Luxury river cruise operator Uniworld has unveiled plans for its inaugural women-only voyage, set to embark in August 2025. This exclusive eight-day cruise will navigate France’s picturesque Rhône and Saône rivers, with prices starting at $5,000 per person.
The announcement comes as the travel industry witnesses a surge in solo female travelers. According to recent data from luxury travel agency Virtuoso, women now constitute 71% of the solo travel market. This growing trend has sparked a rise in women-centric travel experiences across various sectors.
Uniworld’s CEO and president, Ellen Bettridge, anticipates that the women-only cruise will attract a diverse mix of passengers, including solo travelers, multi-generational family groups, and friends seeking a shared adventure. The voyage will take place aboard the S.S. Catherine, one of Uniworld’s larger vessels, measuring 443 feet in length and capable of accommodating 158 guests.
The itinerary begins in Arles, France, and concludes in Lyon, with stops at charming riverside towns such as Avignon, Viviers, and Mâcon along the way. Passengers can look forward to a range of curated activities and excursions, including truffle hunting expeditions, scenic bicycle rides through the French countryside, lavender weaving workshops, and even “burlesque sessions.”
As an all-inclusive luxury experience, the cruise package covers airport transfers, onshore excursions, and alcoholic beverages, facilitating a seamless and indulgent journey for participants. Cabin prices range from $5,000 to $10,500 per person, with the most premium options already sold out.
This initiative by Uniworld reflects a broader industry trend catering to the growing demand for women-specific travel experiences. Melissa Krueger, CEO of high-end travel wholesaler Classic Vacations, has noted a significant uptick in trips designed exclusively for female groups.
The popularity of women-only retreats is evident in other sectors of the travel industry as well. Camp Château, which offers six-day summer retreats for women in southern France, has reported a staggering waitlist of 13,000 people for its 2025 dates. Similarly, the annual three-day women-only Camp Social in the United States saw its attendance quadruple from 2023 to 2024, reaching approximately 480 guests.
Uniworld’s decision to launch a women-only cruise aligns with its reputation for offering intimate, luxury river cruising experiences. Unlike massive ocean liners, river cruise ships like the S.S. Catherine provide a more personalized and immersive travel experience, allowing guests to explore inland destinations and cultures up close.
The cruise line’s regular “Burgundy and Provence” voyages, which follow a similar route, have been a staple of their offerings, available almost year-round. However, this special women-only departure adds a unique twist to the familiar itinerary, creating a space for female travelers to connect, relax, and explore in a supportive environment.
As the travel industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing consumer preferences, initiatives like Uniworld’s women-only cruise represent a growing recognition of the power and potential of the female travel market. By offering tailored experiences that cater to the interests and desires of women travelers, companies are tapping into a significant and expanding segment of the tourism sector.
The success of this inaugural women-only cruise could pave the way for similar offerings from Uniworld and other river cruise operators in the future, further diversifying the range of travel options available to women seeking unique and empowering travel experiences.