U by Uniworld’s second ship, The B, will relocate to central Europe alongside sister ship The A for the 2020 season, the line has announced.
The B will cease operations on the Seine and sail new itineraries next year taking in a wider range of cities and countries according to boss Ellen Bettridge.
Bettridge said redeploying The B for 2020 would help the youth-focused line recapture “the essence and beauty of river cruising” and meet growing demand for the region.
In 2020, The B will sail from Brussels to Amsterdam and Amsterdam to Frankfurt, while The A will sail from Nuremberg to Vienna and Vienna onto Belgrade.
More new Central Europe itineraries for 2020 will be revealed over the coming weeks, the line said on Thursday (January 24).
Bettridge said while U by Uniworld would always seek to offer something different, it remained open to “consumer trends and feedback”.
“As we look forward, the demand is, overwhelmingly, pointing towards central Europe, where guests can experience a new city – and sometimes a different country – each day, which simply isn’t feasible on the Seine,” said president and chief executive Bettridge.
“For a generation new to the concept, that’s really the essence and beauty of river cruising. Our first year was met with unprecedented buzz, media accolades and consumer engagement, and we’re looking forward to continuing the momentum as we welcome The B to Central Europe for her second season.”
U cruises feature mixology classes, silent discos, paint and wine sessions and sunrise rooftop yoga, as well as barbecues, karaoke, giant board games and themed parties, among other add-ons.