Uniworld River Cruise
- Emily Coles
- Apr 7, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 18
Luxury boutique style river cruises
Last month I had the incredible opportunity to spend two nights on board S.S. Joie de Vivre in the French capital, indulging in top quality cuisines, fine wines, infamous entertainment and off-shore excursions designed to delve into the heart of history and culture.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of river cruising is the geography. Unlike ocean voyages, you dock in the heart of cities and villages. Step off the ship and you’re immediately immersed in cobbled streets, cathedral squares and vineyard paths. For travellers who lean toward city breaks that boast culturally rich experiences and a distilled taste of place, river cruising offers a similar rhythm that combines it all.
Luxury on the Seine offers a deliberate sense of pace, slower. During a two-night stay aboard Uniworld’s S.S. Joie de Vivre, docked in Paris, my experience felt like stepping onto the set of a beautifully styled boutique film.
Designed to echo 20th-century Parisian style, the ship leans into elegance without excess. Velvet seating, polished marble, antique-style mirrors, and curated artwork create interiors that feel whimsical yet timeless. The atmosphere is intimate, a world away from large ocean liners, a tone that defines the stay from start to finish.
The Cabins: Compact but Deliberate
Cabins aboard S.S. Joie de Vivre prioritise comfort over spectacle. Marble bathrooms, complete with heated towel rails, backlit mirrors, plush robes, and Asprey bath products, elevate the daily routine into something indulgent without feeling extravagant. Subtle, intentional touches that elevate each action.
French balcony rooms allow natural light to pour in, reinforcing the connection to the river beyond. Storage is cleverly integrated, and premium linens make the bed feel premium hotel quality rather than cruise standard. It’s a space designed for unwinding after long afternoons exploring the city.
Wellness and Evenings Onboard
Below deck, the spa and wellness area offers a quiet retreat, with a small pool, treatment rooms using Voya products, a fitness centre, and space for yoga sessions. It’s compact but thoughtfully arranged, another example of the ship’s boutique sensibility. By evening, Club L’Esprit shifts the tone. What begins as a relaxed lounge evolves into a lively cocktail bar hosting French-themed entertainment and cinema screenings. The programming nods to local culture without feeling theatrical, offering guests an easy immersion into Parisian spirit without leaving the ship.
Dining: Regional and Refined
Dining is central to the Uniworld experience. Breakfasts feature warm pastries, seasonal fruit, and made-to-order classics, while lunches draw inspiration from local flavours along the Seine.
Dinner is where the culinary offering shines. Multi-course menus are carefully paced and paired with French wines, presenting dishes that feel restaurant worthy rather than cruise casual. Service is attentive without being intrusive, with preferences remembered, and the atmosphere remains relaxed throughout.
Service: Personal and Polished
With fewer guests than traditional cruises, service feels personal. Staff move with quiet efficiency, balancing professionalism with warmth. From housekeeping to hospitality, there is a consistent sense that detail matters.
Who It’s For?
S.S. Joie de Vivre is best suited to travellers who value design, cultural immersion, and ease. It appeals to those who prefer unpacking once whilst still waking up immersed in new surroundings each day, particularly city-break travellers seeking a refined alternative to a traditional hotel stay. For two nights on the Seine, Uniworld delivers an intimate version of Paris that floats gently past your window.
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