Uniworld is to launch its 2021 preview Collection this week, citing a “surge” in website traffic and bookings.
The river cruise line’s preview collection is due to be released earlier than previous years in response to the recent upturn.
Uniworld’s Danube and Ganges cruises were featured on repeats of Channel 5’s Cruising with Jane McDonald and its website saw a 2,000% spike in traffic on the day of the Danube episode.
Over the last three weeks, Uniworld has also seen triple digit growth on search for Portugal, Italy and France cruises in 2021.
The preview collection features sailings on Uniworld’s four new Super Ships for 2020 – the S.S. Sao Gabriel on the Douro in Portugal, the S.S. Sphinx on the Nile in Egypt, the S.S. La Venezia on the Venice Lagoon and River Po in Italy and the Mekong Jewel on the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia.
UK Managing Director Chris Townson said: “We are seeing the green shoots of optimism for a bounce back in 2021, as clients new and old look forward to the travels that 2021 will bring them.
“We anticipate that despite the challenges of 2020, there will be opportunity for both the luxury and the river cruise sectors, as people looking to cruise go for an option that allows them to stay close to the shore. We also hope that with the enhanced health and hygiene protocols that we have already announced, customers will be able to book in the confidence that every touch point will be managed with intention, respect and utmost care.”
Bookings for European river cruises made before July 31 will receive a 10% early booking discount, while all bookings made on Uniworld’s Exotics programme – India, China, Mekong and Egypt – will receive a complimentary one way business class flight upgrade in addition to the 10% discount.
Townson added: “We have put some great pricing out in the market place to encourage people to book early – with pent up demand from 2020 and the re-bookings we have made from the suspensions this year, we imagine capacity will be tight so encourage agents to book early for their clients to avoid disappointment.”