Uniworld promises 'new era' with launch of first Super Ship

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ UK and Europe managing director has promised a “new era” for the brand with the arrival of the first of four new Super Ships.

SS Emilie will begin its inaugural season this weekend and will be followed by three more new-builds due to be delivered in 2027 – sister vessels SS Marlene and SS Audrey – and SS Rafael.

Speaking on board SS 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 SS 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 the ‘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,” said Townson. “And we are replicating that product in Europe.”

Townson revealed 37% of sales from the UK market are for long-haul itineraries and he 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 the UK had a 47% return rate in 2025 and reported a 42% increase in year-on-year revenue.

Townson said SS Emilie had “opened up significant extra volume” and one of its Danube itineraries has become 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 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 stressed 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.”