Super Ship (S.S.) Antoinette—the most luxurious river cruise ship in the world

What began as an inspiration, a dream without limitations, is about to become the ship, you’ll never forget. When you step aboard the S.S. Antoinette, you’ll immediately understand why the “S.S.” precedes “Antoinette,” as this appropriately means “Super Ship,” Uniworld’s newest addition to their collection of one-of-a-kind boutique river cruise ships.

Walking onto the S.S. Antoinette, you will immediately feel like you stepped into France’s Château de Versailles during the late 18th century with the character of the past thoughtfully blended with unusual elements creating luxurious elegance with welcoming warmth. A blue Strauss 10-foot Baccarat chandelier with huge sapphires, originally hung in New York’s famed Tavern on the Green, graces the two-story lobby. The finest Brazilian marble adorns the walls and floors and a sparkling 19th-century Venetian glass mirror rests high above the reception desk reflecting an air of grandeur.

It is clear as one continues to gaze around the remarkable surroundings, the S.S. Antoinette shares the same exquisite standards and meticulous attention to detail reflective throughout all of Uniworld’s fleet. Haute design, yet comfortable décor symbolize the style used by Mrs. Beatrice Tollman, godmother and namesake of Uniworld's River Beatrice, and President of Uniworld's sister company the award-winning Red Carnation Hotel Collection; her daughter, Mrs. Antoinette Tollman, godmother and namesake to the new S.S. Antoinette; and Mr. Brian Brennan, lead designer.

Arranged throughout the ship, is a collection of carefully selected original fine artwork from personal collections. Sketches in black and white, color lithographs, and oil on canvas paintings from a range of great artists, including Humphrey Jennings, John Bellany, and an extensive selection of work by Russian painters Yuri Matushevski and Viktor Templi are perfectly placed for guests’ enjoyment.

Day 1 - Basel (Embark)

Arrive at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer, or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

Important Note: Uniworld's airport services and transfers to the ship will take place on the Switzerland side of the Basel-Mulhouse Airport. Be sure to enter Customs on the Switzerland side, as guests cannot return to the Switzerland side after they have exited the airport from the France side.

Day 2 - Basel

Basel is a cultural and artistic powerhouse, with all sorts of galleries, theaters, and museums. And at this time of year, the city’s Christmas Market draws visitors from all over Europe, as does its Christmas Street, lined with more than 100 beautifully decorated and illuminated Christmas trees. Do you have a special wish for Christmas? Write it in the Wish Book, which lies open in Basel’s 17th-century Town Hall during Advent, waiting for residents and visitors to express their hopes and dreams for the holiday—or for the world.

A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Featured Excursion: Basel Walking Tour with Christmas Market

Masterpiece Collection: Lucerne, A Swiss Gem

Day 3 - Strasbourg

Strasbourg is invariably described as quaint, a rather overused word that in this case is perfectly apropos. It’s also been known as the “Crossroads of Europe” for its strategic location halfway between Paris and Prague. With a friendly local expert, see this historic town with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered homes, giant stork nests, and impossible-to-resist pastry shops that will win your heart. You won’t want to miss the holiday treats like bûche de Noël, the delicious Christmas cake made to look like a yule log.

Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Choose between: Strasbourg Walking Tour with Christmas Market or “Taste of Christmas” Strasbourg Walking Tour

Masterpiece Collection: Alsatian Wine Road

Day 4 - Mannheim (Baden-Baden)

Your ship left France behind and sailed into Germany during the wee hours of the morning. If you speak no German, here’s one phrase you might want to learn now: “Fröhliche Weihnachten,” or “Merry Christmas!” Today you’ll have two choices: Venture into the storied city of Baden-Baden, whose contemporary flair meshes with hot springs, spas, and unspoiled nature, or visit the Doktorenhof vinegar estate for a special vinegar tasting. The atmospheric cellar is like no other you’ll ever experience, and the candlelit tasting room is decked for the holidays.

Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Choose between: Baden-Baden Walking Tour with Christmas Market or Private Doktorenhof Vinegar Estate Visit and Tasting

Day 5 - Mainz, Rüdesheim

Mainz’s Old Town brims with specialty shops tucked into lovingly restored buildings. You’ll find jewelry, leather goods, books, toys—something special for every special person on your list. Or opt to explore neighboring Wiesbaden’s Christmas Market. However you choose to spend your time in Mainz, you’ll head back to the ship for a short cruise to Rüdesheim, which, like many cities along the Rhine, dates back to Roman times, when the Rhine was the northern border of the empire. Today, Rüdesheim is famous for its beauty and its entertaining alley of shops and wine bars called the Drosselgasse.

Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Choose between: Rüdesheim Walk with Local Treats and Christmas Market or Mainz Christmas Market Stroll or Rheinweinwelten Visit - The Best Rhine Rieslings

Day 6 - Cruising the romantic Rhine River, Koblenz

Spend a spectacular morning onboard your luxurious boutique ship as you sail the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stretch of the Rhine is extraordinarily picturesque: Castles perch atop steep cliffs above the water and each quaint village is marked by the spire of its historic church. After sailing past 40 miles (65 kilometers) of gorgeous scenery, you’ll reach the famous intersection of the Rhine and the Moselle. Here, where the two rivers meet, you’ll find the enchanting town of Koblenz. Watch the waters of the Moselle gush into the Rhine as you stand on the spit of land called German Corner before embarking on a walking tour of Koblenz’s historical treasures.

Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Featured Excursion: Koblenz Walking Tour with Christmas Market

Day 7 - Cologne

Your local expert will show you favorite haunts around the Old Town and share some of the cathedral’s most intriguing and magical secrets with you.

A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Please note that most Christmas Markets in Europe end their season on the 23rd of December and will not be available after that date.

Featured Excursion: Cologne Walking Tour with Old Town Visit and Christmas Markets

Day 8 - Cologne (Disembark)

Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer, or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Cologne Bonn Airport for your flight home.