After researching potential cruise companies for my first ever river cruise in Europe, I decided on Uniworld with its consistent annual award-winning history. I wanted a trip that covered all expenses, including accommodation, food, beverage, tours/excursions with options for the less physically able - I use a walking stick - and gratuities, as once I stepped on board, I wanted to be carefree and to simply enjoy myself.

Though my luxurious cabin and ensuite were compact, the bed was super comfortable, and there was abundant closet space with, surprisingly, plenty of clothes hangers :) As the French Balcony door slid open, I could enjoy fresh air, sunshine and constantly changing view from my cabin without heading up to the sun deck.

Everything on this floating hotel was 5 star - the friendly yet professional staff bent over backwards to meet our needs - no request was too difficult; chef and his team cooked and baked everything onboard; and the ship was spotless. Cudos to the heads of departments who pulled their staff together into a wonderful team on the River Princess. Cudos to the staff as they helped each other out, even across departments, and radiated boundless and positive energy everyday, despite working hard for extremely long hours. Read more