When you name a product rang ‘The World’s
best river cruises’, there’s a lot to live up to. An exclusive partnership
between Titan and Uniworld does just that…
Voted ‘World’s Best Cruise Line’ by our
sister magazine in the US and a regular feature on its Gold List, Uniworld put
river cruising back on the five-star map and Titan Travel has brought it to the
UK’s attention. A host to other accolades confirm the company’s gravitas within
the industry, including Zagat rating it ‘Top in Dining’ and ‘Top Cabins’ (the
only river cruise to make the list in both catagories). But like boutique hotel
chains, the ships remain strongly individual, many recognized in their own right
The
Rhine-based SS Antoinette…
…is
undoubtedly one of the world’s most luxurious river cruise ships.
The Rhine-based SS Antoinette is
undoubtedly one of the world’s most luxurious river cruise ships. It comes
complete with heated pool, serena spa, 3D cinema and open-air bar, not to
mention a 10-foot Baccaret chandelier in the lobby. The River Beatrice with its
silk-lined corridors has been named the most luxurious cruise on the Danube and
the new Queen Isabel is set to come out top in the Douro. These might be the
flagship vessels but the whole 16-strong fleet is consistently five-star in
both look and attitude. Each floating boutique hotel has been given an elegant
makeover by the design team behind Red Carnation hotels (Uniworld’s sister
company). All vessels are decked out in beautiful antiques, original artwork,
rich fabrics, handmade beds and marble bathrooms, complete with L’Occitane en
Provence products. Many rooms have private balconies and both River Beatrice
and SS Antoinette offer butler service. Zagat doesn’t dish out its stamp is
also outstanding. This is a cultural journet so the menus reflect the
locations, with chefs using regional ingredients often from local markets. And
where possible, regional wine.
L’Occitane
Uniworld and Titan have but together a host
of magical itineraries that explore ancient cities, iconic landmarks, rolling
vineyards, lost temples and untouched backwaters. From Europe and Russia to
Egypt and IndoChina, the serenity of travelling by river can be perspective changing.
And with ships averaging only 130 passengers the vibe is relazingly small-scale
and the service faultless. Both Uniworld and Titan deal in detail with little
extras including complimentary bikes, on-board lectures, shore excursions
(guided or not) and door-to-door transfer wherever you live in the UK as part
of the peerless VIP Home Departure Service.
The 2013 preview brochure gives a taste of
the unique trips in offer, with eight itineraries bookable now. The rivers
featured are the vineyard-clad Douro (with Queen Isabel), Castles along the
Rhine aboard the SS Antoinette, Enchanting Danube with River Beatrice, a
magical journey through Burgundy and Provence, another from Paris through
Normandy and an unforgettable journey following the path of Russia. Also, brand
new for 2013 is Venice and the Po River – a true insight into ‘la dolce vita’.
