Wi-Fi, DJs, and custom cocktails: Millennial-only cruises are coming

There's no denying that cruising attracts a particular type of traveller, but one seafaring company is out to attract one of the world's most-elusive markets: millennial travellers.

Luxury cruise company Uniworld has launched a spinoff brand called U by Uniworld, designed to cater exclusively to travellers aged between 21 and 45 years.

The company's preliminary offering is limited to European river cruises – trips typically dominated by an older demographic – traversing waterways through Germany, the Netherlands, France, Hungary, and Austria, with revamped itineraries and on-board menus designed to appeal to younger tastes.

Boats will boast all the appeal of some of the world's most popular holiday destinations, like Instagram-worthy backdrops, mixologists turning out unique and custom cocktails, far-reaching Wi-Fi, and DJs spinning for "silent" discos.

But arguably the most exciting update is the brand's approach to time spent off the ship: boats will call at ports for longer than a day or two, giving passengers the opportunity to thoroughly explore the cities through which they pass. And, rather than offering a limited range of pre-selected on-shore activities, they'll be able to spend their time largely as they please.

"Everything is going to be pushed to you on your phone," Uniworld president and CEO Ellen Bettridge told Skift.

"We'll have big TVs up around with your social media posts going on, people talking to each other. But it's really more about your experience and your time."

Week-long cruises depart in 2018 and start from $2499 per person. For more information or to book, visit the website.