TORONTO — Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has announced its long-awaited resumption of operations, with cruises returning to Europe’s rivers next month.

The cruise line, which has been on pause due to the global pandemic, will restart cruises in Italy on June 20, 2021 with its recently transformed Super Ship, S.S. La Venezia. Cruises will resume in France shortly thereafter, 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.

Both Italy and France recently announced the reopening of borders to international travellers in June. 

“We’ve been waiting for this moment and are beyond thrilled to be back on the rivers, welcoming back our loyal guests on four of our most beautiful Super Ships this summer,” says Ellen Bettridge, President & CEO of Uniworld. “Our guests are like family to us and their well-being is our main priority, which is why we’re taking all of the necessary precautions to ensure they’re comfortable when they’re ready to explore the rivers with us again.”

Uniworld’s ‘Milan, Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy’ itinerary, commencing June 18 in Milan, will be the line’s first cruise since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Additionally, the first four sailings of the year are included in the ‘Cruise Back Into Travel’ offer, valid for bookings through May 31 that allows guests to save up to 30% off per person on select dates for a limited time. Savings include: 

• ‘Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy’: Guests will sail 8 days roundtrip on the S.S. La Venezia, from Venice along Northern Italy’s coastline. Highlights include a private evening opening and lighting ceremony at St. Mark’s Basilica and a trip further south to the fishing port of Chioggia.
• ‘Brillint Bordeaux’: Onboard S.S Bon Voyage, guests will sail throughout Southwest France for eight days along three rivers – the Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde.
• ‘Paris & Normand’: This eight-day sailing on the S.S. Joie de Vivre will sail roundtrip from Paris through Normandy’s countryside.
• ‘Burgundy & Provence’: Onboard the S.S. Catherine, guests will cruise the Rhône and Saône rivers to discover the medieval wonders of UNESCO-designated Avignon and Lyon’s lively riverbanks.

Bettridge adds that these first itineraries are the just “first step in getting all of our ships back on the rivers this year.” Launching in Egypt on Sept. 25 is the all-new S.S. Sphinx, plus Uniworld will begin sailing the Peruvian Amazon on Sept. 1 with two new itineraries aboard the Aria Amazon.

“Demand for river cruising is at an all-time high and the support and excitement we are receiving from both new and old guests is outstanding,” says Bettridge.

All sailings are inclusive of all meals onboard, premium spirits and wines, riverview accommodations, offshore excursions, airport transfers and onboard gratuities and Wi-Fi.

Click here for a complete list of cruises opening for travel. For more information go to uniworld.com or contact the reservations team at 1-800-257-2407.