Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Embarks on a New Era with Two Super Ships

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, renowned for its luxurious river voyages, is setting sail into an exciting new era. The company has recently announced the acquisition of two magnificent Super Ships, the S.S. Victoria and S.S. Elisabeth. These ships are set to grace the European waters, offering an unparalleled Uniworld experience to eager travellers starting in 2024 and 2025, respectively. The anticipation is palpable, as Uniworld takes the helm to infuse these vessels with their distinctive charm and excellence.

These two splendid ships come to Uniworld's fleet after a rather intriguing journey. Originally, they were destined to be operated by Riverside Luxury Cruises, but fate had other plans. Riverside Luxury Cruises had initially acquired them from the defunct Crystal Cruises, where they were known as the Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler. Following this dramatic sequence of events, Riverside now finds itself with a fleet of just three ships - Riverside Mozart, River Ravel, and Riverside Debussy.

Ellen Bettridge, the President and CEO of Uniworld, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, "We're thrilled to add two stunning new ships to the Uniworld fleet, beginning with the S.S. Victoria on the beloved Rhine, fulfilling our promise to maintain the best and most luxurious ships on the rivers. The S.S. Victoria and S.S. Elisabeth are unique vessels that we know our guests will love, featuring a modern design, some of the largest suites on the rivers, and an ambiance that exudes contemporary luxury. Onboard, guests can expect our Tiny Noticeable Touches throughout every aspect, from the impeccable service provided by the Uniworld crew they know and love to the multitude of all-inclusive amenities available to them."

The S.S. Victoria and S.S. Elisabeth are identical sister ships, each capable of accommodating 110 guests in 55 luxurious suites and staterooms. These rooms share a consistent design and atmosphere, with differences primarily in size and subtle nuances. Every room boasts full-length windows that offer panoramic views of the picturesque landscapes that pass by.

As with all Uniworld vessels, the onboard experience is nothing short of opulent. Guests can revel in the use of fine materials and finishes such as leather, velvet, and marble, while select suite categories offer lavish features like walk-in closets, fireplaces, and an astonishing 759 square feet of space in a Uniworld-first two-bedroom accommodation with adjoining suites. To ensure guests have every comfort they desire, the ship is equipped with a massage room, gym, bistro for delectable snacks, a rooftop bar and grill serving cocktails and light bites, and a fine dining restaurant where breakfast, lunch, and gourmet dinners are served. The cuisine is a hallmark of Uniworld cruises, with dining venues featuring farm-to-table dishes created using fresh local ingredients sourced by the chef daily in each destination.

The maiden voyage of the S.S. Victoria is scheduled for the start of the 2024 season. It will commence in Amsterdam with an eight-day "Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time" cruise. This journey combines the classic Amsterdam tulip experience with visits to historic cities, vibrant cultures, and indulgent Belgian sweet treats.

Subsequently, the S.S. Victoria will sail the "Castles Along the Rhine" itinerary, an eight-day voyage from Basel to Amsterdam. This itinerary promises fairytale-like towns, historic castles, and a celebration of fine winemaking traditions. The ship will also embark on the "Magnificent Moselle and Rhine" itinerary, a ten-day exploration of multiple fascinating cities and their deep-rooted history. For those seeking a festive experience, there's the eight-day holiday-themed "Belgium Holiday Markets" cruise, which departs from Brussels and showcases a mix of famous and under-the-radar Christmas markets in charming small towns at the most magical time of the year.

While the S.S. Victoria prepares to dazzle passengers in 2024, the S.S. Elisabeth is gearing up to set sail for the 2025 season. More details about her exciting journeys will be revealed in due course, keeping travelers eagerly anticipating the Uniworld experience on this splendid vessel.

In the world of river cruising, Uniworld's announcement of the S.S. Victoria and S.S. Elisabeth is indeed a cause for celebration. These Super Ships, with their lavish amenities and exceptional itineraries, are set to redefine luxury river cruising in Europe. With Uniworld's unwavering commitment to excellence, the future of river travel has never looked brighter.