Uniworld to transform River Royale into Super Ship, the SS Bon Voyage

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection has announced plans to upgrade River Royale to Super Ship in spring 2019, the renamed SS Bon Voyage.

The River Royale will go out of service on October 28 and will undergo an extensive transformation. It will sail on the Dordogne and Garonne rivers as Uniworld’s sixth Super Ship as of April 14, 2019.

It is the second ship in the line to be upgraded to a Super Ship, after the SS Beatrice. 

Two new onboard dining venues will be introduced: the Blue Fox Café will be converted into a casual dining venue that opens up onto the new pool.

In the evening, the space will become an alternative bar location and will also be used for “immersive culinary experiences”.

A bistro inspired by Bouillon Pigalle in Paris will be added at the bow of the ship, and will serve shared plates at dinner.  Other enhancements include a new buffet in the ship’s main dining room with chef demonstration area, and an enhanced Claret’s, the ship’s private dining and wine tasting room adjacent to the main restaurant. 

Bon Voyage will add four new luxury suites, and increase its staff to guest ratio when the ship goes from 128 passengers to 124 and adds more staff.

Other improvements include an upgrade to all bathrooms from tile to marble; reconfiguration of the gym and spa facilities; and a reimagined top deck with a new outdoor swimming pool, relaxed outdoor lounge and banquette seating with lighting designed to enhance the space in the evening.

Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld, says: “Luxury is never static, but an evolving concept that considers not only the aesthetic, but also the way service is delivered.  For example, there was a time not so long ago, when one would never dream of bringing the chef front of house to cook with guests, but today, immersion is part of the luxury experience.

“Our guests want to know where their food is sourced, about the local producers and to understand how a dish is prepared; with this river we have one of the best inspirations in the world.  Special attention has been paid to everything from the original art on the walls to the beautiful local wines poured. We’re going beyond satisfying traditional service expectations, to deliver a standard of service that brings the guest closer to the destination at nearly every touchpoint.  It is what the Uniworld Super Ship experience is all about.”

The ship will sail Uniworld’s eight day Brilliant Bordeaux, 15 day A Portrait of Majestic France and 22 day Ultimate France itineraries. Prices start from £2,499 per person, twin share, for the eight day Brilliant Bordeaux. The price includes luxury onboard accommodation in a riverview stateroom, all meals and unlimited beverages onboard, onshore excursions and all transfers on arrival and departure days. Departures begin 14 April 2019.