Uniworld charters two former Crystal river vessels

The 110-passenger Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler will begin sailing as Super Ship Victoria and Elizabeth in 2024 and 2025, respectively, each under a three-year bareboat charter. They'll offer the signature Uniworld experience on existing itineraries with an all-Uniworld staff.

Crystal Mahler is currently on charter to start-up Transcend Cruises and sailing as Advance by Transcend through the 2024 European season.

First vessel for the Rhine

'We’re thrilled to add two stunning new ships to the Uniworld fleet, beginning with the SS Victoria on the beloved Rhine, fulfilling our promise to maintain the best and most luxurious ships on the rivers,' Uniworld CEO/President Ellen Bettridge said. 'The SS Victoria and SS Elisabeth are unique vessels that we know our guests will love, featuring a modern design, some of the largest suites on the rivers and an ambiance that exudes contemporary luxury.'

The identical sister vessels each offer 55 luxurious suites and staterooms with full-length windows directly in front of the king-sized beds. Suites come with walk-in closets, fireplaces and up to 759 square feet of space in Uniworld's first two-bedroom accommodation with adjoining suites.

Other highlights include a massage room, gym, bistro for snacks, rooftop bar and grill for cocktails and light bites, and fine-dining restaurant for breakfast, lunch and gourmet dinner. As on all Uniworld cruises, dining venues will feature farm-to-table cuisine highlighting fresh local ingredients gathered by the chef in destinations daily.

March 'Tulip Time' debut

Victoria will be the first to set sail at the start of the 2024 season, debuting in March in Amsterdam with Uniworld's eight-day ‘Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time’ cruise through Belgium and the Netherlands.

Next, Victoria will sail the eight-day ‘Castles Along the Rhine’ itinerary from Basel to Amsterdam, and along two rivers aboard the ‘Magnificent Moselle and Rhine’ 10-day itinerary. The season wraps with the eight-day holiday-themed ‘Belgium Holiday Markets’ sailing round-trip Brussels.

Elisabeth is scheduled to begin its Uniworld service in the 2025 season, with more details to come.