PHOTO: The staterooms aboard S.S. Maria Theresa revel in elegance. (Photo courtesy of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection).

THE PULSE: Uniworld to introduce another new ‘Super Ship’ in 2015 

WHY IT RATES: The luxury river cruise line finds a growing market by giving its new ships an individual décor. Each one-of-a-kind vessel has a sumptuous, Old World ambience, unlike some other lines that operate interchangeable ships with simple, modern interiors. – Theresa Masek, TravelPulse cruise editor

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection proudly announces its next new Super Ship, S.S. Maria Theresa, will be launching in spring 2015. Uniworld’s S.S. Maria Theresa is befittingly named after the Archduchess of Austria and Queen of Hungary and Bohemia, the great Maria Theresa who reigned from 1740 to 1780. The S.S. Maria Theresa will sail this very region on Uniworld’s "European Jewels " from Budapest to Amsterdam. She will also sail on "Tulips & Windmills," "Danube Holiday Markets," and "Enchanting Christmas & New Year’s" Cruise.    

“We are delighted to name our new 2015 Super Ship after such a great historical figure as Maria Theresa, who had a long and wonderful legacy,” said Guy Young, president of Uniworld. “In addition, Maria Theresa was the mother of Marie Antoinette, so in the spirit of our award-winning ship, S.S. Antoinette, we are confident the S.S. Maria Theresa will be equally as magnificent.”

Uniworld’s unique approach to river cruise ship building differs from their competition on several levels, which is quite evident from the recent launch of their new Super Ship, S.S. Catherine sailing the South of France’s Rhône and Saône rivers.

“The S.S. Catherine has been sailing for a month, and we have received amazing feedback on the ship and its wonderful amenities from the first guests sailing onboard,” said Young. 

Unlike a mass market, cookie-cutter approach, Uniworld’s ships are all distinctively designed and decorated with the same signature touches for which Uniworld has become known—rich in character with inspiring original hand-selected art, classic furnishings, and old world antiques.

“We spend significantly more than any other river cruise line to ensure that each ship is one-of-a-kind and represents a luxury product,” said Young. “Our philosophy for the expansion of our fleet is built on the premise of healthy and sustainable growth with a focus on the comfort of our guests.”

Uniworld is one of the few river cruise companies to handle all of their own hospitality and hotel management efforts, as well as food delivery.

“At the forefront of everything we do is attention to detail, so no corners are ever cut at the expense of our guests,” said Young. “With the popularity of river cruising growing and more ships being built, Uniworld’s goal is to not be the biggest but to deliver a consistently outstanding experience to our guests.”

Be among the first to sail on the S.S. Maria Theresa in 2015. Couples who pay in full at the time of booking can save up to $1,800 on the S.S. Maria Theresa’s all-inclusive itineraries. This value-packed savings program expires June 30, 2014.

SOURCE: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection press release