Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is poised to have one of its most successful years to date in 2014, as the company ushers it newest vessel, the S.S. Catherine, debuts two new itineraries sailing through France’s acclaimed Bordeaux region, and introduces additional personalized shore excursion options for guests. That, in addition to increasing the inclusive nature of Uniworld’s river cruising product.

Next year, Uniworld will expand its complimentary services and amenities on all of its European-based river cruises to include unlimited fine wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks and bottled water, in addition to including all gratuities both onboard and ashore in the cruise fare. Currently, the company provides non-alcoholic beverages, beer and wine gratis during lunch and dinner, complimentary Wi-Fi internet access, and all transfers on arrival and departure days.

Guy Young, Uniworld’s president, remarked on the decision to offer a more inclusive product, saying: “Our decision to move to offering a truly all-inclusive experience was based largely on feedback from our guests and travel agency partners. We believe this will help us further establish our position at the very top of the river cruise sector.”

Next year, Uniworld will also take delivery of the S.S Catherine, sister-ship to the line’s highly successful S.S. Antoinette. S.S Catherine will share the same trendsetting elements that have made her earlier sister so popular – but in keeping with Uniworld’s commitment to providing its guests with unique river cruising experiences, she will not be a direct clone of her sister.

“Each ship in the Uniworld fleet is ‘unique,’ fitting into our philosophy … of what a true ‘boutique’ concept means,” Young said. “As such, this is not the cookie-cutter approach used by many of our competitors.”

The S.S Catherine will sail France’s Rhône and Saône rivers, replacing the company’s River Royale, which will move to her new home in Bordeaux.

On the shore excursion front, Uniworld is unveiling more authentic and personalized experiences ashore in 2014. We continue to move away from the ” ‘one size fits all mold’ as that is what a true boutique experience is all about,” Young told us. “Just like the uniqueness of our ships, we are creating the same approach for our guests with a more personalized and unique approach to their onshore experiences.”

Uniworld will also offer the ability to have more interaction with local communities on its “Do as the Locals Do” offerings and the line’s exclusive “Village Days” programs that strive to give guests a look at destinations through the eyes of those who actually live there.

More information on Uniworld Boutique River Cruises can be found on our Uniworld Boutique River Cruise page here on River Cruise Advisor.