Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ new Uniworld University course for 2025 is now available in its online travel advisor education program. The course details what’s to come in 2025 for the luxury river cruise line, including five new itineraries, expanded land extensions, more ‘MAKE TRAVEL MATTER’ experiences, and a new ship setting sail next year, the SS Elisabeth.

Uniworld says all course participants who take the course, whether a new member or a registered user, will receive exclusive details about the new offerings for 2025, gaining a better understanding of Uniworld’s overall brand and products.

Further, those who participate in the program will receive exclusive travel advisor rates, points towards CLIA’s Certification Program, listing as a Preferred Specialist on the Uniworld website, and receive a Uniworld Preferred Specialist badge for their e-mail signature.

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 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 Vienna. The S.S. Emilie is a new build inspired by renowned Austrian painter Gustav Klimt that will take travellers through Central Europe.

New European river cruise itineraries

Due to popular demand, Uniworld says it will 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 an ultimate 18-day journey for wine connoisseurs through two of Europe’s most revered wine regions, complete with plenty of wine tastings along the way. The 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 sampling classic Dutch snacks in the Netherlands, tasting the 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.
• ‘Grande Italia’: Exploring three of Italy’s most vibrant cities – Milan, Venice, and Rome – and uncovering 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’: Passengers can celebrate Christmas in Belgium and ring in the New Year in the Netherlands with an 11-day itinerary, featuring Belgian Christmas markets, 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 provide deeper exploration and added value. For instance, travellers can start or end their holiday season cruise with a four-day stay in Switzerland in the picturesque village of Engelberg. The extension includes luxe hotel stays and excursions within the alpine village, 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.

“We’re committed to equipping our trusted travel advisors with the most up-to-date and comprehensive information as we continue to enhance our portfolio,” says Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.