TORONTO — Uniworld’s river cruise brand for Millennials is now available to book with the first itineraries sailing in spring 2018.

U by Uniworld invites “travel enthusiasts aged 21 to 45 to experience nine enticing European itineraries.” The cruise line says U by Uniworld will transform the travel industry paradigm with a fresh approach to experiential travel, introducing a whole new audience to cruising with “fun, immersive, authentic and adventurous itineraries and a seamless way to experience Europe from city to city”.

“Uniworld has always strived to lead innovation in the river cruise industry and we saw a great opportunity with U by Uniworld to reach an entirely new audience,” said Uniworld President & CEO Ellen Bettridge. “River cruising is the best and most comfortable way to experience all that Europe has to offer, in an affordable way, and we’re incredibly proud to create a brand that will broaden the interest in this type of experiential travel.”

Four eight-day itineraries – ‘Rolling On The Rhine’, ‘Germany’s Finest’, ‘The Danube Flow’ and ‘The Seine Experience’ – will 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 the Christmas season in Europe and a special New Year’s Eve celebration.
With a maximum capacity of 120 travellers, the first two U by Uniworld ships – The A and The B – will be all-black outside and feature a sleek interior design with open communal spaces and rooftop lounges.

The A and The B will serve as a fully-equipped waterfront contemporary hotel, taxi, bar, restaurant, café, nightclub and yoga studio, all in one, says the cruise line. “U by Uniworld ships provide the perfect balance between local authenticity and the comfort of home, offering travellers the hassle-free ability to tour multiple cities and countries while only unpacking once.”

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.

“Foodies will salivate over local market shopping with the ship’s chef in Rouen while culture buffs will delight in a guided bike tour of top World War II sites in Nuremberg. Adventurers can rock climb at 6,500 ft. or white water raft, explorers can kayak through UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and solo travellers will love creating a custom drink to their tastes after meeting a Master Distiller at the world’s largest hands-on cocktail exhibit in Amsterdam. Couples can reconnect with romance on a horse-drawn carriage ride in Vienna, and night owls can sample the abandoned buildings of Budapest which have been transformed into the city’s trendiest bars and clubs.”

‘U Hosts’ are on hand to bring guests the local hotspots and hidden gems in each city. Experiences range from visiting a U Host’s favourite nightclub in Amsterdam to wandering along the banks of the Seine on a midnight stroll in Paris. There will be DJs onboard both ships as well as other nighttime entertainment for fun.

The A and The B offer three room categories – Studio, Balcony and Suites – all with river views. The company says suites featuring French balconies and a living room area are perfect for honeymooners and those celebrating a special occasion. 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.

Eight-day itineraries on The A start at US$1,699 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 US$1,999 per person. Starting rates are based on double occupancy and are inclusive of gratuities; port charges are not included. The cruise line’s website is ubyuniworld.com.