Johannesburg - The 2016 sailing season is well underway and in preparation for 2017 Uniworld is proud to announce a range of exciting updates and changes that come into effect next year.
A new ship
It was recently announced that a new ship will be launched in March 2017. The 128-guest Super Ship, S.S. Joie de Vivre, will sail the Seine River on the popular 'Paris & Normandy' cruise in France. Designed to reflect the French 'joy of living' philosophy and the country's 'profound appreciation for food, wine, art and music', the newest jewel in the crown will feature interiors by Red Carnation Hotels, Uniworld's sister company. When in Paris she will dock in the heart of the city.
Two new cruises
2017 will also see the introduction of two new all-inclusive European river cruises in Germany and France.
Cruising from Nuremburg to Cologne in Germany, the new ten-day 'Rhine-Main Discovery & Munich' itinerary begins with two nights in Munich, followed by a seven-night cruise along the Main and Rhine. Highlights of the new itinerary include visiting the Neuschwanstein Castle and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Würzburg Residence.
Uniworld's new ten-day 'Paris & Impressions of the Seine' itinerary will take guests to the historic Montmartre area of Paris, the Alabaster Coast, the Château de Bizy, Monet's garden at Giverny, Rouen's Museum of Fine Art and Orsay Museum in Paris. Select departures will be part of Uniworld's 'Connoisseur Collection', showcasing the region's food and wine offering.
New themed cruise
Uniworld will be introducing a fifth themed cruise in 2017. Currently guests can choose from the Connoisseurs Collection, the Monarch Collection, Christmas Market and Generations themed cruises. A Jewish Heritage cruise, 'Bridges of Understanding', is new for 2017 and will explore Jewish heritage through the heart of Europe exploring the rebirth of communities through new immigrations. Cruise guests will enjoy lectures on the “History of Jews in Europe” and “Jewish Intellectuals, Writers, Musicians and Painters” plus onboard tastings and an introduction to Kosher cooking. The hand-picked guides will be drawn from the local communities and will be Jewish.
Port charges, room service and breakfast in bed
Port charges will now form part of Uniworld's all-inclusive offering for all 2017 cruises and guests will be able to order room service during breakfast on all company owned ships. Uniworld will have a 24-hour room service offering during breakfast, lunch and dinner where guests who do not wish to dine in the main dining area can order a choice of what is being served for any particular meal. Uniworld will also offer a selected bistro menu for 24-hour room service
Concierge services
In 2017 all guests will be afforded the option to truly tailor make their cruise through the use of the on board concierge. The concierge will book guests tickets of the latest theatre shows or make a booking for a private dinner in the hottest restaurant in town. Whatever the client would like to personalise their Uniworld will be made possible by our concierge.
Discontinued cruise
The 'Rhine Discovery & Prague' cruise will be discontinued in 2017 and is set to be replaced by the 'Rhine-Main Discovery & Munich' which will play host to the new Jewish Heritage themed cruise.
Adapted from a press release for IOL