Contiki, a tour operator that specializes in selling travel to Millennials, has announced that it will sell itineraries from U by Uniworld, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection’s new Millennial-focused river cruise brand. Both brands are owned by the same parent company, The Travel Corporation.
In a written release announcing the deal, Contiki said that U by Uniworld would serve as an affordable Europe river cruise option for its clients, and the brand’s 21 to 45 age range – slightly older than Contiki’s 18 – 35 focus – would give Contiki travelers a chance to carry on their Contiki traveling experiences.
Contiki will sell four of U by Uniworld’s river cruising itineraries, each of which are eight days: The Seine Experience, Germany’s Finest, The Danube Flow and Rolling on the Rhine on the Rhine, Main, Danube and Seine rivers. The river cruises incorporate overnight stops and longer stays in cities such as Paris, Vienna, Amsterdam and Budapest, and all itineraries will include 14 meals, a welcome reception, a dedicated host, a number of included excursions, as well as optional activities. Onboard amenities will include a gym, two bars, a rooftop lounge that will play host to local guest DJs, and activities like wine tastings, mixology classes and sunrise yoga.
The deal comes as U by Uniworld is gearing up for its debut. The line recently announced a travel agent contest that will allow agents to win a spot on its preview sailing, which will take place October 7-11, 2017. Through August 15, travel agents ages 21 – 45 can create and post a 30 second video to U by Uniworld’s Facebook page on how they will sell the new brand, tagging #I’mGonnaSellU. Uniworld’s internal Advisory Board will vote on the final winners, which will be announced August 23.
U by Uniworld also just announced that Petra Nemcova, a model and philanthropist, will join the preview sailing as the brand’s new “Guardian Angel.”
Ellen Bettridge, Uniworld’s president and CEO, said that the “Guardian Angel” concept is a new take on the traditional “Godmother” for cruise ships.
“Petra is an amazing representative of our new brand; she’s smart, ambitious and has a kind, adventurous spirit,” says Bettridge. “As a former Victoria’s Secret model, Petra is, of course, well-versed as an Angel.”
Ahead of its launch, U by Uniworld will also support the Happy Hearts Fund, an organization founded by Petra following her experience during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami to rebuild safe, resilient schools in areas impacted by natural disasters. The non-profit is now active in 10 countries around the world and has helped rebuild more than 160 schools and assisted nearly 100,000 students in getting back to school following natural disasters.
Following the preview cruise, U by Uniworld will offer the four itineraries throughout 2018 onboard two ships, The A and The B, which will sport an all black exterior and sleek interior design. Room categories will range from studios to balcony staterooms to suites, all with river views.
Visit https://www.ubyuniworld.com/us/ta-contest and Contiki.com
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