U by Uniworld

Anyone looked into this new offering? River cruising for 25-45 year olds only?

DH and I are 40 and we have been considering a river cruise. We just keep hearing how boring it is and the age demographic is also a deterrent.

Any thoughts?

Iramis

http://www.goneawayagain.com

We are over 60 and have done a number of river cruises, and we really do enjoy them. However in our hearts we are 35 and find U by Uniworld very appealing. More active, less meals on board giving you the option to take in the local scene, that sort of stuff.

I wonder if they would let us book a cruise ?

RB

We are 29 & 33, respectively, and have one Viking river cruise under our belt and one more scheduled for November. I think river cruises will alway seem boring compared to ocean cruises. The idea of more active tours sounds great, but otherwise we're happy to be the young bucks on board a traditional line. I think younger people who enjoy ocean cruising may really like the U by Uniworld product. I look forward to hearing reviews, as the Uniworld decor is a big turnoff for us (so minor, I know!) and for now we'll be sticking with our sterile Scandinavian Viking longships.

I was on a Uniworld cruise a few weeks ago and met a young man who works for I believe it is called Contiki tour which is a tour company for young/single people that the parent company of Uniworld owns. He was a guide for years and now more in management. He shared that U is working closely with Contiki to design the excursions/programs that this demographic will enjoy. So even though Uniworld hasn't been in this demographic before they aren't just starting from scratch. They have a sister company that has the track record of success in this marketplace. Also my understanding is that they are remodeling the ships they will use for U to meet the taste of this demograhic as well.

I just returned from Uniworld Burgundy and Providence cruise. This is our second river cruise and I think in general the average age is lowering. I am 52 and there were many younger than me. The Go Active choices are great, and agreeing with Ritabob, many 60+ were in better physical shape than some of the 30+ on the excursions.

I like river cruises because I can unpack once and see so many cities I would not have chosen otherwise. You can decide to go on the tours of not. We usually pick one or two cities to do on our own and even have lunch in a local cafe. The great thing is that you can walk into town and back to the boat on your own.

I've only taken 1 river cruise (have another one coming up in 2 months), but I would hardly consider the experience boring. Otherwise I wouldn't have booked again. I guess everyone has their own definition of boring. I was 62 when I took my first river cruise, but the ages ranged from your age on up to 80. I honestly enjoyed meeting and socializing with all the passengers I met. We all were cruising to see and experience the sights of Europe.

One of the things you'll find on a river cruise is that most of the older passengers are going to be in good to very good physical condition. River cruising with a walker, scooter, etc. is very difficult. I took the more active shore excursions. I agree with Ritabob that U's offerings are very appealing to me.

Give it a try and report back.

Roz

I'm thinking that maybe the "boring" remark refers to what happens after dinner as compared to an ocean liner. Usually on an ocean cruise, after dinner the night is just getting started with the shows, parties, contests, martini bars, casino gambling etc that follow. On a RC there is a lounge with a bar and maybe music. Hopefully with a younger demographic the after dinner program might be different.

That said, a Budapest - Prague on the Danube has over night stops and of course a nighttime cruise to see all the buildings lit up, that's hardly boring. Lots of opportunities for bike rides and hiking too.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

From my understanding one of the big differences with U will be that there will be more late nite and overnight stays in each port. This would take care of the "boring" evenings as you will be able to experience the night life of each city visited.

Thank you all so much for the insight and personal experience recommendations. We are looking a 14 day Viking trip with my MIL and FIL and my parents. I think that if there is a small group of us we can make our own excitement if things do become dull. By all your advice it sounds like it might not be dull and we will have a great time.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums