A One-Night Escape on the Super Ship Victoria!
We boarded the SS Victoria on a sunny Saturday morning in Brussels we were greeted by friendly, welcoming staff. We were excited for our overnight on board but were a little skeptical – after all, how much can you really experience in just 24 hours? But by the time we arrived in Amsterdam the next day, it felt like we’d been on a mini-vacation feeling totally rested and very well looked after!
This isn’t your average river cruise. Uniworld’s SS Victoria is deliberately sized, designed to feel more like a boutique hotel than a river ship giving passengers more space per person. The vibe? Calm, refined, and refreshingly uncrowded. From the moment we stepped aboard, the atmosphere invited us to slow down. You could be sat in their impeccably decorated lounge with your eyes closed and know you were somewhere very special indeed.
Our room: The Royal Suite
Let’s just say… calling it a “suite” doesn’t quite do it justice. It felt more like a private riverside residence, complete with a marble bathroom, floor to ceiling windows, and even a fireplace. Yes, a fireplace – on a ship!
The bed was one of the most comfortable I’ve ever slept in. The wardrobe was spacious (a rare treat on a cruise), and the impeccably arranged bathroom made my morning shower feel like a spa day!
But what really made the experience special was Alexander, our butler. He appeared when we needed him and vanished when we didn’t. He somehow knew exactly what we needed before we knew! He responded to our every need it with quiet charm.
Dinner with a View
We dined as the sun set on the Rhine, and the scenery outside—little villages, tree-lined banks, old bridges—felt like part of the meal. The menu was a feast for the eyes: Smoked duck breast to start, Bea Tollmans chicken’s soup (a hug in a bowl!), grilled beef rump steak with the most delicious horseradish gravy and the most delicious Dutch eggnog ice cream to finish… the only downside to dinnertime was making the decision as to what to have!
Short Stay, Lasting Impressions
Even with just a single night aboard, the SS Victoria offered plenty to explore:
A heated resistance pool on the upper deck
The most beautiful smelling spa treatments from Voya
Live music in the lounge, complete with baby grand piano.
An intimate spa and wellness area to unwind
Every corner of the ship felt thoughtfully designed all Super Ships in the Uniworld fleet are uniquely designed to compliment the surroundings they sail through.
Would I Go Again? Absolutely!
We were only aboard for one night, but it never felt rushed. That’s the magic of the SS Victoria: it makes time stretch. With fewer guests, more space, and just the right amount of pampering, it’s clear Uniworld is doing something different here.
If you’re looking for a floating experience that’s rich in detail, full of welcome and warmth, and offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime trip. This is it!
