Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has today revealed what’s new for 2023 and given a taste of its 2024 collection, with a promise to take river cruising “to a whole new level of luxury.”
Three brand new Rhine itineraries in Europe, an extended Mekong river cruise, new cruise extension offerings, plus an exciting new cruise and rail pairing in India make up the additions to the 23/24 collection.
Uniworld’s President & CEO, Ellen Bettridge, who is in Sydney to headline the CLIA Cruise360 conference this week, is also in Australia to launch Uniworld’s 2023/24 program.
“Innovation is always at top of mind for us at Uniworld,” said Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO. “Each year, we strive to make the next river cruise season even better than the last. We’re rolling out fresh new offerings and expanding our portfolio with experiences that we’re confident both new and loyal guests will enjoy.”
So what’s new at a glance? For starters, new Itineraries
In 2023, Uniworld will launch three brand-new itineraries across Europe, including the 15-day Grand Central Europe, the 10-day Zurich & the Rhine River Valley and an 8-day Belgian Holiday Markets itinerary.
Updated Itineraries
Existing Uniworld itineraries are being revamped for 2023 in Italy and Vietnam. Aboard the S.S. La Venezia, guests will receive an even more immersive experience in the ship’s namesake city of Venice and the Veneto region on the Milan, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto sailing.
Additionally, the Timeless Wonders of Vietnam & Cambodia itinerary will go from 13 to 15 days, with two added days in Vietnam’s fascinating capital city of Hanoi at the end of the journey staying 2 nights at the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel.
Exclusive New Evening Experiences
Initially introduced in 2022, Uniworld’s ‘Nights Out’ private evening experiences will be included on almost every European itinerary in 2023.
New experiences include an evening at Faber-Castell in Nuremberg on the Delightful Danube itinerary; an after-hours visit to Bassins des LumieÌres in Bordeaux, the largest digital art center in the world devoted to major historical artists on the Brilliant Bordeaux sailing; and a private visit to Saint Sava church in Belgrade with a concert from the boys’ choir and brandy tasting from the Monks on the Highlights of Eastern Europe trip.
New Masterpiece Collection Experiences
Uniworld is adding new immersive shore excursions to their Masterpiece Collection portfolio, available to guests at an added cost. Masterpiece Collection optional excursions take shore exploration to the next level with unique activities that showcase a destination’s authentic culture, sights and cuisine.
In 2023, Uniworld guests will have the option to visit the renowned Anne Frank House in Amsterdam; take a Bavarian country cooking class, visit a Bavarian farm or take a sausage-making workshop in Germany; explore Germany’s mystical Black Forest and more.
New Trip Extensions
New extensions include 2 nights in Interlaken in conjunction with the Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland itinerary; 4 nights at the Red Sea Post in conjunction with the Splendors of Egypt & The Nile trip; a 4-night rail add-on to/from Venice and Zurich; and a 4-night roundtrip rail add-on to/from Budapest.
“Australian and NZ travellers also like to plan ahead to ensure they get access to the top suites and French Balcony staterooms. So we now have a beautiful 2023/24 brochure to share,” said Bettridge.
Added value for Australian and New Zealand travel advisors
To launch 2024 cruises, Uniworld is giving Australian and New Zealand guests the first pick of every cabin on every itinerary before international guests are invited as well as offering Early Booking Savings of 10%.
“With 2023 bookings from Australia and NZ up by 38% on 2019, it is clear that travellers from this market are going big, booking longer itineraries and higher cabin categories,” added Bettridge.
“41% of the bookings on our version of a world cruise, the 46 night Rivers of the World 2023 travelling from Cairo to Lisbon, are from Australia and NZ, which is fantastic!
Ellen Bettridge said she believes 2024 is an exciting opportunity to show Uniworld’s continued excellence and response to the needs of guests and travel partners.
“I’m thrilled to show our guests that we’re aiming to elevate again in 2023 and in 2024 to provide them the best destinations, the best fleet of ships and the best luxury river cruise experience.”
For more, head to www.uniworld.com.au
