Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is gearing up for a busy 2024 season, which will include the debut of its newest ship, an extended Cruise & Rail program, a new pre-cruise extension in South America, and much more.

New ships

Uniworld has added two new Super Ships to its fleet, the S.S. Victoria and S.S. Elisabeth, which will begin sailing in Europe in 2024 and 2025, respectively. Both ships have been chartered under a three-year bareboat charter agreement with Seaside Collection.

The S.S. Victoria will set sail in March on a variety of itineraries currently operated and accommodating up to 110 guests in 55 luxury suites and staterooms. The ship will debut in Amsterdam onboard the eight-day ‘Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time’ cruise through Belgium and The Netherlands, followed by the eight-day ‘Castles Along the Rhine’ itinerary from Basel to Amsterdam and the 10-day ‘Magnificent Moselle and Rhine’ itinerary across two rivers. It will conclude the season with the eight-day, holiday-themed ‘Belgium Holiday Markets’ sailing roundtrip from Brussels.

New cruise & rail itineraries

In 2024, Uniworld will launch five new Cruise & Rail itineraries in Europe, including:

• Delightful Danube & the Castles of Transylvania: This 15-day itinerary begins in Istanbul then weaves through Transylvania, highlighting medieval towns and iconic landmarks like Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s castle. The river cruise portion will sail through Budapest and Vienna on the River Duchess, gliding through the Wachau Valley.
• Milan, Venice, Istanbul & The Balkans: Beginning in Milan, this 19-day journey includes a river cruise in Venice on the S.S. La Venezia, as well as exclusive experiences like a private evening lighting ceremony at St. Mark’s Basilica and a visit to Chioggia. Guests will then embark on the rail portion of the journey to Istanbul.
• Venice, Istanbul & the Balkans: This 17-day itinerary starts with a private train journey to Istanbul, visiting Alpine lake towns and historic cities across Eastern Europe. Guests will then sail to Venice onboard the S.S. La Venezia, currently the only river cruise ship sailing in the Venetian Lagoon.
• Grand Alpine & the Jewels of Veneto: Guests will kick off this 15-day journey in Budapest and Vienna and explore the Alps via a luxury overnight train. Highlights include a lunch on Lake Como, sampling Swiss fondue in Zurich and a private visit to Slovenia’s Postojna caves. The trip continues to Venice and beyond onboard the S.S. La Venezia.
• Grand Alpine & the Enchanting Danube: This 14-day adventure begins with a river cruise on the S.S. Maria Theresa, sailing on the Danube River. Guests will continue on a luxury train journey through the Alps, travelling through Italy, Switzerland and more.

More India 

Uniworld is adding more dates in 2024 to its popular cruise and rail itinerary in India, ‘The Sacred Ganges & The Maharajas  Express’. The trip will now operate from Kolkata to New Delhi in 2024, instead of Kolkata to Mumbai. Guests can expect once-in-a-lifetime experiences like visiting local villages along the Ganges that few people every get to see, as well as two trips to the Taj Mahal, at sunrise and sunset.

Rivers of the world 2024 

Uniworld has announced its second annual Rivers of the World cruise for 2024, which will be even bigger than its inaugural sailing. The 55-day journey will depart on Oct. 3, 2024, from Lima, Peru, welcoming 40 guests on an unforgettable journey spanning three continents, 10 countries, and four luxurious Super Ships. The itinerary begins in Lima with a kick-off party in the Peruvian Amazon, followed by a journey along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers in Europe. After experiencing the French countryside, guests will whisk off to Southeast Asia where they will enjoy a candlelight dinner at the Kravan Temple in Cambodia, a rooftop gala dinner with spectacular views of the Saigon skyline and much more.

Exclusive added experiences 

In 2024, Uniworld is offering a brand new pre-cruise extension for its Peruvian Amazon itinerary called ‘Rio de Janeiro & Iguazu Falls’.  The five-day itinerary travels through Brazil and Argentina, starting in Rio, then heads to the iconic Iguazu Falls, the largest system of waterfalls in the world across a mile-and-a-half stretch of cliffs.

Additionally, back by popular demand, Uniworld’s themed ‘70s night’ will return onboard its European itineraries.

Special savings 

Uniworld is running an Early Booking Savings Offer where guests who book and pay in full by Oct. 31 for select 2024 cruises can save an additional 10%.

In addition, the company is offering a limited time sale on select 2024 Bucket List trips, when booked by Oct. 31. Guests can save up to $4,000 on popular itineraries like ‘Ultimate France,’ ‘Peruvian Amazon & Machu Picchu Exploration,’  ‘Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong’ and more.

Both offers are combinable with standard River Heritage Club, past guest member benefits.

Uniworld University 2024 

Travel advisors are encouraged to complete the What’s New for 2024 certification on the online training portal, Uniworld University. Upon completion, they will be included in Uniworld’s online directory of preferred advisors, receive a badge to display in their e-mail signature, and be eligible for fares up to 60% off of the standard Uniworld cruise fare. The 2024 course includes details on their two newest ships, the new Cruise & Rail itineraries, all pre- and post- cruise land extensions including extended travel with sister-brand Adventure World, the Rivers of the World itinerary and training for Uniworld’s online advisor booking engine, River Currents. 

To learn more or book a river cruise with Uniworld, visit uniworld.com/ca.

Source: Travelweek