The line is ready to help the trade tap clients looking to spend more and those seeking to travel more sustainably, despite reduced lead-in times on bookings.

"Our average booking window is usually around nine months, but at the moment it’s tracking at around five," Bettridge tells TTG.

"People are taking longer trips and upgrading cabins – that post-pandemic bounce in demand is very much still there, especially in the UK market."

Booking momentum for 2023 and 2024 has continued into the new year, with April bookings up by 46% compared with 2019. "Each month so far this year has broken records as our busiest month, globally and in the UK," she continues. Agents, says Bettridge, have been a key driving force.

"Our trade partners do an amazing job, helped by our sales team," she says. "It’s crucial they get support so they can sell our product effectively."

To that end, Uniworld’s UK operation – led by UK and Ireland managing director Chris Townson – aims to hire more marketing recruits so the line’s on-the-road team can spend more time with agents.

"We recently added a new person in Ireland, and Chris is putting more people into marketing to support our people on the road, which helps them focus on building relationships," Bettridge stresses.

"All our ships are unique, which is what we need to get through to customers via our agent partners." 

A key focus in the coming months for Uniworld will be its first River of the World itinerary which, over 46 nights, sees guests visit nine countries across stays on five ships.

Bettridge believes the itinerary has proved popular owing to the potential it creates for clients to extend their trips. "Post-cruise stays are very popular," she reveals.

"People want to extend their itineraries once they’ve cruised because they enjoyed the experience so much."

This heightened demand for both pre- and post-cruise stays comes after the brand partnered with tailor-made specialist Adventure World last month to increase its choice of land-based add-ons. 

And although Clia last year reported a decrease in the average age of cruise customers, Uniworld has continued to see steady demand from its average client base.

"Our average customer is 60," Bettridge says. "They’re looking to take more trips than ever with an active focus, via our wellbeing coaches onboard. They have the time and the money."

Popular destinations among UK guests include Italy and Egypt. "We are one of the only cruise lines deployed in Italy," Bettridge reasons. "We are seeing Italy perform incredibly well."

Building momentum

Uniworld launched four new ships in 2021, and Bettridge hints that if momentum continues, there may be call for more.

"At the moment, we have no plans to introduce any more ships," she explains. "But down the line I may have that conversation about the possibility of building new ships.

"Our customer retention rate is tracking really well too at around 40%, but we are also seeing a lot of new-to-cruise customers coming our way."

Uniworld will also continue to focus on sustainability, Bettridge tells TTG, with new developments including cabin cards made from repurposed bamboo.

"We’re 100% plastic-free onboard and we give our guests, who are becoming more aware of sustainable travel, reusable water bottles," Bettridge adds.

"Guests are not quite choosing cruises based on [sustainability] reasons yet – but does it make them feel better about their choices if they’re on a sustainable ship? Absolutely."