Two new ships for Uniworld Boutique River Cruises


Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is thrilled to announce the addition of two new Super Ships to its fleet, the S.S. Victoria and the S.S. Elizabeth, set to sail in Europe in 2024 and 2025, respectively.

Uniworld will take possession of the ships from the Seaside Collection as part of a three-year lease agreement for each vessel, ensuring the typical Uniworld service on existing itineraries with a crew, services, and comforts in line with the Uniworld brand principles. Before joining Riverside Luxury Cruises, these ships were part of the river fleet of Crystal Cruises, known as Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler.

“We are excited to add two splendid new ships to the Uniworld fleet, starting with the S.S. Victoria, which will sail on the beloved Rhine River, fulfilling our promise to keep the best and most luxurious ships on the rivers,” says Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld. “The S.S. Victoria and the S.S. Elizabeth are unique ships, and we know our guests will love them for their modern design, the presence of the largest suites on a river ship, and an environment that exudes luxury and contemporary elegance. On board, guests can expect our ‘Tiny Noticeable Touches’ in every aspect: from the impeccable service provided by the Uniworld crew, which our guests already know and love, to the multitude of all-inclusive offerings at their disposal.”

The S.S. Victoria and the S.S. Elizabeth are identical ships, each capable of accommodating 110 guests in 55 luxurious suites and cabins. All rooms feature similar designs and furnishings, differing only in size and shades, with floor-to-ceiling windows directly in front of king-size beds for breathtaking views of beautiful landscapes. On board, guests will find premium materials and finishes such as leather, velvet, and marble, while some suite categories will also have more lavish amenities like walk-in closets, fireplaces, and up to 70 square meters of space in the first dual-suite configuration on Uniworld ships.

Other ship highlights include a massage room, a gym, a snack bistro, a sun deck bar with a barbecue corner for cocktails and light meals, as well as a refined restaurant for gourmet breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Like all Uniworld cruises, the restaurants will feature “farm-to-table” cuisine using fresh local ingredients gathered by the chef in each destination they visit every day.

The S.S. Victoria will be the first to set sail at the beginning of the 2024 season, embarking on a variety of itineraries. The ship will debut in March in Amsterdam on the 8-day “Belgium & Holland in Tulip Time” cruise through Belgium and the Netherlands, blending the classic Amsterdam tulip experience with historic cities, vibrant cultures, and plenty of Belgian sweets. Next, the S.S. Victoria will set sail on the 8-day “Castles Along the Rhine” itinerary from Basel to Amsterdam, featuring fairytale cities, historic castles, and exquisite wine traditions.

The ship will also navigate two rivers on the 10-day “Magnificent Moselle and Rhine” itinerary, providing an in-depth look at multiple fascinating cities and their deeply rooted history. Finally, travelers can opt for the 8-day “Belgium Christmas Markets” themed holiday round trip from Brussels, mixing famous Christmas markets in charming small towns during the most magical time of the year.

The S.S. Elizabeth is set to sail for the 2025 season, with more details to come.

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Saskia Pacifico

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