Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has been a serial winner in the Irish Travel Industry Awards rivercruise category and won the new luxury cruise category in 2026, effectively a 12th win in a row as the awards were repurposed.
This award underscores Uniworld’s unwavering commitment to delivering opulent, all-inclusive experiences that resonate deeply with discerning Irish travellers seeking refined adventures along Europe’s iconic waterways.
Founded as part of the Travel Corporation family, Uniworld operates a fleet of boutique ships designed to evoke the elegance of floating hotels, with an average capacity of just 130 guests per vessel. This intimate scale ensures personalised service, boasting one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios in the industry. In Ireland, the company has cultivated a robust presence through strategic partnerships with leading travel agencies such as Abbey Travel, Cassidy Travel, and Shandon Travel, which promote Uniworld’s itineraries as premier options for those desiring a blend of cultural immersion and indulgence.
These collaborations have propelled Uniworld’s visibility, making it a go-to choice for Irish holidaymakers eager to explore the Rhine, Danube, or Rhône without the hassles of mass tourism.
Uniworld’s activities in the Irish market extend beyond mere sales; they encompass targeted marketing campaigns and experiential promotions tailored to local preferences. For instance, the company frequently highlights themed cruises that align with Irish interests, such as festive holiday market voyages along the Danube, where travellers can savour mulled wine amid twinkling Christmas stalls in Vienna or Budapest. Such offerings appeal to the Irish penchant for seasonal escapes, with inclusions like gourmet dining, unlimited premium beverages, and curated shore excursions—all bundled into the fare. Abbey Travel, positioning itself as Ireland’s river cruise specialist, notes a surge in bookings for Uniworld’s European routes, including the popular “Castles along the Rhine” itinerary, which weaves through fairy-tale landscapes from Basel to Amsterdam.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will launch the S.S. Emilie in 2026, a new 154-passenger “Super Ship” marking the company’s 50th anniversary and their first new build since 2021. Inspired by painter Gustav Klimt and his muse Emilie Flöge, the ship will feature Art Nouveau design, jewel tones, gold accents, and a two-bedroom suite category.
Further bolstering its footprint, Uniworld has engaged actively with the Irish travel trade. The company sponsors key industry events, including segments of the Irish Travel Industry Awards, fostering goodwill and reinforcing its status as a reliable supplier. Uniworld’s innovative “cruise and rail” packages, combine river voyages with luxury train journeys—such as linking a Douro River cruise in Portugal with high-speed rail through Spain. These hybrid experiences cater to adventurous Irish clients who crave seamless, multi-modal travel, extending beyond traditional river routes to encompass land extensions in destinations like the Golden Triangle in India or the Amazon in Peru.
The appeal lies in Uniworld’s meticulous attention to detail. Ships like the S.S. Victoria feature lavish interiors inspired by regional aesthetics, with amenities including onboard cinemas, spas, and regionally themed menus that incorporate local wines and cuisines. For Irish travellers, this translates to hassle-free holidays where gratuities, transfers, and even bicycle rentals for independent exploration are covered. Feedback from Irish cruisers, shared on platforms like Tripadvisor, praises the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to delve into lesser-known gems, such as the tulip fields of Holland during spring sailings.
Looking ahead, Uniworld’s expansion in Ireland shows no signs of abating. With a 50th anniversary sale underway, offering substantial savings on 2026 departures, the company is poised to attract even more first-time river cruisers from Ireland. Industry insiders predict sustained growth, driven by post-pandemic demand for intimate, sustainable travel options that prioritise wellbeing and cultural depth.In an era where luxury is defined by authenticity, Uniworld’s triumphs in the Irish market exemplify how a boutique approach can outshine larger competitors.
2026 awards
Previous winners
