Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection announced it will remove MS River Royale boat from service on October 28, 2018 and start extensive renovations, renaming and turning it into the line’s 6th Super Ship. The 2nd vessel to receive the treatment, newly-styled SS Bon Voyage sets sail on April 14, 2019 for cruises on the French Dordogne and Garonne rivers.
The repurposed vessel will introduce a couple of new dining venues. During the day passengers can visit a new casual dining spot. Replacing Blue Fox Cafe, the restaurant opens onto a new pool and serves lighter French-inspired food. Offerings include ham & cheese baguettes, pizzas and Nicoise salads. The location serves as a bar location in the evening as well as a venue for French cooking classes.
At the bow of the boat Uniworld adds new Bouillon Pigalle-inspired bistro where cooks serve locally inspired shared plates, such as Beef Bourguignon, escargot and pates. In the main dining room, River Royale introduces a new buffet with chef demonstration area. Claret’s, the private dining and wine tasting room, will also receive new enhancements.
Elsewhere in the river ship, Uniworld will add 4 luxury suites. SS Bon Voyage will feature higher staff to passenger ratio, lowering the travelers from 128 to 124 and adding staff. Renovations will also change the bathrooms from tile to marble as well as reconfigure the spa and gym. The top deck will be remodelled, adding an outdoor pool, relaxed outdoor lounge and banquette seating.
SS Bon Voyage marks the 2nd time Uniworld repurposed an older cruise ship to become a brand new Super Ship. SS Beatrice, formerly sailing as River Beatrice, began taking guests this April. Uniworld intends to repeat the process with River Empress, rolling it out as a Super Ship next year.