SS Bon Voyage

The 2006-built Uniworld SS Bon Voyage cruise ship (formerly River Royale) operates in France (on the Dordogne and Garonne rivers), departing from homeport Bordeaux. UNIWORLD also offers combined B2B (back-to-back) itineraries with departures from Paris, France. These additionally include a Seine cruise from Paris City (roundtrip on the UNIWORLD ship River Baroness).

Uniworld (officially "Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection") is a major river cruise company and part of The Travel Corporation group.

The vessel (ENI number 02327301) is Holland-flagged (MMSI 244030083) and was launched in 2006 under the name "River Royale". She was constructed in Serbia (at Vahali Shipyards, Belgrade). Her initial owner was the Dutch company Rex Rheni BV (based in Arnhem).

River Royale shared the same design features and amenities as the ships Ambassador (1993, now THE A), Baroness (1994, now THE B), Countess (2003, now SS La Venezia), Duchess (2003), Empress (2001), Princess (2001, now Trafalgar Reverie), and Queen (1999, now Trafalgar Verity). In July 2018, Uniworld announced that River Royale would be removed from service (October 28, 2018, through April 14, 2019) for a drydock refit and refurbishment. Following the 2018–2019 project, the vessel was renamed "SS Bon Voyage" - the company's sixth "Super Ship" and second transformation (after SS Beatrice / River Beatrice in 2018). River Royale was last refurbished in 2014.

Decks and Cabins

Of all SS Bon Voyage staterooms (total 62), 4 are Suites, 22 are French Balcony cabins, 30 are Deluxe cabins (with picture windows), and 6 are Classic cabins (with porthole windows). River Royale had a total of 65 cabins in 9 categories (including 1 Suite). Compared to River Royale, SS Bon Voyage has a higher staff-to-passenger ratio (passenger capacity reduced from 128 to 124, with additional staff added).

The fully remodeled ship features standard cabins sized at 14 m2 (150 ft2), while French Balcony cabins are 13 m2. French Balcony Suites measure 19 m2 each, and Two-Room Grand Suites are 26 m2. All cabins are fitted with UK-made Savoir beds featuring top-luxury bedding and pillows. All staterooms on Deck 3 (Bordeaux) have French balconies - electronically controlled, sliding floor-to-ceiling windows opening to a railing. All passenger cabin bathrooms were completely renovated (tiles, new furniture, LED lighting, marble vanity tops). The signature Savoir beds are handcrafted, offering ample under-bed storage space, luxury bedding (100% Egyptian cotton), duvets, and a pillow menu.

Standard cabin amenities include boutique decor (decadent-style interiors with high-quality wooden furniture, brass finishes, and wooden wall panels), a queen-size bed (some convertible to twins), bedside cabinets (3-drawer), wall-mounted reading lamps, large wardrobe (2–3 built-in closets), smart HDTV (satellite reception, infotainment system/Internet, movies-on-demand, “View From the Bridge” real-time webcam views), direct-dial phone (intercom), electronic safe (in the closet), mirrored marble-topped dressing table, chair, bottled water (replenished daily), individually controlled air conditioning (thermostat), 110–220 V power outlets, and an en-suite marble bathroom (WC-toilet, single-sink vanity, magnifying mirror, glass shower cubicle, hairdryer, towel warmer, waffle bathrobes, plush towels, slippers), plus Asprey bath products (shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion).

Two-Room Grand Suites (midship-aft on Deck 3-Bordeaux) each feature two French balconies (one in the bedroom and one in the living room), a larger bathroom (double-sink vanity, separate shower, bathtub, rain shower, Hermes bath products), a bedroom with a fixed queen bed (non-convertible), and a living room with a 3-seater sofa, two chairs, and two glass-top coffee tables. The two French Balcony Suites (midship on Deck 3-Bordeaux) include a 2-seater sofa, a fixed double bed, and a larger bathroom (double-sink vanity, separate shower, rain shower, Hermes bath products, no bathtub).

All cabins on Deck 2-Medoc are the same size (14 m2) and feature a large, wall-to-wall, half-height non-opening picture window. All cabins on Deck 1-Beaujolais have two non-opening, round porthole windows located at water level (positioned high on the riverside wall).

Two pairs of French Balcony staterooms (305-307 and 306-308) are connecting and can be booked as family cabins with quad occupancy.

Shipboard facilities

The redesigned riverboat features four dining venues.

Forward on the Middle Deck (Medoc) is Le Grand Fromage Restaurant (single-seating main dining room) with large windows on both sides. The cuisine is high-quality, prepared with locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant is waiter-served and operates with preset dining times depending on the daily port schedule. Breakfast (7–9 am) is buffet-style (with a central station) offering cereals, breads, pastries, French cheeses, cold meats, fruits, yogurt, smoothies, and sausages. A designated chef prepares made-to-order eggs, omelets, and other dishes at no extra charge. Lunch (12:30–2 pm) is usually waiter-served (except on excursion days requiring schedule adjustments) and includes soups, carvery selections, a salad bar, hot dishes, pasta, sandwiches, desserts, and regional specialties. Dinner (7–7:30 pm, following the Gascogne Lounge cocktail hour) is more formal, waiter-served (until 9 pm), and features an à la carte menu with regional specialties as well as classic options like grilled steak and poached salmon. The 4-course dinner includes starters, two soups, three entrées (fish, meat, vegetarian), desserts, and cheese plates. Complimentary wines served at dinner reflect the sailing region. A tea and coffee station outside the main restaurant is available 24 hours.

In the lobby (Medoc Deck) are the Reception, Travel Desk (for Uniworld tour bookings), and a boutique shop (glass-display cases). Midship is La Cave des Vins (specialty dining venue, surcharge applies), offering wine-pairing dinners and gourmet meals prepared to order. The set menu exceeds the standard main restaurant offerings, with pricing typically ranging from EUR 155–195 (approximately USD 200–250) per person.

On the redesigned Sun Deck are the Navigation Bridge (wheelhouse), bike station (complimentary bicycles and Nordic walking sticks, locks included, helmets available on request), Le Cafe du Soleil (forward), Blue Fox Cafe (aft), a deck games area (Giant Chess set), and an aft sunbathing area with a swimming pool. The pool is an infinity-edge, heated plunge pool located at the stern - the first of its kind on a riverboat - featuring blue and white mosaic tiles imported from South Africa. Surrounding seating includes umbrella-shaded lounge chairs with plush cushions in white and blue patterns.

Le Cafe du Soleil is an outdoor dining venue serving a salad bar with fresh greens, hand-picked tomatoes, and toppings, as well as French flatbread (tarte flambée) made to order. Soups and grilled meats are available at lunch. In the evening, it transforms into La Belle Etoile—an outdoor bar lounge/nightclub with a cocktail menu. Poolside service includes casual French cuisine and cooking demonstrations.

Blue Fox Cafe (added during the 2014 refurbishment) is a multipurpose, conservatory-style lounge with a glass-enclosed structure (retractable roof and walls), decorated with live plants and featuring 14 tables (various seating configurations). Depending on the weather, it can be fully opened or enclosed. It also serves as an alternative dining venue offering waiter service and a light lunch menu (pizza, pasta, burgers, seafood, salads, soups, sandwiches).

Le Salon Champagne (Bordeaux Deck) is the ship’s main bar lounge, decorated with palm trees, brass architectural elements, plush seating (sofas and armchairs), a dance floor, and a stage for live performances. During the day, it is a popular space for relaxing or using the ship’s complimentary Wi-Fi. The forward section provides access to staircases leading to the Sun Deck. A 24-hour station offers complimentary specialty coffee and tea, along with cookies and sweets.

Aft on the Upper Deck (Bordeaux) is the circular Wellness Center, comprising a Fitness Center (modern gym), Serenity River Spa (treatment room), and sauna. The spa (fee applies) features floor-to-ceiling windows and is staffed by professional therapists using Ritual products. The semicircular gym also features floor-to-ceiling windows and modern equipment. Wellness trainers lead yoga and fitness classes (onboard and ashore), as well as active excursions such as hiking and biking. Healthy “Traveling Lite” menu options are available throughout the ship. Beauty and massage appointments using premium French-brand products can be booked at Reception.

La Brasserie (Bordeaux Deck forward) is a French-style restaurant offering traditional bistro fare and à la carte dinner options, as well as light refreshments throughout the day. It is considered one of the best venues onboard for a more relaxed dining experience and special dinners.

Itineraries

In 2019, the renamed River Royale (SS Bon Voyage) introduced a new 7-day itinerary (“Brilliant Bordeaux”) roundtrip from Bordeaux. The cruise includes wine tasting and a walking tour in Saint-Émilion (shore excursion from Libourne), visits to the farmer’s market in Libourne, wine tasting at Chateau de Cazeneuve (near Bordeaux), and a Médoc vineyards cycling tour. The table below shows the port sequence.

SS Bon Voyage river cruise prices are per person and based on double occupancy. These rates are indicative only and may vary depending on promotions, special offers, group bookings, or last-minute deals. Uniworld also offers air-inclusive cruise packages and pre- and post-cruise hotel stays as optional extensions (at additional cost).

MS River Royale was drydock remodeled in 2014. The Uniworld Royale riverboat is one of the most expensive river ships ever built. She offers one of the most refined river travel experiences in France, particularly among vessels departing from homeport Bordeaux. The ship also features one of the highest staff-to-passenger ratios on the European inland cruising market.

Uniworld’s sixth “Super Ship,” SS Bon Voyage, officially joined the fleet on April 11, 2019, following an 8-month drydock refit and refurbishment in Holland. The reconstructed riverboat now features 4 new suites, 4 dining and drinking venues, an Upper Deck with an infinity pool, and a Café Lounge hosting cooking classes. All staterooms were redesigned, fully renovated, and upgraded with marble bathrooms.