Uniworld to focus on cruise tours for millennials

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This was published 6 years ago

Uniworld to focus on cruise tours for millennials

By Sally Macmillan
U By Uniworld will focus on Millennials.

U By Uniworld will focus on Millennials. Credit: Jesse Morrow

Making a splash – U by Uniworld

Upmarket river cruise company Uniworld is renowned for its ultra-luxe, one-of-a-kind river ships. Its fleet sails the waterways of Europe, Russia, Egypt, south-east Asia and China and includes four lavish super ships; the latest, Joie de Vivre, made its maiden voyage in France last month.

River cruising is often perceived as being for the older generation but Uniworld is looking to attract a younger audience. Its new U by Uniworld brand is for Millennials in the 21 to 45 age bracket, and offers a pared-down holiday experience that will suit active, independent-minded travellers who want to explore Europe in the comfort of a floating boutique hotel – but don't want everything organised for them.

The newly launched Silver Muse will visit Australia during the 2018-19 season.

The newly launched Silver Muse will visit Australia during the 2018-19 season.

Uniworld is stripping down two of its oldest ships, River Ambassador and River Baroness, and rebuilding and redesigning them to cater for a maximum of 120 passengers. The A and The B will have sleek black exteriors; interiors will feature cool designs, open communal spaces, rooftop lounges and three room categories – studio, balcony and suites, all with river views.

Suites featuring french balconies and a living room area will appeal to honeymooners and those celebrating a special occasion, balcony rooms are ideal for pairs, while studio rooms that can accommodate up to three people will suit groups of friends travelling together. Solo travellers can take advantage of single rooms or special room share rates.

Starting in April 2018, The A and The B will offer four eight-day cruises on the Rhine, Main, Danube and Seine rivers, with overnight stops and longer stays in major cities such as Paris, Vienna, Amsterdam and Budapest. Onshore experiences are designed to allow ample time for passengers to meet locals, discover restaurants and bars in each city and enjoy independent discovery and guided excursions.

For example, a Street Art Walk in Paris takes you to socially and ethnically diverse neighbourhoods to check out contemporary culture not found in museums; the Mixologist's Dream tour in Amsterdam visits the House of Bols for tastings and cocktail-making. Fitness-focused off-ship activities include paddling and kayaking down the Main and Pregnitz rivers in Germany, bike tours just about everywhere, plus rock climbing and white-water rafting.

Fares will include two gourmet meals a day, coffee and tea, and gratuities, and start from $2499 for eight days on The A. The B sails exclusively on the Seine River, from Paris to Normandy, with fares starting from $2999. Sounds like this style of river cruising will appeal to all age groups; Uniworld is keen to hear comments and suggestions on its Facebook page. See ubyuniworld.com/au

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MEET THE CREW

NAME Rachael Hudson, from Manchester, Britain

POSITION Pixels Host (in Two70) and singer, Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas

MY JOB Through the magic of music, dance and aerial acrobatics, and with the help of my Harmony Sisters and dancing Pixels, I take the audience on a journey to another dimension. This all takes place in Two70, our immersive multimedia venue.

A TYPICAL SEA DAY… starts with a morning trip to the crew cafe for a coffee and a catch-up with friends, and if the weather is nice I walk around the top deck. Usually I'll have lunch in the Two70 cafe, where they do great salads and yummy sandwiches, and follow up with a trip to the gym. Then it is on to make-up and hair, sound check, a costume change and then – show time! Shows can start as early as 5pm and as late as 10.45pm. When the curtain closes, the whole cast eats together before heading to bed.

FAVOURITE CRUISE MOMENT I have been lucky enough to be part of original casts and inaugural seasons with Royal in China and Australia; it's always special to be part of something new.

FAVOURITE CRUISE PORTS Sydney – it has everything you could ever want and need in one place – beaches, shops, great food and amazing views. I love waking up and gazing at the Opera House out of my porthole! Milford Sound in New Zealand is also breathtaking – it's not officially a port but it is one of the most stunning places on earth and I never tire of looking at those views.

TIP

Smart Traveller recommends ensuring that any medications you're packing are legal at your destinations by checking with the countries' consulate or embassy. See smartraveller.gov.au

NEWS

Cirque du Soleil at Sea

dropbox.com/sh/hc07vcwbmxkbb1k/AABMjDGDCiIyt-p2kX1W9btza?dl=0

MSC Cruises' glamorous new MSC Meraviglia – to be christened by the equally glamorous Sophia Loren in France, on June 3 – is the first ship ever to present shows by world-renowned theatrical group Cirque du Soleil. The Cirque du Soleil at Sea program features two distinctly different shows, exclusively created for MSC Meraviglia; both Sonor and Viaggio will be performed six nights a week. The ship's Carousel Lounge has been designed specifically for the shows and hosts a maximum of 413 guests, who can choose a three-course dinner show or a cocktail show. Bookings are essential, online or onboard. MSC Meraviglia will sail the western Mediterranean from three home ports: Genoa, Barcelona and Marseille. See msccruises.com.au

Muse cruises Australasia

Silversea's newly launched Silver Muse will make its maiden visit to Australia during the 2018-19 season, on its 16-day voyage from Bali to Sydney. It will call at Komodo, Kupang, Darwin, Cairns, Townsville, the Whitsundays and Brisbane before docking at White Bay on January 6, 2019. Silver Muse is the flagship of Silversea's fleet of five "classic" ships and four luxury expedition ships, is a little bigger than Silver Spirit and accommodates a maximum of 596 passengers in 300 spacious balcony suites. It has eight restaurants, a new Arts Cafe – which will showcase changing exhibitions of paintings and sculptures – an ultra-indulgent spa and the elegant Observation Library. Book the Bali-Sydney cruise by June 30 to save 10 per cent; Sydney-Auckland cruises are expected to be announced soon. See silversea.com

Double-size Danube ship

Just after APT christened its latest Concerto-class ship, AmaKristina, the company announced that it would be building a new river ship that will be twice as wide as the rest of its vessels. AmaMagna will have 97 extra-large, 27-square-metre ocean-style staterooms, multiple dining options, a gym big enough to hold small group fitness classes, a heated swimming pool with a whirlpool and a sky bar on the sundeck. In a first for river cruising, AmaMagna will feature an open-water sports platform complete with Zodiacs, canoes and recreational equipment. It will also debut a quieter and more fuel-efficient engine. APT's Chris Hall says it will be in a class of its own. "We believe that now is the time to launch this game-changing style of ship." See aptouring.com.au

DEAL OF THE WEEK

Combine eastern Mediterranean ports, the Arabian Gulf and India with ecruising.travel's latest 24-night fly-cruise-land package. After two nights in Rome, the 15-night cruise on Celebrity Constellation to Abu Dhabi includes a two-day crossing of the Suez Canal. Fly to Delhi for a six-day round-trip to Jaipur and Agra. Departing November 10; from $5299. Phone 1300 369 848. See ecruising.travel

MORE DEALS

TRAVEL ASSOCIATES Sail from Melbourne to Hong Kong on Queen Mary 2 in a balcony stateroom for the price of an inside stateroom, on the 37-night cruise departing February 22, 2018. From $9799, including an onboard credit; offer valid until June 30 or until sold out. Phone 1800 044 066 and quote deal code 4707616. See travel-associates.com.au

LINDBLAD EXPEDITIONS Save $1000 and receive a free flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia when you book the 16-day South Georgia and Falklands expedition departing October 24, 2017. An experienced team of onboard experts includes an undersea specialist and National Geographic photographer. From $18,910, when booked and paid in full by July 31. Phone 1300 361 012. See au.expeditions.com

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