Cruising Rebound: Uniworld Returns to European Rivers

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has officially returned to the rivers of Europe, as its newly transformed Super Ship S.S. La Venezia departed on its inaugural sailing on June 20th, 2021. The luxury river cruise company is the first North American river cruise line to resume operations in Europe since the pandemic began, departing from Venice, Italy and celebrating with the sabering of a champaign bottle while cruising the Venetian Lagoon. Uniworld's President and CEO, Ellen Bettridge, is joining clients and the crew for the debut sailing as the company marks this monumental moment.

"We're overjoyed the day has finally come to set sail again, welcoming back our loyal guests not only for the first sailing of the reimagined S.S. La Venezia, but the first European sailing for any North American river cruise line," says Ellen Bettridge, President & CEO of Uniworld.

"The wellbeing of our guests and our crew is our main priority and we're honoured they have entrusted us to welcome travel's return. We're taking all necessary precautions to ensure they are comfortable and have enhanced our already stringent security and sanitation protocols," she concludes.

Uniworld's Milan, Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy itinerary commenced on June 18th, 2021 in Milan, where guests spent two days before travelling to Venice where they boarded the completely transformed S.S. La Venezia. Inspired by the work of celebrated Italian artist and textile designer Mariano Fortuny, this floating boutique hotel features the signature touches the company's ships are known for - more suites, more dining areas with space for social distancing and more luxurious finishes, while maintaining the high crew to guest ratio.

Bettridge will also be sharing a preview of the journey on social media, to showcase the incredible experiences Uniworld guests can expect and highlight the enhanced Covid-friendly precautions. Some of which include: a face scanner to identify guests and take their temperature every time they board the ship; mandatory mask wearing in hallways and public spaces, but not while outside or seated; booth seating in the dining room and no self-service for dining areas to help with social distancing; and the greatly improved disinfecting and air filtration systems installed on the ship.

"Restarting this itinerary is only the first step in getting all of our ships back on the rivers this year," Bettridge adds. "There's so much to look forward to with the debut of the all-new S.S. Sphinx launching in Egypt September 25th, and we'll also begin sailing the Peruvian Amazon September 1st aboard the Aria Amazon."

Cruises will restart in France shortly after Italy, with first departures for S.S. Bon Voyage on June 27th, S.S. Joie de Vivre on July 4th and S.S. Catherine on July 11th. As always, sailings are inclusive of all meals onboard, premium spirits and wine, beautifully appointed river view accommodations, offshore excursions, airport transfers and onboard gratuities and Wifi.

Click here for a complete list of cruises opening for travel.

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