US-based Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is stepping up its strategy to grow its corporate charter business in Asia with new ships and more personalised incentive experiences for corporate groups.
Henry Yu, managing director, Asia, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise, highlighted Uniworld latest updates, including new ships joining its fleet. S.S. Emilie entered service in 2026, followed by S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene in 2027. The new vessels can accommodate up to 150 guests, allowing Uniworld to welcome more incentive groups and full ship charters.
“With additional ships joining the fleet, we hope to grow our corporate business in Asia by offering more flexibility in capacity, itinerary planning and customised experiences,” said Yu.
Yu told TTGmice that personalisation is a key part of Uniworld charter strategy, with onboard arrangements and services customised to suit each group. This includes onboard branding, event materials, customised greeting cards, company branded cakes and specially designed menus featuring the company logo.
“We can even rename the ship for a charter event and customise the onboard branding based on the company’s needs,” Yu said.
This approach also extends to how Uniworld designs experiences for Asian corporate groups, with adjustments made based on each market preferences.
“For example, if we have a group from Indonesia or Malaysia, we can prepare dishes such as nasi goreng because we understand they may prefer familiar flavours,” Yu said.
Uniworld is also able to adjust shore excursions based on each market preferences. For example, some groups may prefer shopping activities during shore visits, while other groups may have different interests. The experience also can combine daytime excursions with evening meetings, private functions or team activities onboard.
To further grow its corporate charter business, Yu said Uniworld is taking a more consultative approach when working with corporate clients.
“We build each programme based on what the group needs. We first understand where the group is coming from, when they want to travel, the group size and what they want to achieve before creating the right programme,” Yu said.
He added that Uniworld also works closely with event planners and travel partners by providing customised packages and sales presentations to support their pitches for corporate projects.
