France: Uniworld Cruises to Launch New Super Ship

In Spring 2014, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises announces the launching of a new Super Ship, the S.S. Catherine, on the Rhône and Saône rivers in Burgundy and Provence. Uniworld’s River Royale, currently sailing these rivers, will move to her new home in France’s breathtaking Bordeaux region.

The River Royale, as well the River Empress, sailing Uniworld’s popular European Jewels program between Amsterdam and Budapest will undergo major remodels with the same signature touches for which Uniworld ships are known.

Committed to building and remodeling ships that define the absolute best in luxury cruising, Uniworld combines quality craftsmanship and the latest technical innovations with the most luxurious custom designed interiors. The new Super Ship, S.S. Catherine, will continue this tradition of excellence. Sharing the same exquisite standards and scrupulous attention to detail reflective throughout the company’s award-winning fleet, the S.S. Catherine will be meticulously crafted and uniquely designed by the renowned design team of Uniworld’s sister company, the Red Carnation Hotel Collection—a collection of five-star award-winning boutique hotels.

The S.S. Catherine will be similar to the S.S. Antoinette, and will be one of the company’s largest ships at 443 ft. long. According to Guy Young, President of Uniworld, “As we did with the S.S. Antoinette, we have used the additional space on the S.S. Catherine to create innovative public areas and extra spacious staterooms and suites for our guests. Uniworld carries fewer guests than our competitors and the S.S. Catherine will have a 159 total passenger capacity, with five suites at 305 sq. ft. and one Royal suite at 410 sq. ft.” All suites and staterooms on the top deck will feature full open-air private balconies, which convert to enclosed conservatories with the touch of a switch—an innovation developed by Uniworld on the S.S. Antoinette. Staterooms on the middle deck will feature French balconies. All suites and staterooms will have Uniworld’s one-of-a-kind touches such as handcrafted Savoir® of England beds and beautiful marble bathrooms.

The S.S. Catherine offers three full decks with elegantly appointed public areas designed with one goal in mind: delighting guests. Similar to the S.S. Antoinette, the S.S. Catherine will have the whimsical Leopard Lounge with its unique leopard print furnishings, elephant-head bar rails and many other jungle-like touches. There will be a beautiful mosaic-tiled pool and spa area. The main restaurant will feature an al fresco outdoor dining terrace further enriching the dining experience as guests sail through the inspiring countryside. There will also be a bistro restaurant where guests can experience dining in a cozy atmosphere. The signature touches for which Uniworld has become known—inspiring original hand-selected art, classic furnishings, old world antiques, marble, and clever use of mirrors can be found in the various public areas along with different hues of green, brown, beige, and gold adorning the walls and floors throughout.

Press Release, December 06, 2012; Image: Uniworld