Cruising for young travellers is finally here
U by Uniworld, the new youth brand from Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, is now available for bookings.
The brand hopes to bring all the good stuff from cruising to travellers aged 21 to 45, without the cliches of older generation cruising, giving youngin’s the chance to experience nine European itineraries beginning in April 2018.
The first-ever cruise offering of its kind, U by Uniworld has transformed the travel industry paradigm with a fresh approach to experiential travel, introducing an entire new demographic to cruising.
“The U by Uniworld brand is built on a foundation of Uniworld’s river cruising expertise and the leadership in youthful travel of its sister brands Contiki and Busabout,” said Brett Tollman, Chief Executive of The Travel Corporation (TTC).
“The official sales launch of U by Uniworld reflects the unwavering determination and drive of The Travel Corporation to continue to innovate and contribute to the travel and tourism industry. We look forward to seeing this exciting new TTC brand become established, successful and grow in the coming years.”
With a maximum capacity of 120 holiday-makers, the first two U by Uniworld ships – The A and The B – will come complete with black exteriors and feature a sleek, cool interior design with open communal spaces and rooftop lounges so guests can enjoy scenic river views while sipping on craft cocktails.
The A and The B will be a travellers’ everything – from contemporary waterfront hotel and taxi, bar, to restaurant, café, nightclub and yoga studio.
The A and The B also come with three room categories — Studio, Balcony and Suites — all with river views. Suites featuring French balconies and a living room area are perfect for honeymooners and those celebrating a special occasion, whilst balcony rooms are ideal for pairs, and groups of friends travelling together can enjoy Studio rooms that can accommodate up to three passengers. Solo travellers can take advantage of single rooms or special room share rates.
Fiona Dalton, Managing Director for Uniworld Australia commented, “The positive feedback we’ve received about U by Uniworld from our trade partners over the last three months has been exceptional and has translated into a pent-up demand for bookings, so we’re very excited to “open the doors” today and get sales underway.
“With only two ships in 2018, and a fantastic price point starting from $2499 twin share for seven nights, we’re encouraging all our partners to let their clients know to book early to avoid disappointment.”
The itineraries
Four eight-day itineraries — Rolling On The Rhine, Germany’s Finest, The Danube Flow and The Seine Experience — sail the Rhine, Main, Danube and Seine Rivers, with overnight stops and longer stays in major cities like Paris, Vienna, Amsterdam and Budapest.
Three Super Cruise options combine two or more U itineraries into one 15 or 22-day bucket list journey. U by Uniworld also offers two five-day holiday itineraries–Dashing Through The Danube and A Merry Little Christmas Cruise – for those who want to experience the magic of Christmas time in Europe and a special New Year’s Eve celebration.
Available only on The A, these festive itineraries include a trek through a Bavarian Forest to Passau’s Christmas Market; a Viennese “Taste of Christmas” excursion; and an exclusive, classic Christmas concert in Klosterneuburg Abbey.
U by Uniworld’s lineup of onboard programming includes Wine & Paint Classes, where passengers can sip on a glass of local wine while painting the scenery before them; Mixology Classes taught by the master bartenders onboard; and Chef’s Table Cooking Classes, a tasty way to experience the culinary riches of each destination.
Each day on U by Uniworld, guests are given the flexible options to explore onshore destinations in one of three ways—included excursions and activities, optional “U Time” outings, or a self-guided tour of the cities.
When night falls, “U Hosts” are on hand to take guests to the local hotspots and hidden gems in each city. Experiences range from visiting a U Host’s favorite nightclub in Amsterdam to wandering along the banks of the Seine on a midnight stroll in Paris, where travellers will experience Paris at one of the most magical times of the evening before venturing off for a night out or head back to the ship where DJ’s will be onboard for the ultimate entertainment.
Eight-day itineraries on The A start at $2,499 per person and include sailings along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. Pricing for The B, which sails exclusively on the Seine River and throughout France, starts at $2,999 per person. Starting rates are based on double occupancy and are inclusive of gratuities and port charges.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
brett tollman the travel corporation U by Uniworld uniworldLatest News
New Caledonia in lockdown and airport closed after violent riots rock Noumea
New Caledonia officials have announced a 6pm-6am curfew, a liquor ban and have closed the country’s main airport after overnight riots in which vehicles were torched and roads blocked in the wake of proposed constitutional reforms. Australian Government website Smartraveller has issued an alert informing visitors to exercise a high degree of caution in metropolitan […]
‘Appalling’: Alliance for Gambling Reform CEO describes gaming rules at sea after P&O death
Gambling reform policy makers are shocked at the news surrounding the passing of a guest onboard last week.
Sydney gets excited for Vivid at the city’s favourite entertainment venues
Get lit! Well maybe not the kiddies, but there is a heap of bright and colourful events on at Vivid Sydney 2024.
Novotel Cabramatta launch reveals the start of new hotel and F&B partnership
Brothers will offer hotels bang for their buck in Sydney's booming southwest.
Roots & Heritage Tourism in 2024 with Italian Tourist Board’s Emanuele Attanasio: Travel Weekly TV
Don't blame us if you're yearning for a carb-filled pasta lunch after watching this week's episode!
Aeronology accepted into Virtuoso network as travel-tech company continues to thrive
Aeronology's the new kid on the block making big waves and lucky for you, we're here to get you up to speed.
Qantas suspends flights to Shanghai due to low demand
Low demand prompts Qantas to drop its Sydney-Shanghai flights like a hot dumpling.
From Castle Hill to Paris, local wellness cosmetics brand makes good in world’s best hotels
The harsh glare of our monitors on the news desk have been relieved somewhat by this local brand done good...
Ponant’s $2500 flight credit reward for polar expeditions booked by ANZ travellers
Tap into your inner explorer an save a couple of $K on flights? The trade-off will be frozen fingers.
Portugal, Spain or Morocco? Here’s how to spend a European summer in 2024
Hit a festival in Spain, enjoy a Portuguese tart or take in the raw beauty of North Africa. This feature has it all!
Vietjet’s summer lucky draw event, plus business flights slashed in half
It's not even winter yet and Vietjet's already talking about summer. We certainly aren't judging them!
ERDI offers a path for hospitality leaders of the future, says hotel group CEO
Teaching the next gen in hospo how to serve drinks, take a restaurant order and hold a conversation - yep we're in!
Marketing costs double for tourism operators as Australia’s global footprint shrinks
Cost of living crisis? Forgeddaboutit! If you run a tourism business, your costs have doubled since Covid.
APT adds fourth ship to Travelmarvel fleet in Europe to meet demand
APT punches above its weight in European river cruising - let's see what its got when it comes to naming conventions.
Getting married? W Melbourne has three new packages perfect for the special day
The 'W' themed lights and settings are optional, we hope!
SKYE Suites gets behind Australian Fashion Week, partners with Shark Beauty
We were hoping to get a start at a fashion week event, but apparently our dress sense wasn't up to scratch...
Roadshow Vietnam focus on Ho Chi Minh City heads to Sydney and Melbourne
It's all happening tomorrow in Parramatta and we're sure you'll be able to find a good bahn mi somewhere.
NCL announces two new Aussie BDMs as cruising goes from strength to strength
Cruising may be getting stronger, but we want to know which new BDM is the strongest. We should arrange an arm wrestle.
Inspiring Vacations announces Josh Grocke to new partnerships role
We're sure the best partnerships come about over a long lunch, something Josh will certainly be looking forward to.
Dondra Ritzenthaler announced as Azamara’s new CEO
Dondra's got big news to celebrate, meanwhile we're celebrating a break in the rain today in Sydney.
TTC’s hosting a masterclass series for Aussie agents unlocking the secrets of its five brands
Become an agent of many hats with TTC's new masterclass series!
Dorsett Melbourne appoints new director of sales Maggie Wong
This top female team at the Dorsett Melbourne aims to take the hotel to new heights - even the lucky eighth floor.
Western Sydney Tourism unveils fresh board ahead of ’26 airport opening
'Connect-Stay-Experience', that's the Western Sydney's tourism taskforce's motto. We sort of prefer 'West Is Best'!
From Olympians to mindset coaches, Helloworld’s OMC conference wraps in style
Say hello to a good time and make sure you're at 2025's edition!
Bunnik Tours welcomes KJ Phillips as the new BDM for QLD
We apologise in advance for winding Karen up as our State of Origin sledging begins to ramp up.
Drifter to usher in new age of affordable hybrid accommodation in Christchurch
Sort of like a hostel, but far, far ritzier!
Icebergs restaurateur Terzini joins Mangan at Sydney International Airport
Forget McDonald's or the sushi that's been there all day, dining at Sydney Airport just got a whole let better!
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge: A beacon of luxury in the Kruger
If the lead image wasn't enough to convince you this is next-level luxury, take a peep inside.
Delegates ready for Africa’s travel showcase Travel Indaba at Durban ICC
How's it? We've requested a bag full of biltong on our reporter's return from this shindig.
APT’s world-first hydraulic-powered restaurant and bar ‘will be the envy of river cruises’
It may have been laughed off at first mention in the APT offices, but now it's here, APT are on top of the game!
Administrators appointed in wake of Air Vanuatu collapse – but there is hope
Another one bites the dust. We hope you sang to the tune when reading that!
South Australian beach crowned best ‘hidden gem’ in the country
Stoked baby! Or was that a typo?
Avalon Airport champions low-cost rail connection from Melbourne CBD
Avalon rail connection? Bring it on! In two years, say officials, but we say they've got Buckley's.
2024 Green Revolution Summit brings travel heavyweights into green fuel discussion
It's almost like the organisers read our article on sustainable fuel this week.
Wendy Wu Tours first China mega-famil for 100 travel agents will be full of Wow!
China travel guru Wendy Wu should have no trouble ordering 100 dumplings for key travel agents on her mega famil.
Oaks Hotels & Resorts gets behind Netball’s Suncorp Super League
So Netball Australia draws its moral line somewhere between Gina Rinehart and Oaks Hotels & Resorts.