Come mid-2019 and Uniworld’s River Royale will have a completely new look AS WELL AS a completely new name as she undergoes a major makeover to become the river cruise line’s newest Super Ship.
Much-like her sister, S.S. Beatrice’s upgrade earlier this year, River Royale will receive an extensive transformation to become Uniworld’s six Super Ship featuring new luxury suites, enhanced social spaces, new dining facilities and more.
Her makeover will end on 14 April 2019 when she’ll return to the Dordogne and Garonne rivers as S.S. Bon Voyage.
Uniworld’s President and Chief Executive, Ellen Bettridge, said the upgrade of vessels such as River Royale ensure the cruise line is carrying out its belief that “luxury is never static, but an evolving concept that considers not only the aesthetic, but also the way service is delivered”.
So what exactly will change in the process of becoming S.S. Bon Voyage?
Four new luxury suites will be added, changing passenger capacity from 128 passengers to 124 – this will allow the cruise line to further increase the already high staff to guest ratio on the ship.
Image: S.S. Beatrice after a ‘Super’ makeover earlier this year.
There’ll also be an upgrade to all bathrooms from tile to marble, a reconfiguration of the gym and spa facilities and a whole new top deck with a new outdoor swimming pool, outdoor lounge and banquette seating.
Image: S.S. Beatrice after a ‘Super’ makeover earlier this year.
Two new dining venues will be introduced including a casual dining venue, which will replace the Blue Fox Café. Here guests will be able to treat themselves to lighter fare such as ham and cheese baguettes, Niçoise salads and pizzas directly from its pizza oven.
A bistro inspired by Bouillon Pigalle in Paris will be added at the bow of the ship, offering guests shared plates at dinner, reflective of the local cuisine onshore – from Beef Bourguignon to rich pâtés and escargot.
Image: S.S. Beatrice after a ‘Super’ makeover earlier this year.
Other enhancements include a new buffet in the ship’s main dining room with chef demonstration area, and an enhanced Claret’s, the ship’s stunning private dining and wine tasting room adjacent to the main restaurant, will be preserved for special events such as Captain’s Table dining or VIP wine tasting.
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