Uniworld meets Four Seasons—that’s how the cruise line’s visiting ceo Ellen Bettridge describes the new ships coming into the fleet, as she reiterates the cruise line’s ambitious growth plans.
In Auckland last week to celebrate 50 years of Uniworld and the evolution of the brand, Bettridge is at the helm of the cruise line as it enters a new stage and a new scale of operation. That includes new ships at multiple des tinations and the addition of the Luxury Gold land touring product to her portfolio.
Buoyed by the backing of Apollo, the new TTC owners, Bettridge is on a mission to elevate the brand and its market profile, and as a former travel agent she plans to utilise the trade distribution, including in New Zealand, to help take Uniworld to ‘the next level’. This includes plans for new ships, including the Emilie, which enters service next month.
Emilie will have a different look and boutique feel using a new Dutch designer, and larger cabins. Then in 2027 new ships the Marlene and the Audrey are due to enter service—with more additions to the fleet planned.
Bettridge is straight up that the capacity increase means there’s more cruises to sell, and she’s got a challenge for the Kiwi trade. “I believe in this market, I just know we can do so much more,” she told those at the trade lunch. “I said to Alka, I want double, I want triple—and I think you’re going to love our ships.”
On the Luxury Gold front, she says there are eight new combo itineraries. These include a tour from Madrid to Porto, with 20 days touring in Spain before a Uniworld Douro river cruise. “We’ve created these combos for you [agents] because it’s so easy. You sell one thing, one time and you’re done [earning commission on both components], and your clients will be well looked after.”
More of its popular Mystery Cruises are planned and the cruise line is adding much needed capacity on the Mekong River, with the addition of a second ship, operated in partnership with Lotus Cruises. Bettridge also mooted bring back its Amsterdam to Black Sea sailing. Heading into 2026 Bettridge sales its business is up 26% year-on-year against a 6% capacity increase. See Pg 10 for pics from the AKL event.
