By
Alex Smith |
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is to add two new ships, the S.S. Victoria and S.S. Elisabeth, to its fleet in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Uniworld will take over the ships from the Seaside Collection under a three-year, bareboat charter agreement for each ship, and will add its own style and amenities to both ships while operate them on existing itineraries. The ships were previously 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.” says Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld. “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. Onboard, guests can expect our tiny noticeable touches throughout every aspect of the experience, from the impeccable service provided by the Uniworld crew they know and love to the multitude of all-inclusive amenities available to them.”
S.S. Victoria and S.S. Elisabeth can both accommodate 110 guests in 55 suites and staterooms. All rooms feature full-length windows directly in front of king-sized beds, providing panoramic views of passing scenery. Suite categories will offer features such as walk-in closets and fireplaces, while Uniworld’s first two-bedroom adjoining suites will offer up to 759 square feet of space.
Other features onboard the ship’s include a massage room, gym, bistro, rooftop bar and grill, and a fine dining restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Like all Uniworld Crusies, dining venues will feature local ingredients gathered by the chef in each destination daily.
S.S. Victoria will be the first of the new ships to set sail at the start of the 2024 season, sailing a variety of currently operated itineraries. The vessel will debut in March in Amsterdam with an 8-day ‘Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time’ itinerary, sailing through Belgium and The Netherlands.
S.S. Elisabeth will set sail in the 2025 season, with further details to be announced.