S.S. São Rafael

For destinations in EUROPE:

It's best to prepare for a variety of weather conditions, depending on your travel season and the regions through which you will be cruising. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, as this allows you to adjust to most temperatures, including artificially maintained temperatures, by adding or removing items throughout the day.

Comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear is appropriate both onshore and onboard. Everyday slacks, khakis, walking shorts and everyday skirts/dresses are recommended. For warmer temperatures, we suggest lightweight clothing that can be layered, such as a mix of sweaters, lightweight knit shirts, slacks and walking shorts. For early spring and late fall departures, you’ll find sweatshirts, heavier cotton or wool tops and long-sleeved shirts, and corduroy or heavy khaki pants perfectly suitable. Mix and-match color schemes work best to help keep baggage light. You will participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option. For evenings, any resort-type wear is perfectly suitable; however, we do ask that you not wear shorts to dinner. Men may want to bring one sport jacket for dressier restaurant venues and for special events onboard such as the Captain’s Welcome and Farewell festivities. Women may wish to bring a cocktail dress or two for finer dining or entertainment experiences. Don’t forget to pack a lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) or even a heavier weight wind-breaker for colder temperatures.

We recommend wearing comfortable, smart-casual clothing both onshore and onboard. We also suggest sturdy walking shoes, as you will do a significant amount of walking on shore excursions, often over cobblestones or uneven terrain. A sun hat, rain gear, and a coat or wrap for chilly evenings are useful items to have. While there is no formal dress code for dining ashore, concerts, special events onboard, etc., men may want to bring a sports jacket and women a cocktail dress or pantsuit. Neckties are optional. Please note that shorts are not allowed at dinner aboard the ship.

For our EXOTICS destinations:

These programs are very different from European river programs; attire is more casual due to the region’s warmer temperatures. During the cruise/tour portion of your program, comfortable, lightweight clothing in lighter colors is strongly recommended. We suggest clothing that can be layered, such as a mix of cotton shirts, lightweight knit shirts, sweaters, everyday khakis, slacks, skirts/dresses, walking shorts and sun hats.

Prepare for a variety of weather conditions, depending on your travel season and the regions through which you will be cruising. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, as this allows you to adjust to most temperatures, including artificially maintained temperatures, by removing or adding items throughout the day. Mix/match color schemes work best to help keep baggage light.

You will participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore. We recommend comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option.

Don’t forget to pack a lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) or even a heavy weight windbreaker for colder temperatures, especially during early spring, fall and winter departures.

PLEASE NOTE: To enter the temples and other holy sites, guests should ensure that their shoulders and knees are covered.

Egypt: For evenings, we recommend casual and cool attire; however, we require footwear to be worn at all times in the dining room. Sport jackets and cocktail dresses are not needed at any time during this program. You may wish to pack at least one “smart casual” outfit for the onboard Gala Reception.

Most ships have either a self-serve laundrette (with ironing board) or laundry service for an additional fee. Please contact info@uniworld.com to find out what services your ship offers. No dry cleaning services are available on any ship.

Kindly inform us in advance if you have specific dietary requests (e.g., low-fat, low-calorie, gluten-free, sugar-free, vegetarian, etc.). This information can be provided to us when completing your Passenger Information Form. We have a “Traveling Lite” menu for guests seeking more health-conscious options, as well as light lunches, vegetarian options, and generous buffets that offer something for everyone. We will do our very best to accommodate your needs given the resources available to us.

Select ships offer complimentary Wi-Fi access. Please email us at info@uniworld.com to find out if Wi-Fi is available onboard. Service may be briefly interrupted in remote areas, while sailing, or when moving through locks, and the speed will likely be slower than what you are used to back home.

For the comfort of all our guests, smoking is only permitted on the sun decks of our ships. Smoking is not permitted on motorcoaches. This policy applies to all forms of smoking materials including vapor e-cigarettes.

We also ask guests to refrain from smoking on shore excursions/tours, especially since many historical sites and other tourist attractions are now smoke-free as well.

High quality, luxurious amenities

There’s all-inclusive, and then there’s the unmatched level of inclusive luxurious amenities that only we provide. To ensure truly carefree and effortless travel, we’ve gone ahead and included it all—so the only thing you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your holiday.

NEVER BE BORED

Our onboard programming leaves nary a dull moment. Early risers will appreciate morning yoga sessions. Foodies may want to join a cooking demo. And those looking to dance the night away will find local entertainment in the lounge.

NEVER SETTLE FOR LESS

With every carefully selected inclusion, you'll find that we are committed to providing only the highest quality amenities. This makes every moment an opportunity for surprise and delight.

NEVER GO HUNGRY

Enjoy sumptuous buffet breakfasts and lunches during the day, then a four-course gourmet dinner in the evening. Craving a bite in between? Inquire about 24-hour room service and å la carte menus.

NEVER BE THIRSTY

Never restricted to mealtimes or happy hours, you'll find that fine wines, local beers, and premium spirits flow freely throughout the cruise. Our bar closes when the last guest turns in for the evening.

Passengers are required to advise the Company at time of booking of any physical, medical, or other special needs that require accommodation. After the time of booking, should a Passenger develop a physical or medical condition that requires accommodation, the Passenger is required to advise the Company.

The Company may impose health and safety requirements necessary for the safe operation of the cruise-tour, and for the wellbeing of our Passengers and crew. The Company may also exclude an individual from participating in a tour or activity if that individual’s participation poses a direct threat to health or safety. To stop the spread of contagious illnesses, the Company or local authorities may require the isolation or quarantine of Passengers. These measures will not result in the eligibility for a refund of unused features or services.

The Company welcomes Passengers with special needs or disabilities, however please note that the Company does not provide personal medical or mobility devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or prescription eye glasses) or services of a personal nature (such as pushing a wheelchair or assistance in eating, toileting, or dressing). A companion capable of providing such assistance must accompany any Passenger who requires services of a personal nature.

The Company does not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention will be provided by a local facility at the passenger’s expense. The Company is not responsible or liable for any losses or costs incurred as a result of medical services obtained while on tour, or for the quality of the care or services received.

Passengers should be aware some tours include rough terrain, extensive walking over cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, stairs, and locations which may not be easily accessible or accessible by wheelchair. During the tour, the Company may make arrangements with carriers, hotels, and other independent suppliers to provide travel services. These parties are independent entities over which the Company has no control. Accommodations on international tours may differ from those in your home country. The Company cannot guarantee disability access or accommodations for passengers travelling on international tours.

The Company may, in its sole discretion, decline the booking of any passenger or remove any passenger who cannot comply or refuses to comply with Company’s Terms and Conditions.

All guests must ensure they are medically and physically fit for travel.

Passengers are required to advise the Company at time of booking of any physical, medical, or other special needs that require accommodation. After the time of booking, should a Passenger develop a physical or medical condition that requires accommodation, the Passenger is required to advise the Company.

The Company may impose health and safety requirements necessary for the safe operation of the cruise-tour, and for the wellbeing of our Passengers and crew. The Company may also exclude an individual from participating in a tour or activity if that individual’s participation poses a direct threat to health or safety. To stop the spread of contagious illnesses, the Company or local authorities may require the isolation or quarantine of Passengers. These measures will not result in the eligibility for a refund of unused features or services.

The Company does not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention will be provided by a local facility at the passenger’s expense. The Company is not responsible or liable for any losses or costs incurred as a result of medical services obtained while on tour, or for the quality of the care or services received.

Airport/Ship Transfers for Uniworld Programs

If you purchase a Uniworld Air-Inclusive Vacation, you enjoy the special included convenience of scheduled group transfers between the airport and the ship/hotel on the day the cruise or cruise/tour begins, and between the ship/hotel and the airport on the day the cruise or cruise/tour ends, when air booked falls within our transfer guidelines. There may be a waiting period between transfers of two hours or more unless private car transfers have been purchased. Private car transfers are only available on the cruise or cruise/tour start/end dates and are only available for transportation between designated airports and the ship, for up to two guests per car. If your flight arrangements arrive/depart outside of these parameters, you must make your own transfer arrangements.

Please note: Due to airport restrictions, group transfer motor coaches may not be allowed to park in front of every terminal to pick up guests. The airport-designated area for motor coaches can be a walking distance of 10-30 minutes from the terminal, depending on the airport. Our airport representatives have limited ability to carry luggage or assist guests who have mobility limitations. Therefore, guests who want or need assistance are advised to consider booking our private transfers, as most airports allow private cars to stop in front of each terminal exit.

Making Your Own Flight Arrangements: Should you elect to make your own flight arrangements, Uniworld will provide complimentary scheduled group transfers to/from the ship/hotel as long as your flights arrive/depart in the cruise/tour starting/ending cities in accordance with the dates shown in this brochure and your flight arrangements comply with the Transfer Guidelines as shown below. If your flight arrangements arrive/depart outside of these parameters, you must make your own transfer arrangements. Uniworld will not be responsible for missed transfers due to delayed or cancelled flights, or for missed cruise/trip days, or for extra costs resulting from the foregoing. To qualify for transfers, it is required that flight information and pre-trip arrangements for all passengers making their own flight arrangements be given to Uniworld no later than forty-five (45) days prior to departure and must conform to the Transfer Guidelines below:

In our experience, most young children—especially those under 4—are simply not yet old enough to enjoy river cruising. We make no special arrangements for little ones and offer few kid-friendly activities onboard or onshore. Please note: Our Generations program departures include programs and services designed for families traveling with children. Adults accompanying children are responsible for their safety and behavior onboard and onshore.

Europe, Asia, India, and Egypt: Guests must be 4 years of age or older. Guests who are less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and booked in a cabin with someone who is 21 years of age or older.

Peru: Guests must be 7 years of age or older. Guests under 21 must be booked in a cabin with someone who is 25 years of age or older, or traveling with a parent or guardian who is booked in a connecting suite. Some excursions may not be suitable for young children.

When to go: We sail all of our Portugal-Spain cruises between April and November. In spring and summer, the vineyards that adorn the Douro River Valley come alive in graduated shades of green while a joyous riot of red and gold colors greet you in the fall.

How to pack: We suggest comfortable, sporty, smart-casual daywear both onshore and onboard. Depending on your travel season, the weather can range from cool to quite hot. Check the weather before you go and pack accordingly. Layering clothing items is always your best bet, allowing you to adjust to most temperatures. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket (preferably hooded) in case of rain, though we will also have umbrellas onboard. You may participate in a significant amount of walking over uneven terrain during your time ashore, so please bring comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support. Sturdy sandals are another good option.

• Spring - MAR–MAY - Avg. Temp. 58º F / 14º C
• Summer - JUN–AUG - Avg. Temp. 68º F / 20º C
• Autumn - SEP–NOV - Avg. Temp. 72º F / 22º C
• Winter - DEC–FEB - Avg. Temp. 52º F / 11º C
• Currency - Euro (EUR, €)
• Time Zone - Central European Time (CET) - Central European Summer Time (CEST)
• Official Language - Portuguese
• Electricity - 230V supply voltage Plug type F