What’s Coming to Uniworld Boutique River Cruises in 2019
by Jessica Montevago /
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises revealed its plans for 2019, including adding to its core product of European cruises, a new ship on China’s Yangtze River and the debut of a fully renovated River Royale.
“Together with our agent partners, we finished 2017 as our best year yet – exceeding every expectation and laying the foundation for a tremendous future,” said Uniworld President & CEO Ellen Bettridge, adding 2018 Wave Season bookings are on pace to surpass last year’s record-breaking rate.
Three new itineraries in Central Europe will be introduced next year. The 15-day Alluring Amsterdam & Vienna and 10-day Authentic Danube & Prague itineraries aboard the River Princess will sail the Danube, and by customer demand, according to Bettridge, offer optional two-night extensions in Vienna. The third new itinerary, the 10-day Magnificent Moselle & Rhine aboard the River Queen, will take guests through the German wine-making region. Guests will fly roundtrip to Frankfurt, and bus and train transfers will be arranged between the final port of Cologne and the Frankfurt airport, as well as luggage transfer service.
Uniworld will also debut a new ship on the Yangtze river in 2019, the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer. The vessel boasts the largest cabins and suites on the river, all with private balconies, as well as the highest crew to passenger ratio on the river of 1:1. Other onboard facilities include an observation deck, two-floor theater, library, spa, and fitness center. The 11-day Highlights of China & The Yangtze itinerary will now include an extension, a six-day pre-trip to Mongolia including visits to the Gobi Desert and capital city of Ulaanbaatar.
Several itineraries will be enhanced next year. In Europe, after a hiatus in 2018, Uniworld will bring back its seven-night Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time itinerary. It will also expand its Jewish culture and heritage itinerary, Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland, from seven to 10 days.
Along the Mekong, Uniworld has shortened its Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap itinerary to 13 days and introduced a new four-night extension to Hanoi and Ha Lon Bay that includes one night aboard a luxury junk boat.
In India, the Golden Triangle & Sacred Ganges itinerary will add a wellness program reflecting the destination’s ancient practice of yoga. The program will be available on every sailing, led by a certified and resident yogi who will give lectures, group classes, and one-on-one meetings. An accompanying “Nutrition and Wellness Food” menu, featuring organic items, will be offered daily during breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Uniworld will introduce two new optional extension trips in Egypt – a pre-, four-night trip to Jordan with stops in Amman and Petra that includes a one-way flight between Amman and Cairo; and a post, four-night extension to Jerusalem including a one-way flight between Cairo and Tel Aviv. Both include luxury accommodations, sightseeing and transfers.
Finally, the River Royale, which sails in France’s Bordeaux region, will undergo a refurbishment. The ship was remodeled in 2014, completing the region’s food and wine culture with a new dining space and staterooms designed with sister-brand Red Carnation Hotels.