Exclusive experiences, special programming, surprise sailings, and themed cruises will define Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ Limited Edition Collection of cruises – a series of special departures operating only once or twice this summer.
The Collection includes inclusive LGBTQ+ sailings hosted by gay and lesbian travel veterans; floating art workshops with special guest artists; cycling-themed cruises; and more on select dates in 2023.
“Our Limited-Edition Collection is full of incredible journeys, created to bring like-minded travellers together for extra special trips that are unique to our portfolio,” says Uniworld President and CEO Ellen Bettridge. “Plus, some offerings in the collection are offered for one-time only, such as our surprise Mystery Cruises and world trips spanning the globe.
In 2024, a special women’s cruise for will be added to the collection.
Here’s a look at Collection cruises:
Mystery Cruises
Back by popular demand, Uniworld is bringing back its Mystery Cruise offerings, with two all-new surprise Mystery Cruises departing June 18 and July 7. The 10-day trips are a mystery and both completely different, with exciting surprises and over-the-top inclusions at every turn. New this year, guests will be told the airports that they will need to fly in and out of, for the opportunity to extend their European vacation. Plus, Uniworld’s President & CEO, Ellen Bettridge, will be hosting the July departure.
Mystery Revealed: Salzburg & The Danube
Hosted by special guest Jacqui Gifford, Editor and Chief of Travel + Leisure magazine, Mystery Revealed: Salzburg & The Danube is a one-time-only repeat of Uniworld’s fall 2022 Mystery Cruise, departing June 2. The 10-day trip is a one-of-a-kind journey that starts with a private, two-day stay at the Salzburg Hotel Übergossene Alm followed by a cruise through Austria, Germany, Slovakia, and Hungary on the S.S. Maria Theresa. Special onboard events and onshore excursions that go the extra mile and can’t be found anywhere else on the rivers happen daily, including a reception with an Austrian Count in his ancestral castle, an after-hours viewing of Klimt masterpieces at the Belvedere, an onboard Bavarian theme night and more.
Rivers of the World Cruises
Uniworld is debuting its longest journeys yet, with world cruises taking guests to multiple countries and continents in a single bucket list journey. The inaugural 2023 Rivers of the World cruise will depart on May 20 from Cairo to Lisbon. The 46-night journey will span nine countries and two continents aboard five luxurious Super Ships, visiting Egypt, the Mediterranean, the Alps, Central Europe, and Northern France.
Uniworld recently announced its second world cruise, the 2024 Rivers of the World trip, that will depart on Oct. 3 from Lima to Ho Chi Minh. The 54-night trip will be even further reaching, spanning ten countries and three continents across South America, Europe, and Southeast Asia aboard four Super Ships.
Out! On the Rivers LGBTQ+ Sailings
Out! On the Rivers special sailings are hosted by gay and lesbian travel veterans Gregg Kaminsky & Kelly Carpenter. The trips feature special programming such as LGBTQ+ performers, dance parties, themed events and more. Options include ‘Out in Bordeaux!’ on May 14 aboard the ‘Brilliant Bordeaux’ itinerary, and ‘Out in the Tulips!’ on April 14, 2024, aboard the ‘Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time’ itinerary.
Butterfield & Robinson Cycling-Themed Trips
Uniworld guests can explore Europe by river and bike via its exclusive partnership with award-winning tour operator Butterfield & Robinson on select Cycle & Cruise dates – Sept. 10 on the Danube River from Munich to Budapest and Sept. 16 on the Rhine River from Basel to Amsterdam. Itineraries will take guests through multiple culturally rich countries while only having to unpack once aboard a floating boutique hotel. Cycling routes are provided and showcase Europe’s spectacular scenery, as well as customized bicycles, detailed maps, a support vehicle, and expert bike guides. Bicycles include a handle-bar mounted tablet with preloaded route maps as well for easy navigation.
Floating Art Workshops
Travellers interested in sharpening their art skills can join a Floating Art Workshop with Larry Aarons on the ‘Brilliant Bordeaux’ itinerary on April 30, or ‘Delightful Danube’ itinerary on Aug. 9. Larry Aarons is a renowned portrait and landscape artist who will serve as an art instructor and mentor, providing workshops designed for all skill levels with simple methods that he’s developed to make drawing easy and fun.
Or, guests interested in art history can join the Floating Art Workshop with Leora Raikin on the ‘Venice & The Jewels of Veneto’ itinerary on Aug. 13. Leora Raikin is an international speaker and artist that teaches audiences to critically read art within a historical timeframe. Onboard, she’ll host a two-part series including an art lecture on the life and works of David Labkovski, a Lithuanian Jewish painter whose works vividly bring history to life, and a small group art workshop.