Uniworld, the line that delivered millennial ships and a host of other firsts, is now offering another: women only cruises.
Line President Ellen Bettridge made the announcement at the party designed to celebrate a collaboration with Australian designer Camilla Franks.
Bettridge said Uniworld delights in being different and would continue to be so.
“Uniworld continues to innovate and elevate. That’s what we’re focused on. We want to do things differently. We don’t want to be like everybody else.”
She then announced the women only cruise would join other first for the year, Uniworld’s 50th anniversary.
While she did not announce too many details, the first cruise is believed to be from Burgundy to Provence aboard the SS Catherine.
The itinerary includes the Rhône and Saône rivers, including the region’s incomparable wine and cuisine. Cruisers will discover Arles, made famous by Van Gogh.
They will also visit Avignon’s majestic Palace of the Popes. Guests can hike the vineyards of the Rhône and pedal through Lyon, a city designed with bike riders in mind.
Uniworld is not the only line out to woo women. Many are solo travellers and many lines have special solo terms to get them on board.
Tauck’s European cruise division often eliminates its single supplement completely on its least-expensive category of cabins (Category 1) and reduces single supplements for other cabin categories, with savings up to $1,000 in select categories.
River cruising is ideal for solo travellers, and other lines
also waive or significantly lower single supplement charges.
Avalon Waterways waives its single supplement charge for some cabins
on every cruise, and AmaWaterways charges a single supplement of 50% for solo travellers booking non-suite cabins.
It also has four ships in Europe with solo cabins that carry no single supplement.
The concept of women-only river cruises could become a burgeoning trend that offers cruise lines a unique opportunity to tap into a specific market segment.
Women represent a significant portion of the travel market and are increasingly seeking out travel experiences tailored to their interests and needs. By creating a dedicated space for women, cruise lines can cater to their specific desires, fostering a sense of community and empowerment.
Women-only cruises can provide a safe and comfortable environment for female travellers. Many women express concerns about safety when traveling alone, and a cruise filled exclusively with women can alleviate these fears. This creates a relaxed atmosphere where women can fully immerse themselves in the experience without feeling intimidated or out of place.
Moreover, women-only cruises offer a chance to focus on specific interests and activities that appeal to female travelers. This could include wellness programs, cooking classes, wine tastings, or cultural excursions. By curating a program that resonates with women, cruise lines can enhance the overall guest experience and build loyalty.
While the concept of women-only cruises is relatively new, a few forward-thinking cruise lines are beginning to explore this niche market.
Uniworld’s women only departures on select itinerariesn are expected to feature exclusive shore excursions, wellness activities, and opportunities for female empowerment.
Bettridge told her Sydney audience of travel agents: “In 2024 we launched the super ship Victoria and we brought it into our fleet and we took our guests off the ship at night into our nights out excursions. And we also ensured that they had a lot of fun in our seventies nights.
“So these are the things that we’re gonna continue to do.”
She also announced a Rivers of the World cruise 2026 runing from Brussels to Cairo and features several of the most incredible experiences Uniworld has developed. The waitlist opened last week.
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