When I think of cruises, I think of people in their 70’s sipping wine on a top deck somewhere in the Bahamas. But what if I told you [U by Uniworld](https://www.ubyuniworld.com/uk/.com/uk/) were offering river cruises tailored to the tastes of millennials? Yeah, I felt pretty indifferent about the whole thing too, but according to research 10% of people aged 18-24 are planning a cruise this year, and river cruising is the industry’s fastest-growing sector. Who knew?
Last year, they announced the launch of 2 new 120 passenger ships The A and The B. At the time, there was only one booking restriction, you had to be between the ages of 21-45. However, since the company received ‘feedback’ (my guess is, bad feedback) they have now lifted the age restriction. That’s right, now anyone can join the river cruise, but I wouldn’t worry, it’s still specifically tailored to younger folk. I just don’t see someone like my grams partying the night away at the silent disco, or popping for a coffee at 3am. The whole thing looks like it was designed by the Kardashians, it’s very monochrome and I know for a fact that my grams would hate that.
The two ships go on separate routes, The A travels along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers then follows the rivers of Amsterdam and Central Europe. While The B travels up France’s Seine river, going right through the heart of Paris. Okay, so this whole cruise thing is looking better and better.
So, what does it have on board? What doesn’t it have on board?! Everything seems quite social with ‘hubs’ and ‘lounges’ to hang out at. For prime example, the rooftop lounge. It’s a glass enclosed room which disappears into the floor to create an open-air hang out. See, I didn’t know I needed that but I think I really do.
Each ship also features 3 types of room. The ‘I just need a comfy room to rest my head and stash my stuff’ the ‘I’m going all out on a suite with a view and a balcony’ and finally, for the solo traveller, they offer futuristic rooms with a possible room share option. All rooms include a Bluetooth speaker and I don’t know a soul who doesn’t own a Bluetooth speaker so that’s pretty ‘millennial’ of them.
Other features of the ship offer a grand dining room with a full-service restaurant promising farm-to-table food inspired by the places you’re visiting. They’ve got a fully kitted out gym with the possibility to take out bikes and wellness coaches, if you’re the type of fitness freak who likes to exercise while on their hols. If you’re the relaxing type (who isn’t?) there’s a spa and a 24-hour coffee shop.
But now, what you’ve all been waiting for. The bar. The whole room can be lowered, to accommodate for low bridges when cruising. When I read this, I immediately imagined the place popping off to ‘jump around’ by House of Pain. There’s also an ice bar offering signature cocktails, craft beer, silent discos & guest DJs.
All that it’s missing are the avocados. Right? AMIRIGHT? TBH by the sound of things I’d just be happy chilling on board. With a price tag of up to £1500 per person it’s one to mull over. I could never afford it, but I’m a uni student, you’re probably a high flyer.
**Follow Emma on Twitter **@EmmaLowther@EmmaLowther
READ MORE: 19 of the dreamiest Airbnb's in the UK
The Debrief - Dreamy Airbnbs
1 of 19Piper House, Stamford
Quite literally a big hose in the country. It's a converted granary with enough space to sleep you and 15 of your nearest and dearest. There is also a tennis court if you and your mates are that way inclined. £380 per night
2 of 19An Cala, Cairngorms National Park
Down the river amongst the trees in the Cairngorms National Park you'll find a cottage with a hot tub and open fires. The stuff of rustic, autumn getaway dreams. Sleeps 10, but you'll probably be just as tempted to go it alone. £250 per night
3 of 19Boutique Houseboat, Cambridge
Here's a little evidence of how nice houseboats can be. We're talking hard wood flooring throughout and a private garden with decking for when you want to come up for air. Only enough room for you and a luck someone I'm afraid. But intimate is good too...£115 per night
4 of 19Thornton Castle Tower, Aberdeenshire
Because why would you not want to live in a castle for a few days? IRL Disney Princesses rejoice, because you can (voluntarily) be locked (with the key) in this cute castle tower up in Aberdeenshire. £115 per night
5 of 19Alpha, East Sussex
If you're all about the view this gem down in East Sussex might be a shout. 'Alpha' fits seven guests, is on a nameless, private road in the middle of a nature reserve and I'd pay the place a visit purely for the underfloor heating. £400 per night
6 of 19Great Long Barn, Somerset
If you and your mates have been looking for an excuse to visit West Buckland, here it is. Quite simply it's a barn conversion, but a beautiful barn conversion suitable for all fun-times. The most exciting bit is that you can ask for two of the beautiful dogs to be part of the booking too!£900 per night
7 of 19Butley Priory, Suffolk
Creepiness aside, it's be pretty damn cool to be able to say you've slept in an Abbey. Great conversation material, right here in Suffolk. Sleeps 15 with five baths to share between you all. £600
8 of 19St Pancras Clock Tower, London
Question: is there any point visiting London without sleeping inside the clock tower at St Pancras station? Answer: yes, obvs. But you and your pals could be some of the few who can say that this is what they did, though. It get's booked up really far in advance though so move quickly if you fancy it. £158 per night
9 of 19Here Be Dragons, Westhall
You could go for any old room in any old establishment, or you could stay in a room in the fairytale house with an iron dragon perched on top of it. Just saying.£295 per night
10 of 19Dairsie Castle, Fife
Another castle for the wannabe princesses out there. It's entirely self catered, so no chance of the cutlery and crockery from Beauty and the Beast popping in to serve tea. But on the plus side you're only an hour away from Edinburgh if you get bored of the medieval vibes. £550 per night
11 of 19AirShip 002, Drimnin Highlands
You read that right: AirShip 002 is yours for the sleepin'. It's an insulated aluminum pod with all the standard amenities with the addition of a huge fishbowl type view of the Scottish coastline. £150 per night
12 of 19Old Smock Windwill, Kent
Who knew windmills could be romantic? Because apparently they can be. You'd have beautiful and dramatic views of the Kent countryside inside a three-floor fully restored windmill where you'll also be left a basket of fresh eggs from the owner's chickens when you arrive. What a treat. £175 per night
13 of 19Cosy Country House, Crawley
This is a cuter version of the sort of place that I imagine relatives of the Made In Chelsea cast to own. It's where they go and frolic in the summer and play rounders and touch rugby and drink mimosas in between country walks. You could live that life for a weekend... £225 per night
14 of 19St. Benedict's Abbey, Loch Ness
Another Abbey, but this time with an indoor heated pool for you to enjoy/pose by. You'd be staying in a self catering that's part of the wider holiday home known as The Highland Club and for where you'd be staying the price is pretty reasonable. £72 per night
15 of 19Riverside Cabin, Constantine
Quaint cabin in the woods anywhere? It's very cosy and was quite literally hand built with wood from the surrounding forrest. There's also an outdoor fire pit for marshmallows and stuff. £55
16 of 19Scandinavian Lodge, Cornwall
Fancy the Scandi but can't make it out to the Nordics? Don't worry you can get a similar type of vibe in Cornwall, don't you know? Well, kind of. Six people can go stay at this beautiful hot tub boasting lodge on the side of a big hill. £200 per night
17 of 19Tree Sparrow House, Cornwall
See here: the treehouse of dreams. It's got those endearing countryside vibes but is also super lose to the sea in Cornwall's Lizard Peninsula. The shower isn't located in your cabin, but the naked trek through the greenery is probs worth it.£110 per night
18 of 19Rockaway, Temple Cloud
You'll really be immersing yourself in another world with this one. Beyond your private room and out in the Rockaway grounds you'll find a vegetable garden and a scrapyard/quarry thing a little outside the site boarders. You'd be staying in a family home but look how incredible that inside-outside conservatory.
19 of 19Blue House On The Beach
The view from the bed, you guys. THE VIEW FROM THE BED! Can you imagine waking up to anything more beautiful (and in England, for that matter)? Down in Camber you need to find a way to stay at this house that's quite literally on the beach. Enough space for eight which'll lessen the financial blow and did we mention the view from the bed?
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.