A REALM OF NEW EXOTIC RIVER CRUISE POSSIBILITIES
Uniworld eyes Egypt, Portugal, Vietnam, Italy and Cambodia for 2020 destinations
When I talk about river cruising, I usually mention waterways like the Danube, the Main and the Rhine. These three European rivers tend to be the most popular for new and experienced river cruisers, and the intoxicating mix of ports of call they offer — from large cities like Nuremberg and Budapest to smaller locales like Durnstein — make them a great choice.
But exotic river cruises tend to offer a really unique look at some of the world’s more offthe-beaten-path destinations. In the past, I’ve enjoyed my river cruise journeys along Myanmar’s Irrawaddy; Vietnam and Cambodia’s Mekong; and Portugal’s legendary Douro River.
Now, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection (cruise.center/ uniworld) is making a point of bringing its exotic river cruises to the forefront. The line just announced its intention to build four purpose-built vessels set to launch in 2020, destined for rivers in Egypt, Portugal, Italy, Vietnam and Cambodia.
In Egypt, the new S.S. Sphinx will debut on the legendary Nile in January of 2020. Nile River cruising has been slowly growing in popularity again over the last few years, and Uniworld is positioning S.S. Sphinx as one of the premier luxury river vessels in the region. Upon its debut, you can catch it on a 12-day land and cruise adventure that operates round trip from Cairo.
Over in Portugal, the new S.S. São Gabriel will debut in March 2020, sailing a fascinating itinerary through the Douro River Valley. Renowned for its production of port wine, Uniworld will cover this region in luxury: an entire deck has been devoted exclusively to suites aboard this new ship, complete with butler service.
Italy, at first, may not seem like an exotic river cruise destination. It is. The Po River is notoriously difficult to navigate, and Uniworld has been, for many years, the only company to make a successful go at offering river cruises that leave from the grand city of Venice.
Uniworld has operated its pretty River Countess on this run since its inception. Now, the ship will undergo a complete transformation, re-emerging as the S.S. La Venezia when it debuts on March 27, 2020. Little will be left of the original River Countess; Uniworld plans to completely strip and refit the ship’s public areas, staterooms and suites. When it debuts under its new moniker, the S.S. La Venezia will be bookable as a 10-day itinerary that includes a pre-cruise stay in Milan; or as an eight-day journey operating from Venice that includes stops along the Po River and in the nearby islands of Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello.
Lastly, Uniworld is making inroads into the mighty Mekong. This is an amazing and moving voyage, with ports that include small, local villages where everyday life takes on a very traditional appearance; to larger cities like Siem Reap (home of the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat) and Phnom Penh. The latter is particularly moving. A modern metropolis rebuilding itself after the horrors of the brutal Khmer Rouge regime, evidence of this dark past still lingers as an omnipresent reminder.
When I took my first Mekong river cruise, most of the vessels along this run were comfortable, but simple. All that has changed now. Uniworld’s new Mekong Jewel — debuting in January 2020 — will take things up another notch, introducing two main dining venues, luxury suites and amenities, and environmentally conscious features like a watercooled air conditioning system and eco-friendly paint. The Mekong Jewel will sail a classic 13-day itinerary from Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap. If you’ve never been on the Mekong yet, this is one journey that I recommend highly.
Happy cruising.
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