How Do You Elevate the "#1 River Cruise Line"? February 11, 2019
It's hard to believe it's 2019 already. A new year always comes with high hopes, and here at Uniworld, we're already rolling out some of our resolutions. Thanks to my amazing Uniworld team, we're on track to deliver a menu of exciting advancements that will unfold over the next two years. Get ready for a steady stream of new ships, new routes and splendid refurbishments to debut through 2021.
We’re elevating the brand by offering onboard and onshore experiences that can’t be found anywhere else—and we’re doing it by constantly evolving. Because your tastes and preferences are always changing, we’re never stagnant. We’ve pledged to grow and change with you. It started in 2017 with the launch of the fantastically French ship S.S. Joie de Vivre. We followed up in 2018 on the Danube with the Austrian-themed S.S. Beatrice.
At the beginning of this year, we introduced our guests on China’s Yangtze River to the lavish and spacious Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer. The ship boasts the largest cabins and suites in the region as well as an unparalleled 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio. In April, we will unveil the transformation of the River Royale into the S.S. Bon Voyage. Her new design highlights the region’s world-renowned wine and gastronomy. I’m excited to taste for myself and look forward to meeting some of you when I host the 2019 River Heritage Club Reunion Cruise on the June 30, 2019 sailing of Brilliant Bordeaux.
Even more excitement is in store for 2020, when four new Super Ships will join our fleet on the heels of the S.S. Bon Voyage. Now more than ever, we’re emphasizing what’s onboard and designing the ships to reflect their destinations in a way you’ve never seen. By 2020, 60% of our ships will be Super Ships, redefining luxury along the world’s most legendary waterways with their enhanced dining venues, additional suites, grand staircases and average capacity of 130 guests.
In Vietnam and Cambodia, guests will sail onboard the newest ship on the Mekong, the Mekong Jewel. Launching January 3, 2020, this dazzling new all-suite vessel will allow you to experience Southeast Asia’s beauty in stunning fashion. In Egypt, we’ll be introducing guests to the newest ship on the Nile, S.S. Sphinx. She’ll launch on January 6, 2020, and will transport you in style to countless bucket-list destinations. Portugal’s Douro River will be the home of the new S.S. São Gabriel. Launching March 26, 2020, this new vessel will replace the Queen Isabel, with onboard butler service and a higher staff-to-guest ratio. Plus, all top-deck accommodations will be suites. Launching March 27, 2020, Italy’s River Countess will become S.S. La Venezia, boasting a transformation inspired by “The City of Water.”
Also for 2020, we’re adding a brand-new itinerary, Rhine, Moselle & Blissful Baden-Baden, where guests will enjoy a myriad of wellness opportunities along the Moselle. As I write this I’m nursing a sore back, and a trip to the world-famous spa town of Baden-Baden sure sounds inviting. Nestled in the beautiful Black Forest, Baden-Baden has long drawn tourists to its mineral-rich thermal waters. Established over 2,000 years ago as a destination for relaxation, the city’s thermal waters are known for their healing powers, which you can experience for yourself with a trip to the Caracalla Spa and Sea Salt Grotto. I wish I could sign up for a relaxing massage right now.
I invite you to see how we’re continuing to offer the most impressive experience on the rivers, this year and beyond.