If you can be in Europe in September 2022, have the flexibility to embark on a 10-day river cruise, and thrive on spontaneity, this boutique river cruise line has the ideal trip for you.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises announced a Mystery Cruise that will depart for 10 days from a European destination on September 23, 2022. As for details about where it’s going and what you should pack, well, that’s the mystery.
This is actually the cruise line’s second mystery cruise — the first departs June 12, 2022. Based on overwhelming demand, the line added this second cruise.
“With vaccines rolling out and borders opening up, our guests have communicated that they’re willing to travel anywhere just to get back out there and explore the world once again,” Ellen Bettridge, the line’s president and CEO, said in a statement explaining why it is creating mystery cruises, a Travel Agent Central article reports. “After this chaotic year, there’s no need to take on any additional stress, so we’ve taken care of all of the details so our guests can sit back and enjoy this mystery trip of a lifetime.”
Pent Up Demand
Earlier this spring, the river cruise company announced its first-ever 10-day Mystery Cruise will depart on June 12, 2022, from, well, that’s a mystery, too. That cruise — amazingly — sold out in 48 hours.
“Our guests never cease to amaze us with their incredible support and loyalty,” Bettridge said in her statement. “They put their faith in us time and time again, so we decided to have some fun creating a one-of-a-kind Mystery Cruise with all-new experiences that have never been included in Uniworld journeys before.”
Bettridge went on to describe the itinerary as “an incredible bucket-list trip full of surprises for people who love the thrill of adventure.”
Other than the departure date, not much is known about the first Mystery Cruise. Here’s what else is known: For $6,999 per person, guests will “enjoy unique excursions, gourmet food and beverages, onboard entertainment, all transportation plus airfare, the excitement of being among the first to embark on these new voyages, and the suspense of never knowing what’s coming next,” according to Uniworld.
Also, in the weeks prior to departure, guests booked on the cruise will receive clues from Uniworld about the trip and — eventually — a packing list.
Building On Success
“We couldn’t be more thrilled about the initial response to our first-ever Mystery Cruise,” Bettridge said in a press announcement,” Travel Agent Central reports. “Our incredible guests sold out the itinerary in less than 48 hours, so we worked quickly to create an all-new, second Mystery offering for those who were unable to secure a booking.”
This second Mystery Cruise, which departs from somewhere on September 23, 2022, will be similar to the first in that it too is a “bucket-list trip with surprises at every turn,” Bettridge explained. “However, it will be on its own exclusive itinerary with experiences that we’ve never offered before.”
Here’s what we do know about the second cruise: The price is $7,299, which includes airfare. Plus, you’ll need your passport. The cruise departs from somewhere on September 23.
As for other details, well, they’re shrouded in mystery. However, on a “What to bring” section on Uniworld’s website, the cruise line does tease that you will need to bring “your sense of adventure and willingness to have a great time.”
Don’t worry about what to pack — Uniworld promises, “We’ll be sending you a detailed packing list before you go.”
Know Before You Go — Sort Of
Let’s face it: The whole point of a mystery cruise is that there isn’t much to learn in advance. But if you’re interested, details about the “all-inclusive, luxury amenities” included on the cruise as well as booking information may be found here.
Want to cruise? See all our cruise content here, plus our river cruise-specific inspiration here.
