Uniworld Expands Multigenerational, Family-Friendly Cruise Offerings
by Stacey Zable /As the river cruise niche becomes more and more popular, a diverse range of itineraries are emerging to attract multigenerational groups.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has found such success in their multigenerational cruises in Europe that they are almost tripling the number of dedicated itineraries to eight with 13 departures for 2016.
“Uniworld recognized several years ago that multigenerational family travel via river cruising would be a great way for grandparents and parents to share the gift of enlightening travel with the special young people in their lives,” said Maria Grimardi, Uniworld’s vice president of marketing.
Travel Market Report talked to Grimardi about the new niche programming, why Uniworld is looking to appeal to youngsters and why travel agents should sell Uniworld.
Why did you first decide to offer multigenerational family-friendly programs?
Grimardi: This was a popular trend then and continues to be growing. As such, we have nearly tripled our family-friendly programs for 2016. All of our 2015 family programs are nearly sold out.
Can you provide a history of your multigenerational family-friendly programs? What year did you start them and how many you offered that year and so on?
Grimardi: We started in 2009 with two programs designed to provide the opportunity for families to explore amazing countries, gain valuable insights, and intimately learn about different cultures up-close and personal as a family.
It is important to note that Uniworld's itineraries are different from ocean cruises in that the goal of our programs is to give young travelers an understanding of European culture, art, music and history in an engaging way.
Why should agents sell Uniworld?
Grimardi: Agents want to work with Uniworld because we are known for excellence with our product delivery; our service with the highest staff-to-guest ratio of all river cruise lines; our culinary; our onshore programs; and the all-inclusiveness of our Europe program.
Agents should also know about the synergy we share with Red Carnation Hotels, our sister company under parent company Travel Corporation. Uniworld is the world’s only authentic boutique, luxury river cruise line in the marketplace today, which means we offer a river cruise experience that is the equivalent to staying in a 5-star boutique, luxury hotel.
Do you see multigenerational travel as a trend? Do you think it will continue?
Grimardi: I am certain it will continue. Our multigenerational family-friendly river cruises provide an environment where you can create lasting memories and share amazing experiences together all while traveling onboard a luxury ship that takes you to grand cities, Medieval villages, and beautiful countryside.
How did you pick specific itineraries? What makes them appealing to families?
Grimardi: Every itinerary we have could lend itself to a wonderful family program and experience because the history, culture, art, architecture of Europe comes alive. Young people are reading the great classics and they are studying art, history, and music of these very places, so travel will make the pages come alive and will open them up to greater and more meaningful learning in fun and wonderful settings because the world becomes their classroom. Plus, they are traveling in an intimate environment as our ships have an average capacity of 130 compared to thousands at sea.
What is the special pricing you offer for families?
Grimardi: Young people between ages four and 18 travel at 50% off the cruise price when traveling with an adult. Plus, all of our programs are all-inclusive with meals, entertainment, special Signature Lectures, exciting shore excursions, complimentary use of bicycles, gratuities, complimentary Wi-Fi and transfers of departure and arrival days.