Can I tell you a secret? I’ve been away testing out a whole new destination for Uniworld. I won’t say where we’ll be going just yet, but I'm so excited to reveal it all to you soon. You’re going to love it.
In the meantime, this issue is all about a river we’ve been sailing for decades: the glorious Danube. Flip through these pages to transport yourself to the S.S. Maria Theresa, our little Baroque palace on the water, and a sampling of the places she can take you. You’ll also learn about our sustainability progress, meet a well-traveled River Heritage Club member with stories to tell, and gain a new Danube region recipe for your cookbook.
Sincerely,
ELLEN BETTRIDGE CEO, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
JUNE 2026
IN THIS ISSUE
1 ELLEN’S 360°
2 UNIQUELY UNIWORLD: OUR 2025 IMPACT REPORT
3 TALES OF THE STORIED DANUBE
5 YOUR FLOATING PALACE
7 GUEST SPOTLIGHT: REBECCA HILL
9 CHEF ROBERT’S CORNER: KÄSESPÄTZLE
UNIQUELY UNIWORLD
OUR 2025 IMPACT REPORT
We have officially come to the end of our 5-year sustainability strategy. In partnership with our sister brands at The Travel Corporation, the How We Tread Right plan was aimed at pushing us to research, innovate, and implement better ways to travel. We’re proud of the work we’ve done over the years to show our gratitude to the communities we visit—from eliminating single-use plastics across our staterooms to a technology-led reduction in food waste across the Uniworld fleet.
Click here to read the full report to learn all about the progress we made in 2025.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2025 IMPACT REPORT
LOWER EMISSIONS
In 2025, three Uniworld ships tested using HVO fuel instead of diesel, resulting in a 21% reduction in Scope 1 emissions compared to 2024.
PARTNERING FOR PROGRESS
As a founding member of Path2Zero, Uniworld is helping advance solutions that support the transition of European inland shipping toward net zero.
SMARTER FOOD PRACTICE
We reduced food waste by 51% per passenger per day through Leanpath, preventing more than 298,000 meals from being wasted.
TRAVEL THAT MATTERS
76% of Uniworld itineraries include at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, helping support local communities and cultures.
Tales of the Storied Danube
Stand in awe of unimpeded views of Buda and Pest, two cities that unified to become Hungary’s capital, from your floating hotel. See the Bratislavan cathedral where Habsburgs were crowned, including the namesake of your ship, Empress Maria Theresa. Appreciate art in Vienna, a city that has been magnetic to creatives for centuries. Sip a beverage on the sun deck taking in the landscape of the UNESCO designated Wachau Valley. Don’t forget to look to the water in Passau, where the Danube joins the Inn & Ilz rivers, each bearing a distinct color from their sediments. The only thing that might be more enchanting than the sights along the Danube are the legends this fabled region holds.
THE WALTZ THAT SHOCKED THE WORLD
A staple of ballrooms across the world today, the Viennese Waltz was once quite scandalous! Prior to the waltz, most dances involved little contact between partners. The swift movements and close frame the dance required were seen by many as sinful for the time. The dance inspired musicians such as Johann Strauss, whose “Blue Danube” waltz composition has become one of the most recognizable melodies around the world.
THE KING IN THE CASTLE
Perched above the town of Dürnstein in the Wachau Valley are the ruins of a fortress constructed in the 12th century. It was here that Richard the Lionheart, the reigning King of England, was held after being captured returning home from the Third Crusade. Legend holds that his loyal minstrel, Blondel, went from castle to castle along the Danube looking for the apprehended king. Blondel would sing, awaiting a verse to be sung back to him by the imprisoned, thereby confirming his identity. Blondel found the king at Dürnstein Castle, where he was eventually released once his ransom was paid.
THE COFFEE HOUSES WHERE TIME SLOWED DOWN
Coffee houses in Vienna double as the city’s “living rooms.” While you will find espresso drinks on the menu, the true indulgence here is time. Unlike the grab-and-go coffee many are accustomed to, it is completely acceptable to sit in these historic venues for hours passing the time. This atmosphere led to coffee houses becoming cultural hubs for intellectuals and artists such as Mozart, Gustav Klimt, Sigmund Freud, and many more. Viennese coffee house culture is even listed on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list.
THE ABBEY THAT GUARDED EUROPE'S MEMORY
Originally a Babenberg fortress, Benedictine monks transformed Melk Abbey into a hub of culture, learning, and enlightenment by establishing a school, scriptorium for producing manuscripts, and extensive library for theological, monastic, and scientific texts. This academic reputation helped protect the abbey through the Reformation, Emperor Joseph II’s dissolution of most abbeys and monasteries, the Napoleonic Wars, and the Second World War, preserving a rare collection of historic written works in the process.
Your Floating Palace
A Closer Look at the S.S. Maria Theresa
Drawing inspiration from the dynasty of her namesake, the S.S. Maria Theresa is your regal home for a week cruising the iconic Danube River on our Enchanting Danube itinerary. Adorned with opulent décor, distinctive fabrics, and fine art, this one-of-a-kind ship will have you feeling like royalty the moment you step aboard. Explore the decks of this vessel where Old World elegance meets modern comfort.
SCHÖNBRUNN DECK
HOFBURG DECK
Home to the ship’s Suites, Deluxe Balcony staterooms, Habsburg Salon, Bar du Leopard, pool, and Bohemian Terrace, this deck is the center of the action onboard just like the Habsburg residence in the center of Vienna it is named for.
Habsburg Salon
The social center of the ship, this beautifully appointed space reflects the opulence of the Habsburgs. Sip on a cocktail and enjoy everything from local entertainment to cooking demonstrations, and from our lively Golden Party celebrating our 50th Anniversary to tranquil afternoons spent admiring the ever-changing views along the Danube.
Suites
Like rooms within a palace, no two suites aboard the S.S. Maria Theresa are alike. Unique artwork, furnishings, wallpaper, carpeting and more give each suite its own distinctive character. The royal treatment is complete with a dedicated butler to elevate your experience.
Named after the palatial summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs, this deck is home to our reception desk, beautifully appointed French Balcony staterooms, and the elegant Baroque Restaurant.
The Lobby
Step aboard and you’ll be greeted by a portrait of the Holy Roman Empress herself. Maria Theresa was the sole female ruler of one of the most powerful royal dynasties in Europe: the House of Habsburg. She reigned for 40 years, transforming her sprawling empire into a centralized state.
Baroque Restaurant
Our onboard restaurant is named for the Baroque architecture, art, and music that was popular during Maria Theresa’s sovereignty. This movement favored ornate detailing, extravagance, excess, and grandeur. This attention to detail also presents itself in the delectable cuisine prepared by our chefs onboard.
BAVARIAN DECK
The German state of Bavaria is home to the beautiful city of Passau visited on this cruise. On this deck, you will find Classic staterooms, the Serenity River Spa, the fitness center, Lipizzan Cinema, and charming Viennese Café.
Lipizzan Cinema
Wind down after a day of exploring by watching a movie in our onboard theater. Lipizzan is the perfect name for a venue celebrating performance, as this is the breed of white stallions of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.
Viennese Café
We've brought the concept of the Viennese café aboard. Like it's landed counterparts, our cafe offers a space for relaxation, reflection, and conversations between friends—and of course, an excellent spot to enjoy a coffee and a snack.
“The ship was opulent and immaculate… Our suite was spacious and had all conveniences one could imagine.”
TRUSTED CUSTOMER RATINGS 5 STARS
"The staff is amazing and their love for their jobs and each other was evident in the pristine condition of the ship."
"The S.S. Maria Theresa is a floating boutique hotel and decorated as an imperial Habsburg palace. She is beautiful."
Q&A with REBECCA HILL
MEET REBECCA HILL—or, as she likes to go by, simply “Becky”—a River Heritage Club member with six cruises under her belt and another one to go this year. We’re honored that Becky chose to share her stories with us, and now we’re passing them along to you! Do you have stories you would like to share with Uniworld? If so, email us at rhc@uniworld.com !
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO COME BACK AFTER YOUR FIRST UNIWORLD CRUISE?
Actually, I booked my second Uniworld before I sailed on my first. I was so confident that Uniworld was a great fit for me. Not only were the guests delightful, but the staff was most cordial. The décor of the ship, the highly qualified guides, the cleanliness of the ship and buses, bikes on board, the smiles of the staff, and all the planning it takes to produce this well-oiled machine. Uniworld's attention to detail is much appreciated.
WHICH UNIWORLD MOMENT MADE YOU REALIZE THIS WOULDN’T BE YOUR LAST CRUISE?
My first experience on my first Uniworld cruise knocked my socks off. Uniworld sent a gorgeous Mercedes sedan driven by a handsome driver to transport just me to the ship. Now that was an amazing first impression. Once aboard, I was dazzled by the décor immediately.
WHAT’S YOUR “WELCOME ABOARD” MEMORY?
Discovering the many ship details that reflected the area we were sailing in. In my case, it was Venice. S.S. La Venezia was decorated with fabrics, sculptures, chandeliers, fine linens, artwork, wallpaper, and furniture while the menus and wine selections carried us through a curated journey of fine tastes from the region. Stunning!
WHAT DETAIL, BIG
OR SMALL, MAKES A UNIWORLD CRUISE FEEL
DIFFERENT FROM ANYTHING ELSE?
Having sailed on over 40 ocean cruises and over 10 river cruises and growing up in our family motel business, I can say with all confidence that the hospitality aboard Uniworld is the best in the business. Their staff members are trained well and radiate their love for their employer; thus the employees tend to stay with Uniworld for a long while.
WHAT HAVE YOU DISCOVERED ABOUT YOURSELF THROUGH YOUR UNIWORLD TRAVELS?
That I am extremely blessed to have the opportunity to learn about the cultures of others. My journey begins the moment I see a cruise of interest by digging into research of the area. That way, my mental cruise begins months before I sail.
IS THERE A SPECIFIC DISH OR DRINK YOU LOOK FORWARD TO ON EVERY CRUISE?
Uniworld is very accommodating providing desserts that have no sugar added at my request. Lazlo, our amazing sommelier on two cruises so far, excelled in learning my tastes and provided recommendations at every opportunity. His knowledge of wine never ceased to amaze his passengers. The soups aboard are always fantastic and comforting after a busy day.
IF YOU COULD RECOMMEND ONE SHIP OR SAILING TO A FRIEND, WHICH WOULD IT BE?
The S.S. Joie de Vivre, Paris & Normandy. Spectacular, learning about the sacrifices of thousands of Allied troops who turned the tide of WWII to victory.
Chef Robert’s Corner: KÄSESPÄTZLE
This traditional Austrian dish, Käsespätzle, embodies the heart and soul of Austrian comfort food. With its irresistible combination of handmade noodles, rich, creamy cheese, and a hint of buttery goodness, each bite feels like a warm embrace. It is the perfect blend of comfort and tradition, inviting you to slow down and savor every bite.
INGREDIENTS
Spätzle Dough
3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
4 large eggs
– ¾ cup water
1 tsp salt
Cheese Sauce
2 ½ cups grated Gruyère cheese
cup cottage cheese
2 tbsp of butter
DIRECTIONS
1. Prepare the dough by mixing the flour and salt in a large bowl, then gradually add the eggs and water.
2. Stir until a thick, sticky dough forms. Then, beat the dough for a few minutes until smooth and slightly bubbly.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Place the dough in a colander over the pot and press it through to shape the noodles. Alternatively, you can scrape off small pieces on a cutting board with a knife, then drop them into the pot.
4. Cook for 2–3 minutes, until the spätzle float to the surface. Remove the spätzle with a slotted spoon and drain well.
5. Melt the butter in a large skillet or sauté pan, then add the hot spätzle.
6. Stir in the grated cheese until melted and creamy. Add the cottage cheese.
7. Finally, add your toppings of choice. We recommend diced, crispy smoked bacon and thinly sliced, golden-brown onion with fresh chives or parsley.
POPULAR DISHES FROM THE DANUBE
The Danube river is home to many different comfort foods rooted in deep traditions. From sweet to savory, Central Europe has no end of delicious treats:
Lángos, a traditional Hungarian dish, is a flat disc of deep-fried dough. It’s brushed with garlic straight from the fryer and topped with sour cream and cheese. These are most delicious when hot and fresh!
Schnitzel is a quintessential Austrian comfort food. Thinly pounded, deep-fried meat is coated in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, then fried for the perfect crunch. The best thing about Schnitzel is that you can enjoy it as is with just a squeeze of lemon or serve it with a side of mashed potatoes or with something fresh like cabbage salad.
For a warm, comforting bite of home, try Strudel This versatile pastry, common in many Central European cuisines, features layers of sweet or savory fillings—ranging from classic apple and sour cherry to creamy Millirahmstrudel or raisincottage-cheese. No matter the filling, strudel is a timeless, fail-safe dessert.
Dampfnudeln are pillowy steamed buns most often found in Germany. These yeast-based rolls or “dumplings” are steamed until puffed with a golden brown crust and are paired with a creamy vanilla sauce. An absolutely delicious treat!
AN OUTSTANDING LOYALTY PROGRAM FOR OUR EXCEPTIONAL GUESTS
To show our appreciation for our past guests, we automatically enroll you in our River Heritage Club loyalty program, so you can begin receiving exclusive benefits, savings, and rewards reserved exclusively for our loyal guests.
EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS ON ALL CRUISES, COMBINABLE WITH ALL PROMOTIONS
plus
Complimentary IN-ROOM TREAT waiting onboard upon arrival
Complimentary LAUNDRY service
Members-only onboard COCKTAIL PARTY
PRIORITY NOTIFICATION on new cruises and programs
Dedicated PHONE NUMBER
Exclusive RiverViews E-NEWSLETTER
Special MEMBERS-ONLY OFFERS
Additional savings when you REFER FRIENDS OR FAMILY
Visit UNIWORLD.COM/RIVER-HERITAGE-CLUB for more information.
*River Heritage Club savings and amenities are available to guests after completing their first Uniworld cruise. Exclusive savings are based on the cruise or cruise/tour-only price (including any upgrades and single supplement) after other cash discounts are applied. Savings are combinable with all current Uniworld promotions. Restrictions may apply.
CAN YOU GUESS THE UNI WORD?
Have you tried your hand at our new game for River Heritage Club readers? The rules are simple: We’ve picked a word from each article in this issue of RiverViews, in order, and arranged them vertically below. Complete all of the vertical words to guess the horizontal theme word in blue (hint: it will relate to our June theme, Danube). The first reader to submit the correct theme word to rhc@uniworld.com will be featured in our next issue!
LAST ISSUE’S VICTOR
Congratulations to Susan M. for being the first to solve the April 2026 UNIWORD: SEEDLING
DID YOU TRAVEL WITH UNIWORLD IN THE 90s?
We've thoroughly enjoyed digging into our archives to share stories from our 50 years of travel—and now we want to hear from you! If you have stories from Uniworld trips in the 1990s or earlier, send them to rhc@uniworld.com for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue of RiverViews.
