When it comes to “green travel,” there can be more hype than happening. But Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, the all-inclusive luxury river cruising company known for its boutique-hotel-like amenities, custom itineraries, and bespoke shore excursions, flips this narrative on its head and delivers on the authentic definition of eco-friendly tourism. The company’s Make Travel Matter mission is designed to conserve the land, rivers, and wildlife that awe us.
For starters, a unique silicone paint is used on Uniworld ships; this paint allows for easy gliding and increased fuel efficiency. Energy-efficient LED light fixtures, energy-saving water cooled air-conditioning systems, and onboard state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plants all contribute to the company’s lofty carbon neutrality goals.
Uniworld has also curated planet-forward experiences on itineraries offered throughout India, Europe, and the Middle East—each designed to advance the United Nation’s Global Goals. Some of these experiences include tastings at Wachauer Safranmanufaktur, the world’s only bio-dynamically certified saffron producer; a visit to The Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Cooperative, an organization dedicated to helping women become financially independent; plastic-fishing in Amsterdam’s waterways; and a chance to visit the Calcutta Rescue, an organization that provides healthcare, education, and clean drinking water to children living in poverty.
Uniworld plans to include Make Travel Matter experiences on at least half of its itineraries by 2025. Here are a few where they’re already available:
Enchanting Danube
A magical eight days along the shimmering waters of the fabled Danube River. Enjoy old-world capitals, charming towns, and VIP experiences like private viewings of acclaimed art collections during the journey from Budapest to Passau.
Castles along the Rhine
Beethoven was famously inspired by the beauty of the fabled Rhine River, and it’s little wonder why. Eight days of enchantment from Basel to Amsterdam await, with each bend of the river revealing the spires of medieval churches, turrets of ancient castles, and vineyards climbing the lush hillsides.
Splendors of Egypt & the Nile
Easily the most famous river in the world, cruising the Nile was once reserved for queens and pharaohs. Passengers will feel like royalty throughout this 12-day itinerary, which includes the Temple of Luxor and a journey to 4,500-year-old Pyramids of Giza and neighboring Sphinx.
India’s Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges
Circumnavigating the Golden Triangle—Delhi, Jaipur and Agra—this 13-day itinerary includes a stop at Mother Teresa’s tomb, the Rajbari Temples, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial, and of course, the world’s grandest tribute to love, the Taj Mahal.