Uniworld commits to France

The Travel Corporation’s Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has shown its solidarity with France, with the launch early next year of its newest European river ship, the SS Joie de Vivre proceeding on schedule despite recent attacks which have dampened demand. The commitment is a contrast to the reaction of Crystal Cruises, which has delayed plans to deploy two of its new vessels on rivers in France and will instead shift focus to the Rhine. Uniworld managing director, Fiona Dalton, said “there has never been a more important time to reaffirm our commitment to France, the French people and French tourism. We want both the travel industry and the Australian traveller to know just how much we genuinely value our relationship with France. The best way to demonstrate our unrelenting solidarity is to ensure the successful launch of this unquestionably elegant and luxurious river ship”. Uniworld has also debuted its 2017 European program with an “unprecedented” fly free offer, with complimentary air provided in conjunction with all itineraries of 13 days or longer. The air deal for shorter cruises is also a bargain $899 per person, with economy travel provided on Etihad, Qatar Airways and Cathay Pacific. Business class add-ons start at $3,999 per person for 13 days plus voyages, or $4,299 for cruises of up to 12 days. The program expands Uniworld’s ‘all inclusive’ offer, with 24 hour room service and on-board concierges in addition to top shelf beverages, gratuities on and off the ship and transfers. The 2017 program includes a new 10-day ‘Rhine-main Discovery and Munich’ trip, along with a 10-day ‘Paris & Impressions of the Seine’ voyage which delves into France’s artistic heritage, including visits to Monet’s famous gardens at Giverny as well as the Versaille Palace. The SS Joie de Vivre will sail the popular ‘Paris & Normandy’ itinerary, docking in the heart of the City of Lights.