The river cruise industry is gearing up for what very well could be one of the most exciting decades ever. Uniworld Boutique Cruises not only announced several new itineraries recently but also took the wraps off two brand-new ships: S.S. Alexandra and S.S. Catherine.
Set to launch in the spring of 2014, S.S. Alexandra will be a sister-ship to Uniworld’s highly popular S.S. Antoinette, which entered service in 2010 and featured several trend-setting features for the line, such as an indoor swimming pool; a massive crystal-chandelier-adorned atrium; and full open-air balconies that create a stunning conservatory with the push of a switch. When S.S. Alexandra enters service, she will operate along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.
In an interesting twist, the S.S. Catherine will be a sister-ship to the 2006-built River Royale, which recently underwent a significant refurbishment that left her looking more stunning and modern than ever. At 361 feet in length, the S.S. Catherine will operate voyages throughout France.
“There is no doubt in my mind that both S.S. Alexandra and the S.S. Catherine will continue to set new luxury standards in river cruise ships in Europe,” says Guy Young, Uniworld’s President.
Closer at hand, Uniworld will invigorate its popular Douro River sailings in Portugal by introducing the brand-new Queen Isabel on the run next year, replacing the Douro Spirit that has operated all of the line’s 2012 itineraries. “The Queen Isabel will have a more classic Old World style and elegance similar to Uniworld’s other ships in Europe, which are all uniquely designed and decorated,” Young says.
In 2013, Uniworld will also become the only North American-based river cruise line to offer sailings along Italy’s Po River and the Venice Lagoon. The Splendors of Italy will consist of a week-long river cruise along the Po River and the Venice Lagoon, coupled with a two-night stay in beautiful Florence and a three-night stay in Rome. It is also available as an 8-day, cruise-only itinerary, Venice and the Po River.
Other new itineraries for Uniworld in Europe include Grand Danube & Prague, a 14-night voyage exploring seven different countries including five UNESCO Heritage Sites; and Uniworld’s Highlights of Eastern Europe sailing through five inspiring countries: Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, and Serbia, all covered from the comfort of your river cruise ship aboard this 8-day voyage.
More information on Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, its fleet and itineraries, can be found by viewing our complete company and fleet overviews here on River Cruise Advisor.
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