You may be wondering why it’s such a big deal to have a millennials-only river cruise in Paris? I can definitely answer that for you, since I know first hand that the typical demographic of river cruises is around fifty and over!
Not that there’s anything wrong with that, it’s just that there’s a very different preference in the way Baby Boomers travel versus Millennials, and until now, most river cruises only catered to the former. This is why there has been such lack of Millennials on river cruises in Paris (I would know, since I was the only one aboard one last year), and why it’s been so hard to promote reasons why they should get onboard.
But now, thanks to a bright idea by Uniworld, the first ever Millennials-only river cruise (of hopefully many) exists in Paris for travelers aged 21-45!
They’re calling the fresh-to-death, chic AF, newly renovated ship “The B”, and just like Beyonce herself, she looks like a Queen. The activities both on and off board are super fun and exciting, and the awesome onboard staff could all basically be your best friends.
I was fortunate enough to join the inaugural sailing of The B along with some of the other top influencers in the World, and the amount of awesome it was was seriously unreal.
Don’t believe me? Here’s what went down on the first ever sailing of U by Uniworld’s “The B”:
Away with the tacky carpeting and stale decor, and hello to the uber trendy black matte paint job and chic styling throughout the ship! You can’t have a cruise for millennials without making it Instagram worthy, right?
In the hallways you’ll find black and white pinstripe walls adorned with larger than life selfies of some of your favorite celebs (not sure how the Kardashians made it up there though), although in my personal opinion they should have added us influencers’ photos as well. Jk…but not really.
The traditional dining room got transformed into a family style eating arrangement, meant to promote meeting and mingling with other guests. The menu is both delicious, and health-conscious, another staple of the millennial mindset.
Upstairs the deck got decked out with brand new patio furniture that’s both tasteful and comfortable, and the solarium got transformed into a mini nightclub/lounge!
With the newly updated cruise itinerary geared towards millennials, we found that it was packed with fun and exciting adventures that definitely aren’t like your typical boring tours. Instead we had options like bike tours around the cities we stopped in (as well as optional bike use any time we wanted…except ON the boat), and even kayaking on the Seine River!
Instead of just going to the Louvre Museum and hearing about history, our itinerary offered a twist by turning the tour into a Treasure Hunt with That Muse. My group didn’t win the hunt, but we scored first place for social media posts. Plus, either way, I got to see the glass pyramid and the Mona Lisa, so I was sold.
Other fun activities on and off board The B included a mixology class, a wine and painting class, yoga on the top deck, and even a silent disco! Destinations you’ll visit are: Rouen, Conflans, Honfleur, and the famous Versailles when available!
As a full time traveler, one thing I really loved about U by Uniworld’s new Paris cruise was that I got to unpack my bag, and leave it unpacked for the whole trip! Since The B doubles as both transportation and accommodation, and almost everything is included, that means you get to settle in and not worry about anything the entire time!
Can you imagine how nice it is waking up, opening your balcony-window, and being in a new destination? Or feeling the crisp French air breezing across your face as you glide across placid waters past little villages and large chateaus? I even saw a mini waterfall and swans at one point!
That’s right. I know what you’re all thinking. “Can you get wifi onboard a cruise?” The answer is not only yes, but YES AND IT’S FREE. Because U by Uniworld understands that wifi to Millennials is like iPhones to a baby…we will likely go crazy, cry, and cause a very loud scene if we don’t have it. Or maybe that’s just me.
Anyway! Another really awesome thing about this new endeavor, is how eco friendly it is! You will not find any paper itineraries, city guides, or menus onboard The B! Everything is located on screens throughout the ship, or on the free app that you can download to your phone (using your free wifi).
In addition to being a full time traveler, I’m also a solo traveler, so I found the U by Uniworld cruise a GREAT way to meet other like-minded travelers who love adventure like me! Sometimes it’s hard to meet people when you travel (especially if you’re not down for staying in hostels… cough me cough cough), but this new cruising concept encourages it and makes it easy!
All tours and activities are of course done in groups, and as I mentioned before, meals are served family style. Night time activities like the Silent Disco are perfect times for mingling, and since everyone’s on the same ship for a few days, you’ll have ample time to meet and get to know everyone!
So what are you waiting for? Check out the U by Uniworld site and start planning your awesome trip to Paris today! This innovative new approach to river cruising really is a genius concept, and I can’t wait to see which locations they add next!
Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with U by Uniworld, however all experiences, photos, writing, opinions, and awesome times are my own.
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A excellent post, a amazing blog! ;)
This is so cool! I was just in Budapest and was lusting after the Viking River Cruises, but you're so right, they were filled with retirees. Not really my scene. I'll have to look more into this one!
YES! This one is sooooo different and up to date!
This sounds like so much fun! A paris river cruise with a fun twist!
Haha you're right, the first thing I think of when I think "river cruise" is "Baby Boomer." I would love to do the millenials only version though - it looks like so much fun! And I was sold on the "free wifi" part haha.
Haha you know it's catered to millennials when they know to offer free wifi!!
Now, this is a great idea! River cruises are associated to retired people. But, they have become pretty popular and I think it was time to break the mold and offer something different. Gosh, the ship looks amazing!
So interesting to hear that everyone had the same thoughts on "traditional river boats"! I wonder if we'll start seeing more changes now!
Alyssa, I loved your article on your U experience. As a travel agent, I am very interested in the Millennials point of view. Thank you for sharing.