Some of the most famous rivers in the world, including the Mekong in Vietnam and the Nile in Egypt, will become the playground for new river cruises set to launch in 2020.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection announced plans for expanding its fleet via the addition of 3 new luxury vessels that will set sail along the Mekong, Douro, and Nile rivers beginning next year.
Line's ship anchored in Italy (River Countess) is also due to undergo major refurbishments and emerge as "SS La Venezia" in spring 2020. Uniworld's fleet has an average passenger capacity of 130 (per boat).
The new river ships and 2020 itineraries include:
- SS Sphinx is due to set sail on January 6, 2020. Expected to become the only luxury river line in Egypt, Uniworld's SS Sphinx will offer 3 gourmet dining destinations, massage room, swimming pool, and 42 suites. Ship's 12-day itineraries include some of the top sites in Egypt and end in Cairo.
- SS Sao Gabriel, launching on March 26, 2020. Food and wine will be major themes aboard the newest vessel destined for Portugal's Douro river. Guests can expect an itinerary highlighting the best of Portuguese cuisine and the premier wine-growing region of the country.
- RV Mekong Jewel, due to sail in Vietnam and Cambodia. The newest river cruise on the Mekong River has been specifically designed with the environment in mind, with such features as a special paint that claims to create less drag; energy-efficient LED light fixtures; energy-efficient air conditioning system; more efficient and high-performance propellers. The 13-day itinerary is due to launch on January 3, 2020, taking passengers from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, Angkor Wat.
- SS La Venezia, Venice. River Countess is scheduled to undergo major refurbishments and to re-emerge as SS La Venezia. Her itineraries include a visit to Milano to see Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” and sail around the Venetian islands Burano, Mazzorbo, Torcello. Ship's launch date is set for March 27, 2020.