Uniworld Boutique River Cruises to Add Two New Ships

Luxury river cruise line, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, will charter two new Super Ships, the S.S. Victoria and S.S. Elisabeth. The S.S. Victoria will begin sailing Europe in 2024, while S.S. Elisabeth will start sailing Europe in 2025.

Uniworld is taking over the ships from Seaside Collection and Riverside Luxury Cruises under a three-year, bareboat charter agreement for each ship and will create the signature Uniworld experience on existing itineraries with an all-Uniworld crew. The line will also add the brand’s trademark touches and amenities.

Before joining Riverside Luxury Cruises, the ships were part of Crystal Cruises’ river fleet as Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler.

“We’re thrilled to add two stunning new ships to the Uniworld fleet, beginning with the S.S. Victoria on the beloved Rhine, fulfilling our promise to maintain the best and most luxurious ships on the rivers,” said Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld.

“Riverside Luxury Cruises is focused on quality over quantity and has therefore decided to temporarily lease two of its yet-to-be-launched ships,” Jennifer Halboth, CEO of Riverside Collection, the Americas, told TMR. “Our intention has never been to be a large provider and this decision allows us to grow strategically over time…”

Identical sister ships, the S.S. Victoria and S.S. Elisabeth can accommodate 110 guests in 55 suites and staterooms. All rooms feature full-length windows directly in front of king-size beds for panoramic views of the passing scenery. Each ship also boasts an up to 759-square-foot two-bedroom suite – a Uniworld first.

“The S.S. Victoria and S.S. Elisabeth are unique vessels that we know our guests will love, featuring a modern design, some of the largest suites on the rivers, and an ambiance that exudes contemporary luxury,” Bettridge said.

Other ship highlights include a massage room, gym, bistro, rooftop bar and grill, and fine dining restaurant.

The S.S. Victoria will be the first to set sail at the start of the 2024 season. It will debut in March in Amsterdam with the eight-day “Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time” itinerary. S.S. Victoria will also sail the line’s eight-day “Castles Along the Rhine” itinerary from Basel to Amsterdam, as well as the 10-day “Magnificent Moselle and Rhine” and eight-day “Belgium Holiday Markets” itineraries.

The S.S. Elisabeth is scheduled to set sail in 2025.