We chose this cruise because we are extremely interested in Central European history and all things Danube. At the time we booked this cruise Uniworld was severely discounting certain cruise destinations including this one as they re-start river cruise operations in Europe.

It was published somewhere (perhaps on Cruise Critic) that the River Princess was being renovated in 2020 for the 2021 travel season. It did not appear to us that the ship has been renovated, at least not completely. Some updates may have been made but they did not appear to have been thorough. Carpets appear new and paint was fresh. The ship still has garish green paint and green/black carpet in the main lounge. Guest rooms have also received some updating, possibly including paint and carpet, but things like mattresses did not appear to be brand new. The ship was comfortable and river cruising is a great way to travel. This cruise was staffed with wonderful professionals (cruise director Katalina, activities director Tomas are two who come to mind). We visited many old and wonderful cities and sites on the Danube and had a "post-trip extension" via bus to Prague which was marvelous. The food was marvelous and seemed varied based on what was available locally locally stop to stop. I would say that Prague proved to be our favorite city on this trip. This trip made us Uniworld Heritage Travelers which has some small perks including future travel discounts. By all means we will travel with Uniworld again and would take this trip again.

Traveling in the fall of 2021 was challenging due to COVID and we may see these same type of challenges extend into 2022, but these challenges can be overcome. It is our understanding that all Uniworld travelers at this time have to be vaccinated in order to travel with them. Additionally, as US travelers, we had to have a negative COVID test within 72 hours prior to boarding an airplane when leaving or returning to the US. For this trip we were tested two days before leaving the US (next day results) and two days before leaving the ship for another back-to-back trip. Be careful with your timing. PCL testing prior to a second back-to-back trip was €38 each and done at the military hospital in Prague with next day results. Additionally we were asked to show proof of vaccination at Central European restaurants and bars before entry was allowed and/or we were served. Masks are required indoors but not all patrons were wearing them. A patron outside a Prague bar scoffed at us as we donned masks before entering. Generally European vaccination rates are high. (Note: Antigen testing in Ireland before returning home was €69 each.) Read more