Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is taking River Royale out of service this October and transforming her into a new Super Ship. She’ll re-emerge as S.S. Bon Voyage in April of 2019. River Royale is the line’s second ship to be upgraded to Super Ship status.

S.S. Bon Voyage will operate on the Dordogne and Garonne rivers in France. She’ll feature new design and décor inspired by the region. In keeping with the French theme, food and beverage options will be entirely reimagined. New onboard venues include a casual dining option in the space formerly known as the Blue Fox Café. It will open up to the new pool and serve casual fare. In the evening, the space becomes an alternate bar. It will also host culinary experiences, such as French cooking classes.

Also new is a bistro inspired by Bouillon Pigalle in Paris. It will offer shared plates at dinner, with selections that include authentic pates, escargot and favorites such as Beef Bourguignon. A new buffet will be added to the main dining room, featuring a chef demonstration area. And, the private dining and wine tasting venue, Claret’s, will also be enhanced.

Bon Voyage will feature four new luxury suites, upgraded marble bathrooms in all staterooms, a reconfigured gym and spa and redesigned top deck.

“Luxury is never static, but an evolving concept that considers not only the aesthetic, but also the way service is delivered. For example, there was a time not so long ago, when one would never dream of bringing the chef front of house to cook with guests, but today, immersion is part of the luxury experience,” said Ellen Bettridge, Uniworld president and CEO.

“Our guests want to know where their food sourced, about the local producers and to understand how a dish is prepared and with this river, we have one of the best inspirations in the world. Interest in everything from the original art on the walls to the beautiful local wines poured, means going beyond satisfying traditional service expectations, to deliver a standard of service that brings the guest closer to the destination at nearly every touchpoint. It is what the Uniworld Super Ship experience is all about.”