Victoria and Elisabeth have been released to Uniworld under a three-year bareboat charter agreement between the lines. 

The ships will operate existing Uniworld itineraries, with all the brand’s “trademark touches and amenities” available to passengers, Uniworld said. They have 55 suites and cabins, each with a similar design and differing only in size. 

Victoria, previously named Crystal Bach, will be the first of the two ships to enter service for Uniworld when it embarks on an eight-day Holland and Belgium at Tulip Time sailing from Amsterdam in March 2024.

It will operate a mix of itineraries, including the eight-day Castles Along the Rhine sailing from Basel to Amsterdam, the Magnificent Moselle and Rhine itinerary, and an eight-day round-trip Belgium Holiday Markets cruise from Brussels.

With an early booking discount, prices for the eight-day Castles Along the Rhine itinerary, including flights, transfers, activities and seven nights’ accommodation on Victoria, start from £3,959pp. 

Elisabeth, meanwhile, which was previously Crystal Mahler, is scheduled to operate from 2025, said Uniworld, with more details to be announced at a later date.

Uniworld president Ellen Bettridge said: “We’re thrilled to add two stunning new ships to the Uniworld fleet, beginning with Victoria on the beloved Rhine, fulfilling our promise to maintain the best and most luxurious ships on the rivers.

“Victoria and 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. 

“Onboard, guests can expect our tiny noticeable touches throughout every aspect, from the impeccable service provided by the Uniworld crew they know and love to the multitude of all-inclusive amenities available to them.”

The move means Riverside Luxury Cruises will have three ships in its fleet during the charter agreement. 

Earlier this month, the line appointed Charlie Hewitt Davies as its UK managing director, tasking her with driving revenue and building brand awareness.

Hours before Hewitt Davies’ appointment was announced, cruise veteran Stuart Perl posted on LinkedIn confirming he was leaving his role as UK managing director of the river line.