Previewing Uniworld’s S.S. Maria Theresa, Coming In March

It is an intriguing invitation: Experience the fantasy of an 18th-century floating palace.

That’s how Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is positioning its newest vessel, the S.S. Maria Theresa, which launches on March 26, 2015.

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Named for the Archduchess of Austria and the Empress of the Holy Roman Empire, the new river cruiser will feature classical Baroque interiors and a three-tiered lobby dominated by a sweeping marble staircase with a wrought-iron, hand-gilded balustrade, and royal crown detailing.

You can practically see the Duchess herself descending those stairs.

The lobby’s shimmering walls are paneled top to bottom with antique mirrors. The focal point of the grand entranceway and the centerpiece of Uniworld’s newest ship is a regal ten-foot high original oil on canvas painting of the beloved ruler of the Habsburg Empire, who reigned as the only female ruler of the dynasty from 1740 to 1780.

With all of the regiment and ornamentation, it would be hard to mistake a Uniworld vessel for one belonging to Viking, AmaWaterways, Avalon or Tauck.

Uniworld’s interior design components certainly are ambitious, leaving little unadorned. Whether you like that or dislike it, Uniworld does indeed take its guests on flights of fantasy.

Consider the wording in a recent press release: A hand-painted Tromp L’Oeil-inspired mural and glittering Venetian Murano glass chandelier grace the ceiling evoking feelings of walking through the great hall of Maria Theresa’s 18th-century Schönbrunn palace.

Throughout the S.S. Maria Theresa, royal blue, antique golds, shades of white, and soft gray colors that were popular during the 18th century dominate the design elements.

Other features include:

mirrored or silk-clad walls
antique white wood paneling
carved twisted columns
Habsburg coronets hand-painted with 22-carat gold leaf
custom furniture pieces, made by master craftsmen

This intricate handiwork has been painstakingly accomplished by a team of skilled artisans from around the world, including ceramicists and specialist painters who were commissioned to ensure the period was recreated with authenticity, luxury, passion, and detail.
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“Our aim is to transport each guest into experiencing the fantasy of living in an 18th-century Baroque castle,” says Toni Tollman, who led the design team along with her mother, the legendary Beatrice Tollman, president and founder of Uniworld’s sister company, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection .

“We designed the S.S. Maria Theresa to take our guests on a journey back in time with an onboard atmosphere and style seamlessly integrated with the history and architecture of the very places they will visit onshore, as well as provide them with the latest in luxurious comfort and technology, of course.“

In the Habsburg Salon, where guests can relax with a book or enjoy afternoon tea, are five murals depicting the 18th-century Austrian countryside hand-painted by specialist painter Croxford and Saunders.

A selection of hand-picked antiques and inspirational paintings from different artists of the period are certain to evoke conversation. Other public areas include the authentic Viennese Café, where guests can linger for hours enjoying local specialties, such as classic Austrian sachertorte, Würstl (Viennese sausage), and famous Viennese coffee.

Uniworld’s stylish signature Leopard Bar designed with elegantly muted colors and intricate mosaic tile murals created by the famous South African mosaic tile artist, Jane du Rand, is an enchanting and playful venue to have a drink or dance the night away.

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How S.S. Catherine And S.S. Maria Theresa Differ

Uniworld launched S.S. Catherine last year. The two vessels are similar but have several distinct differences.

More Suites: S.S. Maria Theresa will feature 10 suites measuring 305 square feet versus five on S.S. Catherine. Both ships feature a single Royal Suite, measuring 410 square feet.
Fewer Staterooms: Compared to S.S. Maria Theresa, S.S. Catherine features ten fewer category 1-5 staterooms. All suites and staterooms are unique, and all feature sumptuous fabric-wall coverings combined with rich-handmade carpets, antique furnishings, original art, canopy or four poster custom made-to-order English Savoir beds draped in the monogrammed bed linens, and open-air or French balconies. Marble-clad bathrooms are stocked with fine bath and body products, thick towels, and soft robes.. Technology, such as keypad-controlled lighting and new amazing drop-down televisions in the suites and hidden-mirrored televisions in the staterooms have been put in place.
Fewer Guests: Combined, the change in stateroom and suite configurations result in a S.S. Maria Theresa carrying nine fewer guests than S.S. Catherine. However, both ships boast 57 staff members.
No Single Stateroom: S.S. Maria Theresa features a category five single stateroom. In its place on S.S. Maria Theresa is the Serenity River Spa.
Cinema: S.S. Maria Theresa will feature a 10-seat Lipizzan Cinema configured with deep blue velvet loveseats.

The S.S. Maria Theresa will be christened in Amsterdam on March 26, 2015 by its godmother, Princess Anita von Hohenberg, a direct descendent of Maria Theresa and great-granddaughter of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Duchess Sophie von Hohenberg.

Uniworld’s S.S. Maria Theresa will set sail on her inaugural voyage on March 28 through the heart of Maria Theresa’s vast former empire on Uniworld’s “European Jewels” voyage from Budapest to Amsterdam. She will also serve the line’s popular ” Tulips & Windmills,” “European Holiday Markets,” and “Grand Christmas & New Year’s Cruise” itineraries.

S.S. Maria Theresa sails on the following cruises: