Uniworld River Cruises Christened New Ship SS Antoinette

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Uniworld Boutique River Cruises proudly christened its NEW Super Ship in Amsterdam, the Netherlands at 10:15 am on March 19, 2011. Mrs. Antoinette Tollman, godmother and namesake of Uniworld’s NEW magnificent S.S. Antoinette did the honors. Mrs. Tollman and the S.S. Antoinette’s Captain Frank Versluis did the honors of cutting the ribbon and inaugurating the ship with customary bottle of champagne. Mr. Guy Young, President of Uniworld, and the entire Tollman family were in attendance, as well as several other esteemed dignitaries.

The SS Antoinette represents the heights of Uniworld’s fleet. For an on-the-ground Uniworld experience, read our advisors’ account of Cruising the South of France on the River Royale.

Why River Cruising Is the Fastest-Growing Segment in Travel

At Atlas Travel Center, we’ve watched river cruising transform from a niche product into one of the most sought-after vacation experiences in travel — and it’s easy to understand why. River ships sail into the hearts of cities that ocean vessels can’t reach, mooring steps from centuries-old cathedrals, Christmas markets, and vineyard-draped hillsides. The ships themselves are intimate — typically 100 to 200 passengers — which creates a completely different social atmosphere than a large ocean cruise.

Every major river cruise line has its own character, and matching the right line to the right traveler is something our advisors take seriously. Viking appeals to intellectually curious travelers who want enriching destination programming. AMA Waterways is consistently praised for its culinary focus and wine-pairing experiences. Avalon’s panoramic suite design is beloved by travelers who want to feel immersed in the scenery. We book all of the major lines and can give you an honest comparison based on your priorities and travel style.

What’s Included — and What Isn’t

River cruise pricing can look similar across lines at first glance, but what’s bundled into the fare varies significantly. Shore excursions, beverages, gratuities, and airfare may or may not be included depending on the line and promotion. Our team reads the fine print so you’re never caught off guard. We also know which sailings on which rivers are most likely to be affected by low or high water levels — a practical consideration that rarely appears in marketing materials.

Book Your River Cruise with Atlas

Contact Atlas Travel Center to explore river cruise options that match your travel style and budget. We’re CLIA-certified, have been booking river cruises since the segment’s early days, and hold an A+ BBB rating. Our advisors have sailed on many of the ships they recommend — which means the guidance you receive is personal, not generic.

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Sue Lobo
Sue Lobo is a four-time Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist (2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026) and Senior Travel Advisor at Atlas Travel Center, one of the most decorated travel agencies in the United States. With more than 35 years of experience in the travel industry, Sue has planned, booked, and personally accompanied trips for thousands of clients — from first-time cruisers to seasoned luxury travelers who have circled the globe multiple times. Sue's areas of deep expertise include ocean and river cruising, European tours, group travel coordination, luxury travel, honeymoon planning, and family vacation design. She is a CLIA-certified cruise specialist and works within an agency that holds IATA and ARC accreditation and maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Over her career, Sue has been involved in more than 30,000 bookings and has personally coordinated over 200 travel groups — from faith-based group cruises and HBCU alumni trips to women's retreats, family reunions, and corporate incentive travel. What sets Sue apart is not just the credentials — it is the firsthand experience behind them. Sue has personally traveled to more than 20 countries across three continents, including Cuba, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout Europe. She has sailed on dozens of cruise ships across nearly every major line, walked the river cruise routes she recommends, and eaten at the restaurants she suggests to clients. Her recommendations come from personal experience, not brochures. In addition to advising clients, Sue writes extensively about travel for The Traveler's Atlas blog — covering everything from cruise line comparisons and overtourism trends to destination guides and practical travel tips. Her writing is grounded in the same expertise she brings to every client conversation: honest, specific, and built on decades of real-world travel experience. Sue is based in the United States and available to help travelers plan cruises, European tours, group trips, river cruises, honeymoons, family vacations, and more. To work with Sue, contact Atlas Travel Center at atlastravelweb.com.