NEWS SPECIAL REPORT


Uniworld in ‘new era’ U


niworld Boutique River Cruises has promised a “new era” for the brand with the arrival of the


first of four new Super Ships. Emilie began its inaugural season


last weekend and will be followed by three more new-builds due to be delivered in 2027 – sister vessels Marlene and Audrey – and Rafael. Speaking on board Emilie in


Amsterdam, Chris Townson, managing director for the UK and Europe, said: “We are coming into a new era for Uniworld with these three sister ships [and Rafael]. “We are creating a huge


buzz off the back of them, but we are also working on product development with longer journeys.” The luxury river operator


has launched a cruise-and-tour programme in Europe following “massive success” with its Spectacular Journeys long-haul collection, which combines river cruises with land tours, luxury hotel stays and rail journeys. “We are on a roll with long-haul


and are replicating that product in Europe,” said Townson. He revealed that 37% of


sales from the UK market are for long-haul itineraries and saw “no reason” why the combined cruise-and-land product could not account for 50% of the business in the next 18 months. He added


12 26 MARCH 2026


a new era for Uniworld with these ships – we’re creating a huge buzz off the back of them


that the UK had a 47% return rate in 2025 and reported a 42% increase in year-on-year revenue. Townson said Emilie had “opened up significant extra volume”, with one


of its Danube itineraries becoming the second-highest-selling product for the UK market for 2026. He also outlined an opportunity


for UK agents to book more European river cruises this year amid the conflict in the Middle East, with more customers wanting to switch destinations and prices rising for land-based holidays. Townson added: “This is a


great opportunity to work with our partners in a chaotic marketplace. Everything has changed overnight


stressed that bookings for Egypt were “really strong” for 2026 and 2027 because of “pent-up demand” following the pandemic. “The Brits are resilient and will


navigate their way through this,” he said. “We have seen uplift for 2027 for long-haul, which shows they still want to go away.”


SHIP OFFERS LUXURY BOUTIQUE FEEL


Laura Featonby, owner, Laura’s Travel “Emilie is a real all-rounder with


fantastic service and decor, spacious cabins and incredible food. This ship is for anyone who wants a luxury boutique feel and a city break. It would be a perfect fit for someone aged 40 onwards who wants to splash out, not just a typical luxury client. This is not overwhelming or formal by any means. People will feel at ease on board.”


Jess Trickett, business development manager for cruise and long-haul, Designer Travel


“Having attended Clia RiverView last week and seen eight different river ships there, you can see the Uniworld ultra-luxury difference. The furnishings are opulent, the service is always on point and the attention to detail is incredible with all the nods to art nouveau throughout the ship. The luxury high-end hotel or land-based traveller would absolutely love this.”


Heather Newman- Mitchell, cruise consultant, Mundy Cruising “The service and


design are second to none. The crew are kind and caring and remember your name. The ship is spotless and every area has a special touch and design, which makes a difference. The suites are beautiful and artwork and fabrics throughout are stunning. This could appeal to a lot of people, from families with teenagers to the 50-plus market.”


The Danube-sailing Emilie features pictures of paintings by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt


River ship launch: Line unveils Emilie, the first of four new-builds. By Ella Sagar in Amsterdam We are coming into


and the reality is there will be fewer Americans travelling, which is our main source market, and that will mean more stock for the UK.” Despite the conflict, Townson


travelweekly.co.uk


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