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Uniworld’s River Tosca, which sails on the Nile, was recently drydocked for luxury enhancements. // © Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection |
New river vessels are raising the bar in all directions, from Egypt to Russia.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection’s new River Tosca, originally launched in October, entered service on the Nile on March 22, following the company’s decision to send the ship to drydock when it was not finished to the their standard of luxury.
“Drydocking the ship in the height of the season was a very difficult and humbling decision for the company,” said Uniworld president Guy Young. “It was the right decision to make, however, both for the long-term success of Uniworld in Egypt and, most importantly, for our customers.”
He added, “Uniworld commissioned the River Tosca with the goal that it would be one of the most luxurious ships to sail the Nile. I can now proudly say after visiting the Tosca that all the noted deficiencies have been resolved. The staterooms are spectacular, both in size (a minimum of 300 square feet) and decor.”
And looking toward 2011, Amawaterways has announced the addition of the Amakatrina to its fleet on the Russian Waterways program. Her inaugural sailing will take place on May 10, 2011, and thereafter she will sail fourteen 11-night cruises for the season.
The 212-passenger ship is being renovated down to its steel frame and Amawaterways says she will be the largest and most luxurious vessel sailing the Volga-Baltic waterways.
Amakatrina has 106 cabins, 76 of which have balconies. Ten cabin categories on four decks will include four different suite categories that range from 280 to 432 square feet. A restaurant, Panorama Lounge, conference hall, sauna, bar/nightclub and solarium will make up the public areas.
“We are overseeing every detail of the ship’s renovation. This will allow us to make sure the vessel is perfectly tailored to the high standards that Amawaterways passengers expect,” said president Rudi Schreiner.
For 2011, the Russian Waterways program will feature an 11-night itinerary from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Highlights will include two nights onboard docked in Moscow and three nights in St. Petersburg, with a six-night cruise along Russia’s historic waterways in between.
Amawaterways
www.amawaterways.com
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
www.uniworld.com
