sawtooth

I’m waiting for 2020 to open up and Uniworld says there is no info right now on the Pre/Post cruise trips or anything really for 2020. Apparently they just started offering it for 2019. Going to Jordan is a must for us, do you have the itinerary that you can share?

 

I’m wondering if the tips and drinks at dinner is new as well for 2019 because I didn’t see it listed on the website. Also Abu Simbel is a must too and they don’t mention it on the website but I see it has been regularly offered which is good.

Yes, drinks and tips are new for 2019. Confirmed with Uniworld. Also was written about on February 12 under cruise news.

EXTENSION: AMMAN & PETRA (JORDAN)

Amman

Amman

Petra

Petra

Petra

Check-out

Amman

Check-in

Overnight

Amman

One would hope that this "new" concept of fast, free wifi would be available on all their ships, not just U by Uniworld.

There are plenty of things listed there I would appreciate - paperless, WhatsApp connectivity, widely available (i hope) wifi, interesting excursions, sharing of the social media wall...and I'm cautiously optimistic about the dining concept.

I see you are doing the Nile in November.

We have signed on for the February 2, 2019 cruise and are planning to do the pre cruise tour to Jordon.

Already made plane reservations for the outbound trip with a stopover in Dubai.

Do you have any idea how your cruise is selling?

I think that many have not been full.

Will be so interested to read the review.

Are you sending a millennial to write/experience it?

Sawtooth;

 

Read the past posts carefully! Uniworld never offered a tour to Alexandria. Spring Tours, the company that actually runs all of Uniworld’s operations, except the Tosca, runs those tours.

 

If you can get in contact with them direct you can book the tour , or wait until you get there and they will offer it to you on your first day there. Important to know so you can make your return Airlines schedule accommodate the extra day tour to Alexandria.

Thank you, we would be interested in Alexandria tour at the end of our cruise trip.

I will try to contact them to get some information.

Yes, our cruises are in 2019, hence my original post regarding future cruises.

Another odd thing, in the past my TA was able to discount the cruise up front. Now he says Uniworld will not allow that and he is offering a rebate check after the cruise is completed. Seems odd.

Waiting for last minute offers is a great idea if you have the flexibility. We book in advance to secure mileage air tickets.

We are booked on the 2/2/2019 Egypt cruise. We are really looking forward to it.

Uniworld now includes tips and wine and beer at lunch and dinner in the price. You will still have to purchase a cocktail.

They are not offering trips to Alexandria in 2019.

Pre cruise trip to Petra and post cruise trip to Jerusalem. Both trips are 4-5 days.

We decided on the pre trip to Petra.

Uniworld no longer offers the 5% discount to past cruisers.

Thank you for all your photos and information.

We will plan to do the ballon ride and Abu Simball too.

So, for 2019, Uniworld no longer gives a 5% discount to past cruisers.

They give a flat dollar amount based on itinerary and cost...I was told.

We booked an 8 day Rhine cruise and only received a $100 discount on the cruise fare of $4,800 per person.

Not very generous, in my opinion.

Not sure why they changed. But since loyalty doesn't seem to count for much, I can explore different companies.

I think you should enjoy Kai Sushi.

We did, and dined there several times on our SE ASIA cruise.

The crew also did fun Japanese lessons on the leg to Japan.

However, Uniworld in no longer offering the 5% discount for previous clients for 2019.

Booked 7 day Rhine cruise...100pp discount

Nile cruise, 400pp discount.

Very disappointed.

On Egypt cruise confirmed beer/wine with lunch and dinner. Other times and other drinks must be paid for.

I’m hearing Princess is eliminating BOGO1$

No not yet. We are off to an Opera now but late this afternoon I will try to scan and upload our first two days on board and then continue as each new day comes.

Norris

Did you go see Live from the Met's Tosca?

Fabulous performance!!!

Uniworld provides specific guidance as to tip amounts for ship crew, Egyptologist and bus drivers. Plan on tipping restroom attendants 5 Egyptian Pounds. Hotel waiters we tipped as in US using Egyptian Pounds or adding to credit card bill. If you see a service charge on your restaurant bill that does not go to the waiter, it goes to the restaurant. No need to obtain Egyptian Pounds prior to arriving in Egypt. If you need to tip at the airport, which we didn't, use dollar bills. Right now, one US dollar equals 17 Egyptian Pounds. The country lives on tips but since you're traveling with Uniworld, it isn't such a big deal.The Egyptian Pounds that we had left at the end of the trip went to our Egyptologist as we was so wonderful.

Thank you,

Did you tip your room steward daily, or just at the end?

Your review has convinced us to take this Uniworld trip. (I have been wanting to go for some time, my husband was not so sure). We won't be able to go until Jan or Feb of 2019. Great pictures and narrative. Any specific advice? Wish they would include gratuities and drinks as they do on their other cruise. Wonder why they don't?

What is your advice on tipping?

We just returned from Uniworld's Nile cruise. You might want to read my Review of Uniworld Splendors of Egypt & the Nile (Jan 6-17, 2018) and my blog https://dpjetton.blogspot.com/. This was our third Uniworld cruise and it was great.

c

Considering a Nile cruise and I was really high on it, my husband...not so much. He read your review and is now sold on it.

Will be our second Uniworld cruise. Our plan is for January or February 2019. Itineraries not yet released.

I wish they would include gratuities and alcohol on this cruise.

Deborah

Thank you for your detailed reviews.

I have read them all, including non-Princess.

We will sail on the Royal kater this year.

Have never used the Sanctuary but consenting it got this trip.

Do you remember if it is totally covered or are there some places to get some sun...and, if you choose those seats, must you stick with them the entire time?

We had originally booked L106 on the Royal. We had stayed in L108 previously and loved the layout and the wrap around deck.

However, after further investigation, I decided that I did not like the layout of 106. Although the deck is magnificent the interior seems too cramped. Part of the couch is across from the bed and it looks hard to move around. If I can't have the end cabins (like 108), I prefer the traditional mini with the curtain that almost seems like 2 rooms.

I know that everyone has their preferences, this is ours.

Funny, when the customer relations did move us to a mid ship CC mini they gave us a standard (small) balcony. When I asked to be moved to an extended balcony (that was also open) she all but told me not to push the envelope. Be happy with what we got.:o

We booked an advertised 14 day Caribbean cruise which is also sold separately as two 7 days. The cabin we wanted was not available on the 14 day but was available on both 7 days. Booking two 7 days would have been somewhat more costly than the one 14 day.

It took a lot of work with customer relations to finally get them to release the cabin we wanted for the whole cruise. I could not figure out why there was a problem, but it took a special department to sort it out.

14 day still shows club class, mid ship, sold out but if you check the two 7 day cruises cabins are available (and the same one for both).

Go figure.

Cramped, uncomfortable waste of space.

Wish they could reconfigure that space on existing ships. I just hate it...cramped and useless.

Dinner tonight in sabatinis was wonderful except for the main course. The first course of puffy bread, delicious! Burrata appetizer was both delicious and so very well plated. A work of art. Salad course was light and again beautifully plated. Pasta, had them make it with just olive oil and garlic.

Then came the chicken course. Both mine and my girlfriend’s came out cold Ok. Can deal with that. But not only was it visually unappealing it it was more packed chicken and was terrible. 4 at the table of 4 sent it back. What a letdown.

Dessert was another major rebound.

 

Getting the large bottles of water have been a hassle at dinner. They all just keep saying no.

 

Chicos just opened a short time ago and they had a fashion show. That was a first.

 

It seems like most of the events on board are more a pitch to sell things. I’m so not a fan of princess live. Feel they really ruined the different game shows and trivia by having it in there.

Our cabin steward is fantastic. The crooners and vines crew are just great. Jovie and Jason in crooners really are just great.

 

Captain Tim is the best I’ve come across. He was again walking around the dining room at breakfast saying hello. Just love all th info he gives when he comes on the speaker system, especially when leaving port.

 

Only two more nights left. Boo.....

Are you saying that there is a Chico's store on the ship? That would be great!

I would agree with both the covered retreat pool and the worthless TV studio concept. I have been in there several times for presentations that could easily have been in a lounge as no TV was used. Completely useless dedication of space.

I agree regarding the TV Studio. Uncomfortable seats and it seems cramped and hard to maneuver around.

I also miss Skywalkers and the big open lounge in the back of the ship, but those I can live without.

I understand that Princess has to try new updated concepts.

HMMMMM

It looks a bit cramped

Seems odd to have the sofa across from the bed. That means no separate seating area.

We do have club class, but I wonder if it is worth it

We have always booked mini suites.

Is the layout of L105 similar to regular minis?

Is it the same size? Larger? Smaller?

Know there is a large forward facing balcony.

I have always liked the seemingly separation of regular minis, and the bar area and storage

Pictures or videos would be helpful.