If you need any more proof that U by Uniworld is a radical departure from traditional river cruising, just look at The B's matte black exterior finish.
This is not your grandfather's river cruise. In fact, it's geared exclusively towards millennials.
While the full product launch isn't until April 2018, a sneak peek was given with a brief inaugural voyage onboard The B-formerly Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection's River Baroness. The riverboat now services 21-45-year-olds.
"We're thrilled to make history with the launch of U by Uniworld and introduce a whole new generation to river cruising," said Ellen Bettridge, President & CEO of Uniworld, in a press release. "It's very exciting to see this vision come to life and to have such influential, well-traveled young people onboard to experience it for the first time."
The debut occurred on October 7, 2017 in Paris, France as The B sailed along the Seine River with social influencers, lifestyle media, travel agents and contest winners aboard. The riverboat's godmother, guardian angel, supermodel and philanthropist Petra Nemcova was also on hand to ceremonially rename the vessel.
"It's truly an honor to be named 'Guardian Angel' of The B ship," said Nemcova, in the release. "For me, travel has always been a bridge - not only to the world's most marvelous places, like Paris, but to the people that bring these destinations and attractions to life and U by Uniworld will give young travelers the opportunity to be among like-minded people."
The ceremony also included a drum circle, the sabering of champagne and the releasing of biodegradable lanterns to represent the transformation of the ship. The evening concluded with dancing to the pop-electro alternative rock sounds of local band SHINE.
U by Uniworld shipboard programming includes the chance to camp on the top deck or get some yoga in, as well as partake in a silent disco party and mixology, impressionist paint and wine courses. On land, activities encompass excursions like breakfast on a Gastronome bus, a treasure hunt at the Louvre, secret tour of Versailles or Paris City Roofs tour.
Meanwhile back on The B, up to 120 guests can be accommodated in redesigned accommodations including four Suites, 26 Balcony Bedrooms, 29 Studio Bedrooms and two Studio Bedrooms with triple occupancy. All staterooms feature waterfront vistas and built-in Bluetooth speakers.
Upholding sustainable tourism, organic BeeKind amenities are provided while WhatsApp and email replace traditional paper daily guides. In fact, U by Uniworld is developing its own app to be ready by March 2018 that will connect travelers before, during and after sailings. Bar and restaurant menus are alternatively displayed onscreen, and a Press Reader app supplies news services as well.
Other features extend to two rooftop venues, a spa, mixologists, international disc jockeys, communal dining tables and farm-to-table fare. Delicious courses may include Bea Tollman's Spaghetti Pomodoro, U by Quinoa Burgers, Miso Marinated Wild Salmon and Peanut Butter Bacon Chocolate Bars.
[READMORE]READ MORE: U by Uniworld Names Petra Nemcova 'Guardian Angel'[/READMORE]
There will be four 8-day itineraries-The Seine Experience, Rolling on the Rhine, Germany's Finest and The Danube Flow-on the Rhine, Main, Danube and Seine Rivers. Overnight and extended stays will be showcased in the likes of Paris, Vienna, Amsterdam and Budapest.
There will also be two 5-day holiday itineraries-Dashing Through The Danube and A Merry Little Christmas Cruise-available.
In April 2018, two ships will begin regularly sailing for the new U by Uniworld brand as The A will join The B with fares starting at $200 per person per day.
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