TORONTO — Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has become the first North American river cruise line to resume operations in Europe since the start of the pandemic.
The newly transformed Super Ship S. S. La Venezia departed on its inaugural sailing from Venice on June 20 with a champagne sabering and President & CEO Ellen Bettridge onboard.
“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. AL Venezia, but the first European sailing for any North American river cruise line,” said Bettridge. “The well-being of our guests and our crew is our main priority and we’re honoured they have entrusted us to welcome travel’s return.”
Bettridge added that Uniworld is taking all necessary precautions to ensure they are comfortable and have enhanced its already stringent security and sanitation protocols. The protocols, which Bettridge will be highlighting on social media, include a face scanner to identify guests and take their temperature each 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 in dining areas, as well as enhanced disinfecting and air filtration systems.
Uniworld’s ‘Milan, Venice & The Gems of Northern Italy’ itinerary commenced on June 18 in Milan, where guests spent two days before travelling to Venice and boarding the La Venezia.
Cruises will restart in France shortly after Italy, with first departures for S.S. Bon Voyage on June 27, S. S. Joie de Vivre on July 4, and S. S. Catherine on July 11. As always, sailings are inclusive of all meals onboard, premium spirits and wine, river-view accommodations, offshore excursions, airport transfers, onboard gratuities and Wi-Fi.
There’s so much to look forward to with the debut of the all-new S.S. Sphinx launching in Egypt Sept. 25, and we’ll also begin sailing the Peruvian Amazon Sept. 1 aboard the Aria Amazon,” added Bettridge. “Restarting this itinerary is only the first step in getting all of our ships back on the rivers this year.”
