U by Uniworld’s ‘A’ Takes Its Maiden Voyage on the Rhine
by Kerry Tice
The sundeck aboard U by Uniworld's A. Photo: Uniworld
U by Uniworld’s second ship aimed at a new generation of adult river cruise travelers embarked on its maiden voyage on Apr. 14 along the Rhine.
The A is a 120-passenger, sophisticated ship intended to appeal to a different type of traveler. Although U by Uniworld was originally designed exclusively for the Millennial market (with passengers falling within the 18-40 age range), the age restriction was lifted shortly after the new ships went on sale in an effort to accommodate demand, according to company officials.
With two ships now equipped with amenities like built-in Bluetooth speakers, USB ports at most seating areas and an internal WhatsApp communication system, the company is still aiming to appeal to a younger demographic, without necessarily dictating an age range.
“We’re thrilled that our second U by Uniworld ship has officially set sail on the Rhine today,” said Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld. “U continues to bring adventurous and curious travelers a completely new river cruise experience, with longer stays in destinations that allow guests the chance to truly immerse themselves in the local culture.”
The A is a brand new ship that will sail on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers through the Netherlands and into Central Europe. Guests onboard can take part in inclusive features such as mixology classes, silent discos, yoga, wine tastings, and farm-to-table dining.
Excursions onshore include an evening tour of a medieval castle, a visit to Amsterdam’s famous Keukenhof’s tulip gardens, and a scenic bike tour and wine tasting at Eberbach Monastery (the filming location for the widely popular “Game of Thrones”).
Dining onboard ranges from comfort food to organic, healthy options utilizing ingredients from the local markets of cities along the respective rivers.
The ship features four suites, 26 balcony bedrooms, 29 studio bedrooms and two studio bedrooms with triple occupancy. All accommodations offer waterfront views and flat-screen TVs, as well as organic BeeKind amenities.
Sailings on the A start at $187 per person, per day, with eight-day itineraries offered along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers, including two that are holiday-themed.
