A luxury cruise line has introduced its inaugural all-female voyage priced at around $5,000 per ticket. Uniworld’s first women-only cruise is geared towards female travellers looking to explore with other women. The eight-day journey will traverse the picturesque French Burgundy and Provence regions, starting from Arles and navigating through the Rhône and Saône rivers, culminating in Lyon.
During the voyage scheduled from August 24 to August 31, 2025, passengers will have the opportunity to visit notable destinations such as Avignon, Viviers, Tournon, Tain-l’Hermitage, and Beaune. Uniworld has curated the experience with a team of passionate women, offering excursions, themed “Nights Out,” cocktail parties, surprise entertainment, and unique souvenirs to celebrate the trip.
The SS Catherine, a 443-foot river cruise ship accommodating 158 guests, will be the vessel for this exclusive women-only cruise. Ticket prices will begin at $4,499, providing lavish accommodations spanning four decks, including amenities like a pool, fitness centre, and spa. Dining options on board comprise the Cézanne Restaurant, Van Gogh Lounge, two bars, a coffee shop, and a 24-hour hot beverage station. Bookings for more luxurious rooms like the Deluxe Balcony and the Grand Suite range from $5,669 to $9,449.
Ellen Bettridge, Uniworld’s president and CEO, highlighted that travellers are increasingly seeking specialized and unique experiences, which has led to the development of various themed cruises for 2025. Bettridge anticipates that the guests on the women-only voyage will mainly consist of intergenerational families, groups of friends, and solo travellers. The trend of solo female travel has grown substantially in recent years, with women desiring independence, empowerment, and self-discovery while exploring the world on their own terms.
Solo travel bookings have shown a significant uptick, with women comprising 66 percent to 69 percent of solo travellers by 2023. This trend is particularly evident among women over 50 who are drawn to adventurous and long-haul journeys. Safety concerns play a crucial role, prompting many solo female travellers to adopt strategies like thorough planning, projecting confidence, and leveraging technology to share their locations.
Despite the challenges, the advantages of solo travel in boosting self-confidence and the freedom to explore at one’s pace continue to inspire more women to embark on solo adventures. This surge in solo female travel is reshaping the travel landscape and offering women the chance to discover the world on their own terms.