River Duchess Review

River Duchess, part of a series of Uniworld ships that include River Queen, River Empress, and River Princess, features three passenger decks plus sun deck, an elevator and a launderette.

Unlike the earlier and later ships in the fleet, though , staterooms on these vessels, including the four suites, have no windows that open. Otherwise, the cabins are well-equipped, with flat-screen televisions, DVD players, international direct telephone service (outbound only), air conditioning, hotel-style beds, one armchair, a small settee and a coffee table. Standard staterooms measure 151 square ft.; suites have an additional 65 square ft. of living space, and suite guests get additional amenities such as an in-cabin fridge, slippers, sparkling wine and fresh fruit.

The onboard ambiance is casual, with guests congregating in the lounge or on the sun deck. There is a library for quiet time, a spa for facials and massages, a sauna, small gymnasium and a computer station.

Open-seating dining offers fresh regional cuisine, with unlimited pours of beer, wine and spirits. Dress is resort casual with option cocktail attire at the Captain's Welcome and Farewell dinners.

All interior space on the ship is smoke free; smoking is allowed on the sun deck only.

Fares are inclusive of gratuities for onboard services, including pre- and post-cruise extensions.

River Duchess offers cruises that range from 8-day Budapest to Nuremberg; 10-day Budapest to Bucharest; 16-day Budapest to Amsterdam; 19-day Bucharest to Nuremberg with Prague land, and 25-day Amsterdam to Bucharest