(January 30, 2025) -- Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is adding French flair to its 2025 Holiday Collection.
The cruise line announced the new 'Magical Parisian Holiday' itinerary, a seven-day voyage along the Seine aboard S.S. Joie de Vivre. The roundtrip sailing will embark from Paris and visit the French countryside, providing passengers with exclusive visits to decorated châteaus, Christmas markets and curated shopping experiences.
The journey begins in the French capital, where passengers enjoy a private tour of Versailles. Along the Seine, S.S. Joie de Vivre will visit Rouen, Caudebec en Caux, Vernon, and La Roche Guyon. Highlights of the itinerary include a walking tour of Rouen, a visit to the Normandy Cider Farm, a private choral performance in Rouen Cathedral, and a private reception at Château de Bizy, as well as various Christmas markets in Paris and the French countryside.
“The holidays are such a special time for families and loved ones to come together, and France is truly one of the most spectacular backdrops for a festive getaway,” says Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld. “For the 2025 season, we’re thrilled for guests to experience this new addition to our Holiday Collection. It’s a fresh way to experience this magical season aboard a decked-out floating boutique hotel that immerses guests in French holiday traditions.”
The 128-passenger S.S. Joie de Vivre also adds to the voyage's immersion. The ship's decor celebrates French culture and 20th-century Parisian design with antiques, original artwork and distinctive accents. For the holiday sailing, the vessel will also boast special decorations, cuisine and drinks that add to the Christmas ambiance.
--Jorge Oliver, Editor
(September 27, 2024) -- Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has unveiled several brand-new themed river cruise offerings for 2025, including the first-ever river cruise itinerary marketed solely to female travelers.
Uniworld’s “Women-Only Cruise” sets out on August 24, 2025 aboard the elegant S.S. Catherine. Sailing from Arles to Lyon, France, this itinerary has been designed by women, for women and includes special events, cocktail parties, and something Uniworld is calling, “Nights Out”. Guests can also look forward to lavender weaving classes, burlesque shows and a decadent chocolate and wine pairing experience.
"Travelers have demonstrated an increasing desire for more specialized and unique experiences, inspiring us to develop a wide range of new themed cruises for 2025," says Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld. "From our first-ever cruise exclusively for women to luxurious, all-inclusive golf packages, we are expanding our portfolio to further cater to a range of interests, passions and communities, all while remaining deeply committed to delivering unforgettable experiences that exceed our guests' expectations."
The line also unveiled several other themed river cruises for 2025, including a premium special Golf Package add-on to the line’s Bordeaux itineraries, and several new music-themed departures.
Uniworld is also bringing back its popular “Generations Collection” sailings designed for families with kids aged 4 to 17 years old. These special sailings take place in Summer 2025 and December 2025, and are planned around school holidays. It’s a great time to try a river cruise for those with younger children: river cruises are typically designed for adults-only.
Uniworld will also return its popular Jewish Heritage Cruises for 2025, and “Out on the Rivers”, a special sailing designed for LGBTQ+ cruisers. The latter will be a Christmas Markets departure, setting out on December 8, 2025 aboard River Duchess.
All 2025 theme voyages are now available to book.
-- Aaron Saunders, Senior Editor, News and Features
(March 12, 2024) -- Uniworld Boutique River Cruises turns 50 in 2026, and the gift to celebrate its Golden Jubilee will be a brand new river ship: the S.S. Emilie.
The new ship draws inspiration from famous Austrian painter Gustav Klimt and is named after the artist's muse and life partner, Emilie Flöge.
“We’re thrilled to introduce a brand-new ship to our fleet in 2026,” says Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. “This outstanding new vessel reaffirms our dedication to providing the best and most luxurious ships on the rivers.”
S.S. Emilie will be based in Europe and will follow the launch of S.S. Victoria, debuting on the Rhine and Moselle rivers in 2024; and S.S. Elisabeth, set to arrive in 2025 and sail the Rhine.
The cruise line has added five more ships to its fleet since 2020: the Mekong Jewel on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia; Aria Amazon on Peru's Marañon and Ucayali rivers; the S.S. São Gabriel on Portugal's Douro River; S.S. La Venezia on the Venetian Lagoon; and S.S. Sphinx on the Nile in Egypt. When it debuts in 2026, S.S. Emilie will become the 19th ship in the river cruise line's fleet.
-- Jorge Oliver, Editor