River Empress
Intimate ship
Classic luxury exemplifies the cosmopolitan style of the River Empress, with its rich jewel tones and vibrant atmosphere. Her well-rounded personality is certain to captivate you, whether you’re dining in the sleek restaurant reminiscent of a New York jazz…
- 134guests
- 5,000gross tons
- 0cruises now
At a glance
River Empress is an intimate-size cruise ship operated by Uniworld River Cruises, in service since 2000. It carries 134 guests and 34 crew (3.9 guests per crew member) at 5,000 gross tons. It ties with 1 other ship as the 5th largest of 17 Uniworld River Cruises ships by guest capacity. It is rated 5 out of 5 by Cruiseable, 3.5 out of 5 by Berlitz, 5 out of 5 by Conde Nast and 3 out of 5 by Cruise Critic.
Builder's plate
Specs
- Best River Cruise Ship, Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards (2014)
- Guests
- 134
- Crew
- 34
- Gross tons
- 5,000
- Decks
- 3
- Length
- 361 ft
- Beam
- 38 ft
- Maiden voyage
- 2000
- Launched
- 2001
- Refurbished
- 2009
- Space ratio
- 3.9
- Gross tons per guest
- Guests per crew
- 3.9
Bliss scores
What River Empress is best at
We have not scored this ship yet. Until we do, its cruises rank neutrally in the app's Bliss search.
Our review
River Empress: Visit castles along the Rhine
Some say river cruises are the new bus tours of Europe — only better. Cruisers unpack only once and get to sail down Europe's famous rivers and dock in the heart of its fabled cities. "European Jewels" and "Castles Along the Rhine" are two itineraries that will bring to life your fairy tale notion of these classic locales. Like most river boats, Uniworld's River Empress is long and narrow with a stylishly designed interior. The ship generally sails during daylight hours so passengers can enjoy the view while eating lunch, and docks at night so they can stroll around in town after dinner.
Who will enjoy sailing the River Empress
The ship was designed to appeal to Americans and features English-speaking staff with a lighter cuisine and no smoking allowed except on the Sun Deck. Uniworld cruisers tend to be older and have enjoyed ocean cruises before.
Where River Empress sails
Home port: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Destinations: The Uniworld River Empress sails the Rhine River from Amsterdam to Cologne, Germany; Germersheim (Speyer), Germany; Kehl, Germany (near Strasbourg, France); and Basel, Switzerland.
Read the full review
Dining
Dining with a view! Acknowledged by Zagat for top dining, and outstanding service from an all-English speaking staff, your journey will be a real treat. The elegant dining room serves scrumptious meals , often sourced locally. Wine, beer and soft drinks during lunch and dinner, bottled water in staterooms and a specialty coffee and tea bar are all complimentary.
Entertainment, bars & lounges
- Main Lounge with full-service bar and dance floor
- Captain's Lounge with library
- Patio lounge
- Sky lounge
- Sun deck with life-size chess and shuffleboard
- Fitness center & sauna
- Serenity River Spa
- Boutique
Other amenities include: 24-hour reception service, complimentary 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar, use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks, and free Internet and Wi-Fi access and guest laundry and ironing facilities, and elevator.
Staterooms
Lavishly appointed river view staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir of England beds draped in high-thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, along with a menu of pillow options. Staterooms and suites on the Rhine Deck have French balconies.
Stateroom and suite amenities include:
- Generous built-in closets
- Hair dryer
- Individual climate-control thermostat
- Direct-dial telephone
- Infotainment center with flat-screen TV
- Complimentary movie and entertainment options
- Bottled water and safe for valuables
Marble bathrooms include: L'Occitane en Provence bath and body products, plush towels, backlit magnifying mirror, and cozy waffle bathrobes.
All suites are uniquely decorated and have additional amenities and services, including: daily fruit and cookie plate, and an evening amuse-bouche; slippers; private DVD; iPod docking station; Nespresso coffee machine; bathroom towel warmers; refrigerator; bottle of wine upon arrival; morning coffee and tea; continental breakfast; shoe shine; and free laundry service.
Your take
How about you? Have you sailed on River Empress? How was it? We'd love to see your photos and hear about your experience.
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Interested in a cruise on this ship?
If you're interested in a cruise on Uniworld's River Empress, contact a Cruiseable travel advisor at 1-877-322-3773 or by email. You'll usually get a better deal than you can get by contacting the cruise line directly.
On board highlights
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A lounge with a view
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Stylish staterooms
Photos
Inside and out
On board 6
The classy bar in the lounge of Uniworld's River Empress. 
Keep in shape at the Fitness Center aboard Uniworld's River Empress. 
A sitting area in the lobby of Uniworld's River Empress. 
The elegant lobby of Uniworld's River Empress. 
Relax in the lounge of River Empress and order a drink — it's all-inclusive. 
The patio lounge of Uniworld's River Empress, which cruises to Budapest, Amsterdam and Vienna.
Staterooms 3
You'll luxuriate in the classically designed River Empress suites as you sail through the historic cities lining Europe's rivers. 
Luxuriate in a Category 2 Stateroom aboard River Empress from Uniworld. 
The classically furnishing living area of a stateroom aboard Uniworld's River Empress.
More photos 4
Guests will appreciate the sophisticated atmosphere as they travel aboard the River Empress on an luxury cruise of Europe. As you discover Europe, take in the picturesque vistas from the comfort of your private stateroom aboard Uniworld's River Empress. Take in the captivating countryside and historic villages as they pass by from the lounge of Uniworld's River Empress. 
Experience the timeless design of the River Empress suites as you discover Europe by water.
No cruises on River Empress are on sale in this week's fares. Tell us when you want to sail and we will find you the closest match.
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Overheard
“This modern river ship might be a good choice for a well-rounded cruise though the cabins are small with limited storage. The cuisine is reasonably good and includes a healthy choice menu, although lacking in finesse.”
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