Going Green with Uniworld: How Your River Cruise Makes a Difference

Luis Braya • 24 June 2024

Welcome to a new era of sustainable travel! Uniworld believes that travel should be a force for good. By choosing a Uniworld river cruise, you’re not just exploring breathtaking destinations but also contributing to a global effort to protect and preserve our environment. Uniworld is leading the way in sustainable river cruising, and by joining them, you’re making a positive impact on our planet. Keep reading to discover how your journey with Uniworld supports their green initiatives.


Your Stateroom: A Hub of Eco-Friendly Innovation

Your Uniworld experience begins in the comfort of your stateroom, where small changes make a big difference. From the moment you step inside, you’ll notice the absence of plastic water bottles. Instead, they provide refillable bottles, reducing plastic waste from the get-go. Even your laundry service is eco-friendly, with linen bags replacing single-use plastic ones. By reusing towels and linens upon request, you help them conserve water, a precious resource they aim to protect.

Their commitment extends to the slippers in your room, made from bamboo and fully compostable, ensuring that even the smallest details reflect their dedication to sustainability. And when you use their luxury bath products, you’ll be supporting a greener future; their refillable containers eliminate single-use plastics, and water-saving fixtures cut water usage by up to 40% during every shower.

A man is holding a stack of towels in a hotel room.

Sipping Sustainably at the Bar

When you enjoy a drink at their bar, you’re participating in their eco-conscious journey. You’ll find that your cocktails are served with biodegradable paper straws, part of their initiative to eliminate single-use plastics across their entire fleet. They’re also committed to supporting local and organic producers, ensuring that your bar menu is not only delicious but also sustainable.


Dining with a Conscience

Every meal you enjoy on a Uniworld cruise supports local farmers and economies. They’ve partnered with Leanpath to measure and reduce food waste onboard. This innovative system provides them with real-time data on food discard, allowing their chefs to prepare the perfect amount of each dish and significantly reduce their carbon footprint. So, every bite you take is a step toward a greener planet.


Onshore Adventures: Making Travel Matter

Their commitment to sustainability continues onshore with their MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences. These excursions are carefully selected for their positive environmental or social impact, offering you a unique way to connect with local communities and contribute to their well-being. Whether you’re visiting a conservation project or supporting a local artisan, every adventure supports the people and places they cherish.

Uniworld’s animal welfare policy ensures that all their tours adhere to strict standards, protecting wildlife and promoting ethical interactions. When you choose a Uniworld cruise, you’re choosing to travel with purpose and respect for our planet.

A group of people are riding bicycles on a path next to a body of water.

Reducing Paper Use and Carbon Footprint

Sustainability is woven into every aspect of your Uniworld journey. Their use of QR codes to access daily programs and city maps not only provides a touch-free experience but also helps reduce paper waste. Enjoying your favorite newspapers and magazines digitally through their complimentary online platform further cuts down on paper use.

They’ve also installed special UV foils on their windows, which absorb and reflect 64% of solar energy, enhancing their energy efficiency and reducing their environmental impact.


A Passion for Sustainable Tourism

Uniworld’s dedication to sustainable tourism goes beyond their onboard practices. As a signatory of The Glasgow Declaration, they are part of a global effort to achieve vital carbon emissions goals and make the travel industry more eco-friendly. Their commitment to reaching Net Zero by 2050 or sooner reflects their deep responsibility to the planet.

Each year, they find new ways to reduce their carbon footprint, from eliminating more than 60 types of single-use plastics to supporting wildlife conservation efforts. They work with local artisans and small businesses, bringing you authentic experiences while uplifting the communities they visit.


Meet Julie Higgins: Their Sustainability Champion

At the heart of their sustainability efforts is Julie Higgins, Uniworld’s dedicated Sustainability Officer. Julie believes that to make meaningful progress, they need to measure and understand their impact. Her work ensures that every aspect of your Uniworld cruise is aligned with their mission to #MakeTravelMatter, helping them move towards a brighter, more sustainable future.

Stateroom with a bed , chair , television and a view of a lake.

PROTECT OUR PLANET

Your decision to cruise with Uniworld is more than a journey through beautiful landscapes; it’s a commitment to a better, greener world. Together, you’re making travel matter for generations to come, ensuring that the stunning places they visit today remain vibrant and thriving for tomorrow.


Thank you for choosing to travel responsibly with Uniworld. Ready to make a difference and explore the world in a sustainable way? Book your next Uniworld river cruise with us and embark on a journey that helps protect our planet for future generations. Let’s sail towards a greener future together!

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Rocky coastline with green mountains meeting the blue ocean under a bright sky.

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Open suitcase with hat, sunglasses, headphones, camera, phone, and clothing on a bed.

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