we recommend casual and cool attire; however, we require footwear to be worn at all times in the dining room. Sport jackets and cocktail dresses are not needed at any time during this program. You may wish to pack at least one “smart casual” outfit for the onboard Gala Reception.

For those on the Jordan extension, while sleeping quarters will be heated, the winter months can drop below freezing at night. Please pack accordingly for outside weather.

For the comfort of all our guests, smoking is only permitted on the sun decks of our ships. Smoking is not permitted on motorcoaches. This policy applies to all forms of smoking materials including vapour e-cigarettes.

We also ask guests to refrain from smoking on shore excursions/tours, especially since many historical sites and other tourist attractions are now smoke-free as well.

Most ships have either a self-serve laundrette (with ironing board) or laundry service for an additional fee. Please contact info@uniworld.com to find out what services your ship offers. No dry cleaning services are available on any ship.

Select ships offer complimentary Wi-Fi access. Please email us at info@uniworld.com to find out if Wi-Fi is available onboard. Service may be briefly interrupted in remote areas, while sailing, or when moving through locks, and the speed will likely be slower than what you are used to back home.

High quality, luxurious amenities

There’s all-inclusive, and then there’s the unmatched level of inclusive luxurious amenities that only we provide. To ensure truly carefree and effortless travel, we’ve gone ahead and included it all—so the only thing you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your holiday.

NEVER BE BORED

Our onboard programming leaves nary a dull moment. Early risers will appreciate morning yoga sessions. Foodies may want to join a cooking demo. And those looking to dance the night away will find local entertainment in the lounge.

NEVER SETTLE FOR LESS

With every carefully selected inclusion, you'll find that we are committed to providing only the highest quality amenities. This makes every moment an opportunity for surprise and delight.

NEVER GO HUNGRY

Enjoy sumptuous buffet breakfasts and lunches during the day, then a four-course gourmet dinner in the evening. Craving a bite in between? Inquire about 24-hour room service and å la carte menus.

NEVER BE THIRSTY

Never restricted to mealtimes or happy hours, you'll find that fine wines, local beers, and premium spirits flow freely throughout the cruise. Our bar closes when the last guest turns in for the evening.

When to go: There is truly no bad time of year to visit the Netherlands. A spring trip is perhaps the most iconic, for the chance to see the tulips in bloom. Summer offers warmer weather, while the fall boasts less rain and lower crowds. Winter might be the most unique time to go, with crowds at their lowest and a festive holiday atmosphere.

How to pack: We suggest comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear both onshore and onboard. Depending on your travel season, the weather can range from cool to warm. Check the weather before you go and pack accordingly. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, allowing you to adjust to most temperatures. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) in case of rain, though we will also have umbrellas onboard. You may participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore, so please bring comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option.

• Spring - MAR–MAY - Avg. Temp. 49º F / 9.4º C
• Summer - JUN–AUG - Avg. Temp. 61º F / 16º C
• Autumn - SEP–NOV - Avg. Temp. 52º F / 11º C
• Winter - DEC–FEB - Avg. Temp. 39º F / 3.9º C
• Currency - Euro (EUR, €)
• Time Zone - Central European Time (CET) Central European Summer Time (CEST)
• Official Language - Dutch
• Electricity - European 230V Plug type E