Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has unveiled an array of new offerings slated for 2024. In addition, the brand is expanding its Cruise & Rail program with fresh itineraries spanning destinations like Istanbul, Transylvania, the Swiss Alps, and more. Travelers can look forward to a new pre-cruise extension in South America, the second annual Rivers of the World Cruise, enticing early booking discounts, and more.
Uniworld is enhancing its fleet with the addition of two new ships, the SS Victoria/Crystal Bach and SS Elisabeth/Crystal Mahler, set to commence European voyages in 2024 and 2025, respectively. These ships are secured through a 3-year, bareboat charter agreement. The inaugural voyage of SS Victoria is scheduled for March, presenting a range of itineraries that can accommodate up to 110 guests in 55 lavish suites and staterooms.
For 2024, Uniworld is set to introduce 5 new cruise-and-rail itineraries in Europe:
- Delightful Danube & the Castles of Transylvania: A 15-day journey commencing in Istanbul and threading through Transylvania, exploring charming medieval towns and iconic landmarks such as Bran Castle. The river cruise segment passes through Budapest and Vienna along the River Duchess, meandering through the stunning Wachau Valley.
- Milan, Venice, Istanbul & the Balkans: Starting in Milan, this 19-day adventure encompasses a Venice river cruise aboard the S.S. La Venezia, with exclusive experiences like a private evening lighting ceremony at St. Mark’s Basilica and a visit to the charming southern port of Chioggia. The itinerary proceeds with a rail journey to Istanbul.
- Venice, Istanbul & the Balkans: A 17-day expedition commencing with a private train voyage to Istanbul, encompassing alpine lake towns, historic cities across Eastern Europe, and the Greek seafront. Guests then board the S.S. La Venezia for a Venice river cruise, the only ship currently navigating the Venetian Lagoon.
- Grand Alpine & the Jewels of Veneto: A 15-day odyssey beginning in Budapest and Vienna, featuring an exploration of the Alps via a luxury overnight train. Highlights include Lake Como, Zurich, and a private visit to Slovenia’s Postojna caves. The journey continues to Venice and beyond on the S.S. La Venezia.
- Grand Alpine & the Enchanting Danube: A 14-day adventure kicks off with a river cruise on the S.S. Maria Theresa, sailing along the Danube River. Travelers then embark on a luxurious train journey through the Alps, traversing Italy, Switzerland, and more.
Uniworld is also extending its ship-and-train itinerary in India, "The Sacred Ganges & The Maharajas’ Express," in 2024, with the route now operating from Kolkata to New Delhi (previously Kolkata to Mumbai). This unique experience allows guests to explore seldom-visited Ganges-side villages and enjoy two visits to the Taj Mahal, experiencing both sunrise and sunset views of this iconic monument.
Next are listed the India itinerary (2024) ports by day.
- Kolkata (Embark)
- Kalna
- Matiari
- Murshidabad, Baranagar
- Cruising the Ganges, Khusbagh
- Mayapur, Chandannagar
- Kolkata
- Kolkata (Disembark), Fly to Mumbai
- Mumbai (Embark)
- Udaipur
- Jodhpur
- Bikaner
- Jaipur
- Ranthambore, Fatehpur Sikri
- Agra, New Delhi (Disembark)
- New Delhi
Next are listed the revised (2023) India itinerary's ports by day.
- Kolkata (Embark)
- Kalna
- Matiari
- Murshidabad, Baranagar
- Cruising the Ganges, Khusbagh
- Mayapur, Chandannagar
- Kolkata
- Kolkata (Disembark), Fly to New Delhi
- New Delhi (Embark), Agra
- Agra, Ranthambore
- Jaipur
- Bikaner
- Jodhpur
- Udaipur
- Mumbai (Disembark)
- Mumbai
Operated by the ship Ganges Voyager II, the voyage's prices start from ~US$ 27100 per person (based on double occupancy). Uniworld's pricing is inclusive of Uniworld Tour Manager services (on the ship/during the cruise portion), Tour Manager services (on the train/during the land portion), Wellness Program, onboard culture-themed activities, Group Transfers (on arrival/departure days), domestic flight (between Kolkata and New Delhi/Mumbai), shipboard gratuities, 13 excursions (locally led by English-speaking experts), all meals (on the ship and the train/15 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 15 dinners), beverages (house wine, local beers/spirits, soft drinks, tea and coffee both on the ship and on the train). Ashore, lunches are inclusive of coffee/tea, while dinners are inclusive of more beverages (house wine, local beer, soft drinks, coffee/tea).
The unique voyage features 7 nights of ship cruising, 6 nights on The Maharajas' Express (luxury train), and two 1-night hotel stays (The Oberoi New Delhi and The Oberoi Mumbai/or similar).