The sales drive forms part of Uniworld’s 50th anniversary celebrations and follows last month’s confirmation of an expanded partnership with Seabourn.
“It’s a huge investment for us, but we know the value of agents having this firsthand knowledge, as they come away completely wowed and much better informed on how to sell our unique offering,” said Chris Townson, UK and Europe managing director of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
“Each time we have trade partners travel with us, enjoying our world class dining and service, experiencing the entertainment, sleeping in our Savoir beds, we see that understanding really takes off, and we never underestimate the importance of our trade partners to our business.”
A key highlight of the anniversary year will be the launch of a new era of Super Ships with the debut of Super Ship Emilie.
Inspired by the works of Gustav Klimt and named after his muse Emilie Floge, the 135-metre long vessel will sail for the first time in March 2026 on the Rhine, before transferring to the Danube later in the spring.
It will operate a number of itineraries, including the new Capital Cities of the Danube and Vineyards and Palaces of the Danube sailings.
Agents will have the opportunity to experience Super Ship Emilie during Uniworld’s Ultra Luxury Showcase, which takes place from 17 to 19 March.
The event will host 150 travel advisors, the vast majority of whom have been personally invited, with Uniworld also launching a January booking incentive to fill the remaining eight places.
Each week, four agents will have the chance to win a place at the Ultra Luxury Showcase, staying in one of Super Ship Emilie’s suites with a private butler and bringing a colleague to share.
The incentive applies to all Uniworld bookings made between 1st January and 5th February, with agents required to email booking details to the company to enter the draw. The first winner will be announced on Friday 16 January, with weekly winners announced through to Friday 6 February.
Samantha Bates, travel consultant at Delmar World, highlighted the value of the incentive after winning a place on the Ultra Luxury Showcase trip last year.
“It just goes to show that you’ve got to be in it to win it, and it’s always worth throwing your hat into the ring,” she said. “I made a Uniworld booking and was entered into the draw to go on one of their amazing Ultra Luxury Showcase trips. Nothing beats experiencing a brand firsthand, and this was truly exceptional.”
Bates went on to hail the “phenomenal hospitality and incredible sights” of her sailing, adding that the experience has “made the world of difference to how I sell Uniworld.”
“I now truly understand the different level at which it operates, and am excited to introduce it to my clients, as I know they won’t look back,” she said.
Further fam trip opportunities will be announced throughout 2026, with Uniworld confirming that at least 500 agents will be hosted onboard its ultra-luxury Super Ships over the course of the year.
This is just the start of the unveiling of our 50th year celebrations,” said Townson. “Watch out during the year, including at the CLIA RiverView Conference in March, as we celebrate our 50th with our amazing trade partners and guests, and announce more developments in the world of ultra luxury travel and cruise!”
Agents participating in the programme will receive full support from Uniworld’s sales and marketing team, including tailored collateral, brochures, social media assets, selling tips and presentation tools.
