Three new European River Cruises, refreshed itineraries, a new ship in China and the debut of the renovated River Royale.
Uniworld had plenty of exciting news for us last night during an elegant dinner held for the who’s who of the travel industry at Dunbar House in Watsons Bay.
Here are some of the highlights.
1. New & Renovated Ships
Following the upcoming unveiling of its newest Super Ship the S.S. Beatrice, Uniworld will introduce a new ship to its guests on the Yangtze river in 2019, the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer.
Uniworld President & CEO Ellen Bettridge said the ship was selected for its “incredibly high standards of luxury,” including 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 theatre, library, and expansive spa, beauty and fitness facilities.
Uniworld also announced an extension to its 11-day Highlights of China & The Yangtze itinerary with the introduction of new six-day pre-trip to Mongolia including visits to the Gobi Desert and capital city, Ulaanbaatar.
Other developments underway in 2019 include an interior transformation of the River Royale, Uniworld’s intimate ship in the Bordeaux region of southwestern France; the inclusion of onboard and onshore personnel gratuities for all Uniworld itineraries in Russia, Asia and Egypt and an expansion of the brand’s all-inclusive onboard beverage program to Russia, Asia and Egypt.
2. New Itineraries
In 2019, Uniworld will offer three new itineraries in Central Europe.
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, offers a unique perspective on this singular German wine-making region and allows guests to fly roundtrip via Frankfurt. Uniworld has arranged bus and train transfers between the final port of Cologne and the Frankfurt airport, as well as luggage transfer service.
3. Enhanced Itineraries
Uniworld will also enhance several itineraries on rivers throughout the world in 2019. In Europe, after a hiatus in 2018, the company will bring back its seven-night Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time itinerary and expand from seven to 10 days its popular Jewish culture and heritage itinerary, Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland.
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, Uniworld is enhancing its Golden Triangle & Sacred Ganges itinerary with the introduction of a comprehensive wellness program centred around the destination’s ancient tradition and practice of yoga.
Available on every sailing, the complimentary program – led by a certified and resident yogi, will celebrate the holistic health benefits of yoga with daily sessions introducing the different types of yoga, group lectures and classes as well as individualised meetings, so that guests at every stage of their practice can participate in this culturally immersive program comfortably.
An accompanying “Nutrition and Wellness Food” menu has also been developed especially for this program. Featuring organic items and guidelines for eating healthy, the menu will be available daily during breakfast, lunch and dinner service.
This Indian itinerary also offers an exclusive Uniworld “ME to WE,” alternative pre-cruise option, an immersive and transformative guest experience that brings them closer to the local communities of the destinations Uniworld visits.
In India, guests begin their 2-night tour with a Poja, a traditional Hindu prayer ceremony signalling the start of the experience, stay in the luxurious mountainside Aravalli Cottages and Tented Camp, participate in a community development project, sample traditional Indian food and bear witness to age-old Indian traditions.
In Egypt, which Bettridge says is “rebounding to unprecedented levels,” Uniworld will introduce two new optional extension trips in 2019; 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 offer luxury accommodations, sightseeing and transfers, and will match the high standards that guests will experience on the River Tosca.
The plans for the coming year are aimed at continuing to differentiate the product, delivering to customers the world’s foremost river cruise experience and helping agents make the sale.
Ellen Bettridge and Fiona Dalton last night.
“We are committed to two things: delivering to our guests the best, most luxurious river cruise experience in the world and to providing our partners with the tools and training to share this extraordinary experience with their clients”.
Uniworld President & CEO Ellen Bettridge.