RiverViews Newsletter April 2017

E-NEWSLETTER

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RIVERVIEWS The Uniworld River Heritage Club

UNIQUELY UNIWORLD pg 2 BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE S.S. JOIE DE VIVRE. pg 3 FROM THE KITCHEN OF BEA TOLLMAN pg 10

April 2017

IN THIS ISSUE

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, ELLEN S 360

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FEATURED DESTINATION: FRANCE

UNIQUELY UNIWORLD BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE S.S. JOIE DE VIVRE.

7 GUEST SPOTLIGHT 9 Q&A WITH UNIWORLD SOMMELIER 10 FROM THE KITCHEN OF MRS. TOLLMAN

#ExploreUniworld

April 2017

Ellen’s 360° Spring is all about growth and new beginnings, and the past few months at Uniworld have followed suit. After months of hard work from the entire Uniworld team, we were delighted to launch our newest Super Ship, S.S. Joie de Vivre. I had the pleasure of attending the inaugural sailing, and it was a sight to behold. Toni Tollman and her design team did an incredible job building this masterpiece from the ground up, and it is easy to see that no detail was overlooked. I love everything about this ship, from the bright colors to the 20th-century Parisian-influenced décor to the luxurious and spacious common areas. The red-rose-inspired lounge may be my favorite spot onboard, especially when it fetures unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower.

During the inaugural voyage, it was an honor to be joined by Dame Joan Collins, the ship’s godmother. Dame Joan epitomizes the same ‘joy of living’ philosophy that the ship was built around, and it was only fitting that she would be there for the christening. The entire inaugural event was amazing, and I can’t wait for you to have the opportunity to cruise the Seine onboard S.S. Joie de Vivre.

If that wasn’t enough excitement, last month marked another launch that is near and dear to my heart. When I first started at Uniworld, several of us discussed an idea to introduce river cruising to a new generation of traveler. Those conversations led to action, and in March, U by Uniworld opened for booking. U by Uniworld is a river cruise specifically for travelers ages 21-45, with specialty excursions, onboard activities, dining and more geared to their interests. River cruising is the best and most comfortable way to experience all that Europe has to offer, in an affordable way, and we’re incredibly proud to create a brand that will broaden the interest in this type of travel.

Our River Ambassador and River Baroness will be renamed The A and The B and will be the first two ships in the U fleet. They’ll undergo a complete makeover, with a mix of modern and contemporary design elements. U is the first river cruise of its kind, and I can’t wait to share a piece of Uniworld with new guests. I see U as being the perfect fit for a honeymoon, anniversary trip, or graduation trip, or as a gift for a big occasion. I invite you to visit UbyUniworld.com to see why.

One of my favorite parts of my job is having the opportunity to meet and converse with our guests from all walks of life. I’ll be hosting my first President’s Cruise on the July 7th sailing of “Gems of Northern Italy,” aboard the River Countess, and look forward to spending time with many of you. It will be here before we know it.

Happy travels!

Ellen Bettridge PRESIDENT & CEO Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Uniquely

UNIWORLD

“

There are always flowers for those who want to see them.

- Henri Matisse

”

If you’ve been on more than one ship in our boutique cruise collection, or have perused through our brochure or website, you’ve likely noticed that no two ships are the same. “Uni” is part of our name, after all, and providing you with a unique onboard experience is of the upmost importance to us.

Each ship has a personality that is one of a kind, but as you can maybe attest, there is one design element that remains consistent across every ship. Do you have a guess what that may be? Hint: It’s alive.

If you guessed flowers, you’d be correct—orchids, specifically. The orchid stands for beauty, refinement, charm and luxury, and is the official flower of Uniworld. You may find them sitting bedside in your stateroom, resting on a handcrafted table in the restaurant or on a shelf in a common area. There are more than 28,000 species of orchid, each unique in its own right. You’ll spot many of these different species and colors throughout our ships.

The next time you're onboard, take a break and smell the flowers.

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THEfloating MAKING OF THE NEWEST boutique hotel in Paris.

Behind the scenes of the S.S. Joie de Vivre.

On Monday March 27, the City of Light shone even brighter as our newest Super Ship, S.S. Joie de Vivre, made its inaugural sailing on the Seine River. The Tollman family, several loyal Uniworld guests, and the ship’s godmother, Dame Joan Collins, were in attendance to christen this one-of-a-kind floating masterpiece and see her off from Paris en route to Normandy.

The ship is a showstopper, but equally as intriguing is the story of how she came to fruition. It all started with the visionary Uniworld design team of Toni Tollman and Brian Brennan. The team, as always, sought to create a unique ship that would house innovative touches and masterful refinements.

For the design, Toni Tollman drew inspiration from the elegance of Paris in the 1930s to 1950s and her favorite French designers, Armand Rateau and Jean-Michel Frank. Their aesthetic influence can be found throughout the ship; the palm tree motif in Le Restaurant Pigalle and the ornate butterflies adorning the reception desk are classic Rateau, while the ship lift’s minimalist modern design takes a page out of Jean-Michel Frank’s book.

Overall, the team set out to capture the “joy of living” onboard, with every room celebrating French culture, design, style, colors, and food and wine.

The luxurious staircase is one of the ship’s most striking features, as it’s modeled off the old staircase of the Plaza Athénée Hotel on Avenue Montaigne. Toni had seen the original six years prior, and photographed it for her archives, years before knowing she would one day bring its majestic styling to the Seine.

To bring the design to life, Toni and Brian brought in specialty suppliers from across Europe. The solid walnut interior with a Riva super yacht finish was constructed by hand by Willemsen in Holland. Many of the fabrics onboard were from Pierre Frey Braquenié, one of the most important fabric houses in France and very much the "haute-couture” of interior design. The recurring solid bronze work throughout the ship was crafted a by a Milanese company, who also worked on the Ashford Castle and S.S. Maria Theresa. Toni designed each of the motifs herself, before they were hand-cast in antique bronze.

As with every Uniworld ship, it’s the hand-selected artwork that ties it all together, and the S.S. Joie de Vivre is no different.

Throughout the ship, you’ll notice the many original linen posters, which date between 1860 and 1940. The name and date of every poster is displayed on a plaque, so guests can take a journey back in time while onboard this Super Ship that doubles as a French museum. Lining every corridor are caricatures you may recognize, created by France-native Georges Goursat, better known as Sem, who produced his notable works in the early 1900s. He’s one of Toni’s favorite artists, and his iconic artwork never looked better than while hanging on the walls of France’s newest boutique hotel.

Throughout the design process, attention was paid to all of the small details, as well as all of the large ones. The ship’s size of 125 meters is smaller than many in the Uniworld fleet, but it’s just the right dimensions to dock in the heart of Paris, within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower. And while smaller in length, the area for guests onboard is bigger than ever, with many notable features, like the pool in Club L’Esprit with a hydraulic floor that transforms into Claude’s by night, an authentic French supper club, with a menu of locally-inspired tapas and cocktails, accompanied by live music.

With all that went into creating the S.S. Joie de Vivre, how long would you guess it took to bring it from concept to inauguration.

Years? Perhaps half a decade? Incredibly enough, it took Toni and team just 15 months to make this dream a reality.

We invite you to come experience firsthand the “joy of living” on the Seine River. This story gets even better the moment you step onboard.

Romanian-born Laurentia Tache Panayotov first become enamoured with wine about eight years ago. She joined Uniworld in 2012 as a sommelier onboard the River Royale in the Bordeaux region of France, one of the world’s most renowned destinations for wine.

and spirits. Working in the hospitality business is one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever had and also one of the most rewarding. My life is enriched by the people I meet, the places I visit and the many special moments I have that I will treasure the rest of my life.

d requisition, lunch and dinner to wine service in the Restaurant. Between meals, I oversee wine tastings for our guests and explain different types of wine in the main Lounge before dinner. Whenever I have free time, I devote myself to a self-guided study of wines

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Featured DESTINATION

J’aime

LA FRANCE

The launch of the S.S. Joie de Vivre has us all in the French spirit. And once France seduces you with her romantic personality, it’s impossible to let go. It’s a love story that continues to be written throughout the years, and that we are thrilled to be a part of—along with hundreds of our guests.

There are many regions and towns that will ring a bell with travelers of all seasons: Paris, Versailles, Normandy and Bordeaux. But the less familiar locales are often equally as impressive, and well worth the visit.

Avignon Leaves a Lasting Impression Fun fact: while Rome is recognized as the current center of the Roman Catholic world, it was actually Avignon which held that title in the early 1300s, when the pope lived there for 70 or so years.

Today, Avignon is better known for being home to one of the largest contemporary performing arts festivals in the world. In early summer, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to this Provence town to be moved by the theater, dance and street performances and film viewings. Even when the festival isn’t in session, Avignon itself is a

work of art. You could spend days walking through the narrow streets within the fortified walls, taking photographs of the ancient architecture that has led to the town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. This small Southern-French gem has a charm that can’t be built in a day—it’s the result of hundreds of years of cultural exploration.

It’s Always a Good Time for Wine While Alsace and Bordeaux are often the first regions that come to mind when French wine is mentioned, Burgundy lays claim to being one of the best places for French wine tasting in Beaune. Beaune primarily produces Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and a visit there is a must, if only to taste a local glass of the town’s acclaimed beverage. There are many wineries in town, each with its unique setting and story. We suggest a stop at several. You won’t want to leave empty- handed.

Oh, France. You never cease to amaze us.

Do you have a story about your time in France? We’d love to hear. Send us an email to RHC@uniworld.com and we may feature you in the next RiverViews edition.

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Guest SPOTLIGHT Ron Yoshida, Travel Enthusiast, Photographer, Former Professor Part of what makes what we do extra rewarding is the opportunity to meet guests, form new friendships and share the joys of travel with people from all over the globe. Recently, we had the chance to catch up with Uniworld guest Ron Yoshida to converse about worldviews, photography and our favorite places to explore.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born and raised in Los Angeles and lived in Washington, D.C. and New York City, then moved [to Bethlehem, PA], so it was quite a change. I was Dean of Education at Lehigh University and I retired in May of 2013.

So you enjoy doing a good bit of traveling?

Yes, this year we’re going to take three trips, and next year we’ll be probably go on four trips.

Why do you choose to travel?

Well, I think one thing is that it helps one think locally and makes you have an appreciation for other cultures, as well as an appreciation for your own. I always feel that there’s a great responsibility that one has to make sure the world stays a safe place, a clean place, and with a good spirit, so that other people of my generation and those that are going to come after me are going to certainly appreciate it and enjoy it and try to nurture it for others.

Photo by: Ron Yoshida

That’s a noble philosophy to abide by. How many cruises have you been on with Uniworld?

We’ve gone on five of them, and we actually booked a sixth for next year and are exploring even a seventh one for next year as well.

What are some aspects of Uniworld that you particularly enjoy?

It’s a nice balance between feeling the local culture, being out and about, but also when you're tired out, it’s nice to say, 'okay, I want to come back and chill out—either go to my room or sit with friends, or have a drink.' I’m a photographer so I’m always looking for photos, but it was also nice to just sit by and read and relax.

What’s something you’re looking forward to on your upcoming cruise?

We just signed up to do the Portugal, Douro trip for next year. I want to go back to our favorite hotel in all the world. It’s in Portugal and it’s called Vila Joya.

It’s near Albufeira in the Algarve. That’s the southern part of Portugal right on the Atlantic Ocean and it overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, I mean literally. You have breakfast and you’re on a cliff.

Sounds incredible. Any stories that stick out from past cruises?

Uniworld always impressed me with their personal connections. On our previous cruise, we met a staff member named A.J. He said, “I’m a Brit, but I’ve lived in Holland for many years.” He would get into these really small, quirky things. He says, “the Dutch are really frugal people and my wife is half Dutch, half American, but that’s where she came from and I have that same spirit of frugality.”

Well, they have this little tool that you can scrape out jars with to get the last bit of peanut butter or mayonnaise or mustard and he was showing this to the passengers. He said, “What do you think this is?” And everybody was looking at him, like, 'I don’t know' and he explains what it is and he says 'you can buy it at any dime store here for two euros. It will make a great gift when you go home.' My wife bought 30 of them and gave them out to all kinds of people and it became the talk of the family.

It’s funny how the little personal touches sometimes resonate more than major experiences.

That’s the quirky thing. You could see the Eiffel Tower how many times, but what is the quirky thing that makes you go, 'wow, that’s fun, that’s cool'? I think a lot of people who travel want to know what is that unique thing that I could see or experience.

Even going out and having French fries [in Holland].

Where would you go to have a great French fry with mayonnaise rather than with ketchup? I get excited when I think about these kinds of things.

I love hearing these stories. It paints a picture of how truly unique our individual life experiences are. Any parting words of wisdom?

I think Uniworld’s best brand is its people, and also how those people help create these experiences. It’s not just luxury. It’s that you’re going to come away being inspired or it’s going to spark your imagination.

It’s going to make you appreciate beauty, it’s going to maybe hold you in wonderment about something.

That’s why Uniworld is out there.

That’s a great quote. I’m writing that one down.

I wasn’t a professor for nothing!

Ron is a wonderful photographer, and we were excited to see several photos he took from past voyages. Here are a few of our favorites.

Do you have a story or photos to share from your Uniworld cruise?

Contact RHC@uniworld.com if you’re interested in being featured in a future Guest Spotlight.

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IN SEARCH OF THE perfect pour Q&A with Uniworld Sommelier, Laurentia Tache Panayotov

Romanian-born Laurentia Tache Panayotov first become enamoured with wine about eight years ago. She joined Uniworld in 2012 as a sommelier onboard the River Royale in the Bordeaux region of France, one of the world’s most renowned destinations for wine.

you share some of that expertise? For Q. Can example, what pairs best with Bordeaux?

us about your first encounter with a Q. Tell professional sommelier.

It was onboard a luxury ocean cruise ship, where I was working at the time. I remember the sommelier presenting and tasting the wine as if it were some magical potion that would make you young and beautiful. When he described the wine, everybody listened. The very next day I applied for the sommelier position. After three long months of intense professional training, lack of sleep, and many hours of reading while my colleagues were out partying, I had an opportunity to fill in for the sommelier while he was away on vacation. I finally understood that becoming a sommelier was not the walk in the park I thought it to be. The more I learned about wine, the more fascinated I became.

special training is involved to become Q. What a sommelier?

It’s important to have a set of skills and an attitude that no school can give you. You must live and breathe hospitality, have a great sense of curiosity, and be willing to share your knowledge and experience. You must be unafraid of speaking in public. You must be open-minded and humble. As for formal training, I am at the fourth level of Wine and Spirit Education Trust, and am certified as a Sommelier On Court of Master Sommelier. I also intend to get my certification as a Bartender by the European Bartender School this year.

Food and wine pairing is like a marriage. To be successful, both partners have to be in perfect balance—otherwise it will turn into an ugly divorce! There are no rules to a happy marriage, only guidelines. It very much depends on the preferences of our guests and their mood. The safest Bordeaux pairing is a classic one, such as juicy veal loin medallions served with Foyot Sauce [made by adding a meat glaze to a Béarnaise sauce], paired with a 1999 Chateaux Talbot, Saint Julien. Or perhaps a superb hard cheese such as Comte de Jura that’s been aged 15 months. It has a smooth, firm texture and buttery, gently sweet nuttiness.

Q. What about a dessert wine like Sauternes?

Sauternes can be delicious partnered with pan-seared foie gras, served on grilled orange wedges and topped with a balsamic reduction or Roquefort cheese. Roquefort is made , from unpasteurized sheep s milk and it is rich and creamy, tangy and salty, a roller-coaster flavor experience when paired with sweet Sauternes.

is a typical day like for you as a Q. What Uniworld sommelier?

Mornings are dedicated to wine orders and requisition, lunch and dinner to wine service in the Restaurant. Between meals, I oversee wine tastings for our guests and explain different types of wine in the main Lounge before dinner. Whenever I have free time, I devote myself to a self-guided study of wines and spirits. Working in the hospitality business is one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever had, and also one of the most rewarding. My life is enriched by the people I meet, the places I visit and the many special moments I have that I will treasure the rest of my life.

FROMof Bea THETollman KITCHEN “

Founder of our sister company, the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Bea Tollman has lived a life dedicated to her family and the many guests who have stayed in one of her hotels or on our ships, whom she considers family. In between, she has spent many hours in the kitchen, working on her passion for developing creative recipes and sharing those with others. You can enjoy a taste of many of her culinary delights onboard. But if you can’t wait until your next cruise, you can try one of Bea’s favorites at home.

I’ve spent years trying and testing this recipe to ensure it produces a perfectly smooth and decadent cheesecake every time. It is a fusion of different recipes, tweaked and added to over time to get just the right, rich consistency. It has been a labor of love getting this right—I do love a good cheesecake!”

–Bea Tollman

INGREDIENTS: 3 lbs (1.35 kg) cream cheese, softened 1 1/2 cups (350 g) granulated sugar 6 eggs, separated (room temperature) 1 bourbon vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped out 1 Tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract Pinch of kosher salt 2 cups (450 ml) sour cream TOPPING 2 cups (450 ml) sour cream 1 /4 cup (50 g) sugar CRUST 1 1/4 cup (250 g) finely ground graham cracker crumbs 2 /3 cup (130 g) white sugar 1 1/2 sticks (170 g) butter, melted 3 /4 tsp (2 g) ground cinnamon (optional)

PREPARATION 1- To make the crust, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter and cinnamon until well blended. Press the mixture into an 8-inch (20-cm) springform pan, ensuring a thin, consistent layer, and bake at 375°F (190°c) for 7 minutes. Allow to cool, and then chill for an hour.

2- Whip the cream cheese and half the sugar together. Add the egg yolks, bourbon vanilla bean seeds, vanilla extract, salt and sour cream, and whip thoroughly, scraping the bowl. Whip the egg whites with the rest of the sugar. Fold the whites into the cheese mixture and very gently pour into the prepared springform pan. Wrap the bottom of the pan and place in a water bath. Bake in the oven for an hour at 350°F (180°C), then turn off the heat and allow to remain in the oven for another hour. Remove, cool on a rack and then refrigerate for 12 hours.

3- Topping is a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh mint leaf.

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Uniworld’s River Heritage Club A N E X C L U S I V E C L U B F O R U N I W O R L D L OYA L G U E S T S

Once you’ve cruised with Uniworld, you automatically become an esteemed member of our River Heritage Club, eligible for an array of member-only savings and onboard benefits that we offer in sincere gratitude for your loyalty.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard as a returning friend on your next Uniworld river cruise!

RIVER HERITAGE CLUB REWARDS INCLUDE: • Save 5% on any Uniworld cruise or cruise/tour around the globe* • Private members-only cocktail party onboard, hosted by the Captain (European cruises)** • RiverViews™ e-magazine** • Complimentary in-room fruit platter upon arrival (European cruises)** • Complimentary onboard laundry service once per week (European cruises)**

DID YOU KNOW? Great value comes to those who plan ahead.

It’s never too early to begin thinking about your next adventure, and if you do, you’ll enjoy added savings.

When you book your next voyage while onboard, you’ll save an additional 5% (on top of your River Heritage Club 5% reward) for a 10% total discount. The only question now is where to? The world awaits.†

WHERE IN THE WORLD….???

Nature built a masterpiece when she crafted these white cliff formations with their signature arches and ridges that have often been the subject of Impressionist paintings. Head to the pebble-lined beach below for a perfect view. If you can name the spot, send us an email to RHC@uniworld.com. The first to answer correctly will be featured in our next edition of RiverViews.

LAST MONTH’S VICTOR Congratulations, Jayne Bonzella. Jayne correctly identified last month’s mystery destination: the gorge named The Iron Gates in Romania. In fact, she’s headed there on a cruise in September. We’ll see you soon, Jayne!

Visit uniworld.com/river-heritage-club for more information.

*River Heritage Club savings and amenities are available to guests after completing their first Uniworld cruise. 5% savings are based on the cruise or cruise/tour-only price (including any upgrades and single supplement) after other cash discounts are applied. Savings are combinable with all current Uniworld promotions. Restrictions may apply. For complete details, general information, and terms and conditions applicable to all Uniworld trips, please visit uniworld.com. **For 2017 cruise/tours only † 10% discount represents 5% onboard booking savings + 5% River Heritage Club discount. This offer is combinable with all other promotions and savings programs. Onboard savings are calculated on the cruise-tour price (including any upgrades and single supplements), after all applicable flat rate discounts are applied. Bookings must be created and full deposit processed while onboard to qualify for 5% onboard savings. Other restrictions apply. See Uniworld.com for complete terms and conditions.