Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has announced its new Uniworld University course for 2025, now available in its online travel agents education program. The course details what’s to come in 2025 for the luxury river cruise line, including five new itineraries, inspired land extensions, more ‘MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®’ Experiences and a brand-new ship setting sail next year, the S.S. Elisabeth.
“We’re committed to equipping our trusted travel agents with the most up-to-date and comprehensive information as we continue to enhance our portfolio,” says Kelly Jackson, MD TTC EMEA. “Our agents are wonderful partners to us, and we’re excited to welcome their clients onboard for another year of one-of-a-kind, bucket list adventures.”
Whether a new member or a registered user, agents who take the course will receive exclusive details about the new offerings for 2025, gaining a better understanding of Uniworld’s overall brand and products. Those who participate in the Uniworld University program receive exclusive travel agent rates offers. Below is a brief overview of the offerings Uniworld University members will learn about in the newly introduced course:
The S.S. Elisabeth and S.S. Emilie Join the Fleet
The S.S. Elisabeth will join the Uniworld fleet in 2025, debuting as a brand-new Super Ship. Complete with all of Uniworld’s signature touches, The S.S. Elisabeth will sail the Rhine River on engaging itineraries such as ‘Castles Along the Rhine’ from Basel to Amsterdam. Another new Super Ship, the S.S. Emilie, will join the fleet in 2026, docking out of the iconic city of Vienna. The S.S. Emilie is a new build inspired by renowned Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, and will also treat travellers to luxurious adventures through Central Europe.
New European River Cruise Itineraries
Due to popular demand, Uniworld continues to introduce additional Cruise & Rail itineraries, with one new route coming soon for 2025, travelling from Paris to Istanbul. In 2025, Uniworld will also launch four brand-new river cruise itineraries throughout Europe including:
‘Wine Roads of France and Portugal’
- This sailing combines guest favourite itineraries ‘Brilliant Bordeaux’ with ‘Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley’ to create the ultimate 18-day journey for wine connoisseurs. Embark on the quintessential voyage through two of Europe’s most revered wine regions, complete with plenty of wine tastings along the way. This trip provides guests the chance to engage with local winemakers, enjoy outdoor adventures in picturesque vineyards, and savour the regional gastronomy that pairs so seamlessly with decadent wines.
Rhine, Moselle & Belgium Grand Discovery’
- A 15-day sailing from Belgium to Switzerland, this trip allows guests to immerse themselves in the cultures of six different countries in Central Europe. Highlights include delighting in classic Dutch snacks in the Netherlands, sampling the renowned wines of Germany, and stopping in Luxembourg for a lesson on important World War II history. Passengers will stroll through the picturesque lanes of Alsace and end the adventure with a scenic drive up a Swiss mountain for a breathtaking finale.
- Explore three of Italy’s most vibrant cities—Milan, Venice, and Rome—and uncover hidden towns along the way on this 13-day adventure. Guests start in Milan to see da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” then pause for an Amarone wine tasting en route to Venice. There, travellers are treated to a private visit to St. Mark’s Basilica, an exclusive excursion only available to Uniworld guests. The itinerary will then dock overnight in the colourful island of Burano, visit the quaint fishing port of Chioggia, and finish in the great city of Rome with a guided tour of its historic and charming sites.
Dutch & Belgian Holiday Celebration
- Uniworld is offering guests more ways to celebrate the holiday season in style. Passengers can celebrate Christmas in Belgium and ring in the New Year in the Netherlands with an 11-day itinerary brimming with holiday cheer. Highlights include sweet treats at Belgian Christmas markets featuring ice rinks and Ferris wheels, as well as time to explore the UNESCO-designated light-adorned centre of Bruges. Then, guests can learn about the arts and culture of the Netherlands, exploring Delft’s renowned porcelain workshops, a museum dedicated to Dutch art and the canal-lined streets of Amsterdam in winter.
Expanded Land Extensions
In 2025, Uniworld is launching a range of new extensions, giving travellers the opportunity to supplement their cruise experience with a land extension before or after their trip in destinations such as Zurich, Madeira Island, Kitzbühel and more. Guests can expect multiple days of engaging excursions, resembling a mini-itinerary, that enrich the overall travel experience and provide deeper exploration and added value. For instance, travellers can start or end their holiday season cruise with a four-day adventure in Switzerland in the picturesque village of Engelberg. The extension includes luxe hotel stays and excursions within the alpine village when the mountaintops are covered in snow, such as the chance to summit over 10,000 feet on top of one of the highest mountains in Switzerland and explore the festive Lucerne Christmas Market.
Meaningful ‘MAKE TRAVEL MATTER’ Experiences
Uniworld’s innovative ‘MAKE TRAVEL MATTER’ Experiences have been inspiring guests for several years and are just one piece of Uniworld’s unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism. Carefully selected by industry experts, ‘MAKE TRAVEL MATTER’ experiences allow guests to immerse themselves in the local communities and wildlife of a destination sustainably while leaving a positive impact. The brand recognizes the importance of these offerings and as a result, is working towards having at least one ‘MATTER TRAVEL MATTER’ Experience on every single itinerary in 2025.
To learn more visit https://www.uniworld.com/.
Image: SS Elisabeth on Rhine river Germany with Stolzenfels Castle