Millennial-Only River Cruising From Uniworld Will Start Sailing in 2018
Photo Credit: Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, is launching a new brand for millennials called U by Uniworld. Uniworld
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Will a no-Boomers-allowed policy, youth-focused design, and tailored shore excursions be enough to convince millennials that river cruising is the way to experience Europe? The CEO of U by Uniworld thinks so — and she only has to win over 120 passengers at a time.
Are millennial travelers about to discover a way to explore Europe that their parents and grandparents already embrace?
Ellen Bettridge hopes so.
The president and CEO of the luxury Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is launching a new brand for younger passengers, U by Uniworld. While the original line draws customers who average about 50 to 65, its new offshoot is for travelers between 21 to 45 — and that age range is not a suggestion.
"They have to be so separate and so different to ensure that we cater to this audience," Bettridge said. "We're going to be super strict. You have to be between 21 and 45."
She added: "That is what's going to make this brand; I'm creating a place that's just for them."
That approach takes a cue from sister company Contiki, a tour operator for travelers 18 to 35. Both are owned by The Travel Corporation, a privately held leisure company.
U by Uniworld will start sailing in April of 2018 with two ships, the A and B �
