RiverViews Newsletter April 2019

The Uniworld River Heritage Club

WELCOMING THE NEW S.S. BON VOYAGE. pg 3 GUEST SPOTLIGHT: GAIL'S EXPERIENCE IN NORTHERN ITALY pg 5 TREADRIGHT FEATURE: WEAVING TOGETHER QUALITY, PASSION AND TRADITION. pg 7

April 2019 Infinity pool on S.S. Bon Voyage

E-NEWSLETTER

RIVERVIEWS

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ELLEN’S 360°

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UNIQUELY UNIWORLD: IT MUST BE DELICIOUS.

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April 2019

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TREADRIGHT FEATURE: WEAVING TOGETHER QUALITY, PASSION AND TRADITION.

9 UNIWORLD Q&A WITH JEAN MARIE WELCOMING THE NEW S.S. BON VOYAGE. QUERIAUD, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, FRANCE GUEST SPOTLIGHT: GAIL'S EXPERIENCE 11 A RECIPE FROM THE KITCHEN OF IN NORTHERN ITALY BEA TOLLMAN #ExploreUniworld

Ellen’s 360° The 2019 sailing season has officially started and it kicked off in extraordinary fashion with the debut of our newest Super Ship, S.S. Bon Voyage! I was delighted to witness her maiden voyage firsthand as she set sail in Southwest France with her chic new look proudly on display.

In this issue of RiverViews, I’m delighted to share with you an exclusive look at S.S. Bon Voyage, a wonderful interview about a guest’s experience on our Gems of Northern Italy itinerary, details on The TreadRight Foundation's Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti hand-weaving workshops in Perugia, Italy, and more! Plus, prepare for your next get-together with a delicious Bea Tollman recipe for Salmon Koulibiac.

I’m looking forward to all that’s in store for 2019 and I hope you’ll join us this year on the world’s best and most awarded luxury river cruise line.

Warm regards,

Ellen Bettridge PRESIDENT & CEO Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection Ellen sabers a bottle of Champagne to celebrate the S.S. Bon Voyage's first sailing.

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UNIQUELY UNIWORLD:

IT MUST BE DELICIOUS. Bea Tollman’s culinary career began in the kitchen of her and her husband’s first hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa, The Nugget. What started out as helping prepare starters and desserts turned into a passion for creating recipes that would become staple dishes for their guests. Since then, her traditional home cooking has dazzled guests for decades, becoming a cornerstone of Red Carnation Hotels and Uniworld River Cruises alike.

“I have learnt so much along the way, but one particularly important golden rule is to always seek out the freshest seasonal ingredients, no matter where you are.

WATCH NOW

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A SUPER SHIP THAT SHOWCASES THEWelcoming BRILLIANCE OF BORDEAUX. the new S.S. Bon Voyage.

Following a meticulous eight-month transformation, S.S. Bon Voyage, our newest Super Ship, set sail on her maiden voyage in the Bordeaux region of France. Offering three splendid itineraries, this new ship pays homage to her French heritage with fine antiques, original art and distinctive color palettes. Her immaculate lobby is dressed in polished wood with subtle brass details that accentuate the handcrafted balustrade.

S.S. Bon Voyage offers guests four spacious new suites and four new dining and beverage venues, including Le Café du Soleil, which serves light local fare and features chef-led cooking classes on the vibrant Soleil Deck, which also boasts the only infinity pool on the rivers as well as panoramic views of the French countryside.

Inside, Le Salon Champagne dazzles with its stylish emerald tones inspired by Yves Saint-Laurent’s personal abode, Villa Majorelle.

Additional dining venues also capture the wine and gastronomic expertise of the region, including La Cave du Vin, an intimate space where connoisseurs can gather for expert food and wine pairing dinners upon request.

Say “oui, oui” to your next adventure onboard the magnificent S.S. Bon Voyage.

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La Salon Champagne

La Cave du Vin

Corridor

Bathroom

Soleil Deck

Suite 302

Lobby

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We had the pleasure of chatting with avid traveler Gail Della Torre, who’s become hooked on river cruising after her recent travel experience on our Gems of Northern Italy itinerary.

How did you hear about Uniworld? Was this your first trip with Uniworld?

Yes, it was the first. We decided that we’ve always taken the big trips but we thought it was time to try a river cruise. So, we spoke to our travel agent and she had just gotten back from the one we ended up taking. I asked her to tell me the good and the bad about her experience and she had to pause for a minute because she couldn't think of a single bad thing to say. We decided to give it a shot and we loved it.

What aspects of your Uniworld cruise did you find most appealing?

Being on the ship right next to where people were walking was very appealing. On the big ships, you had to leave at a certain time and take a boat, but on a Uniworld river cruise it was almost like having a home beside the water because you could come and go as you pleased and look out your window and see people going by. I really liked that.

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How did you land on our Gems of Northern Italy itinerary?

It was definitely because of our travel agent and my husband, who is actually from Italy. I loved Venice anyway and she had such a wonderful time, so it was kind of the perfect combination for us.

Out of all the islands you visited in the Venice Lagoon, did you have a favorite?

Venice is my favorite and I also really liked Chioggia, but it's hard to pick. I’m studying Italian now and was able to practice talking to people, which was fun. Every place we went to was very enjoyable.

What did you think of the River Countess?

The staff was very friendly and we liked the fact that you could have wine for lunch or dinner or at night and you didn’t have to worry about paying for things or paying extra. It was very clean and the beds were very comfortable. There was nothing about it that I would change.

Did you enjoy the private after-hours visit to St. Mark’s Basilica?

That was really a highlight. I couldn’t believe we were allowed to do that. What made it—and we all agreed—was the tour guide. She was unbelievably great. People were going on tours just because she was the one doing them.

Going to the basilica was a really special experience.

What surprised you most about the places you visited in Northern Italy?

I’ve been to Venice before but I had never gone to Milan, so going to those places that I had never been to before was fun. Seeing da Vinci’s “The Last Supper” painting…that was beautiful. We really liked going to vineyards where they had lunch for us and in Bologna they had us go to an Italian restaurant where we got to help them prepare some food. It was all really special.

Since Italy is known for its food, what was the most delicious thing you ate?

It was all good, but there was a cheese we had on the ship that was delicious. Actually, when I said I liked it they went and got me the package to look at so I could remember it. All the food was very gourmet. We were quite pleased with all of the food and the way it was prepared.

If you had to pick, what is your favorite memory from your trip?

The basilica visit!

Any plans for a future Uniworld cruise?

In August, we are going from Vienna to Amsterdam on Alluring Amsterdam & Vienna onboard the River Princess. We actually made some good friends from Florida who came and visited us and we’re going with them on this cruise. We hit it off with them and they happen to be from Canada as well, so we booked our trips together.

Thanks for speaking with us, Gail!

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

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

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WEAVING TOGETHER quality, passion and tradition.

Founded in 2008 by Uniworld’s parent company, The Travel Corporation, The TreadRight Foundation’s mission is to safeguard people, wildlife and the planet for generations to come.

During World War I, a housewife turned elementary school director traveled via horsedrawn carriage through the Italian countryside on the outskirts of Perugia, Italy, to oversee a set of small rural schools. As she traveled, Giuditta Brozzetti was intrigued by the sounds coming from many of the farmers’ homes. The sound?

The looms kept by farmers’ wives to weave traditional textiles.

Fascinated and inspired by the textiles, she founded a workshop dedicated to the production of high-quality artistic textiles for the home.

Since then, a passion for the art of hand-weaving textiles on antique wooden looms has been passed down through generations of the Brozzetti family, with each generation personalizing the production according to their own inspiration. Four generations later, the

workshop is now located inside the Church of San Francesco delle Donne in the medieval city of Perugia.

To this day, the fabrics are woven using the original antique looms with the same traditional techniques Giuditta Brozzetti instilled nearly a century ago. The patterns produced are reminiscent of great medieval and Renaissance textile traditions in Italy, particularly the Umbria region.

With a grant provided by TreadRight, Laboratorio Giuditta Brozzetti has been able to establish educational tools for spreading the tradition of weaving. The grant has also helped to build e-commerce capabilities, increasing online sales and providing a stable source of income for the community-based cooperative.

A f a m i ly of br a n d s

ttc.com

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UNIWORLD Q&A: Jean Marie Queriaud, Director of Operations, France

What is your title and role within Uniworld?

I am the Director of Operations for the Uniworld ships sailing on the rivers in France.

What does being a Director of Operations in France entail?

I oversee operations, monitor the quality of our France programs and address any issues, and work with the teams in our headquarters on future program development, special requests and the customized needs of groups and charters.

What initially brought you to the travel industry and Uniworld?

I studied and started a career in the hotel industry.

This includes 10 years in resorts and luxury hotel management across Asia. When I decided to return to France in 2000, I happened to set foot on a ship sailing on the Rhône River. It was the beginning of the tourism boom on the rivers and it gave me the opportunity to learn about a job that combines tourism and hospitality. This was a revelation for me. To work, travel, and introduce my culture to guests allows me to combine my passion for tourism and my passion for my country.

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What is your favorite part about your role?

I enjoy reading customer reviews and seeing their comments and recommendations—it’s especially nice to see the praise of the people they have met onshore or onboard. I also regularly meet with our onboard Cruise and Hotel Managers to get their feedback on how we can continue to improve our programs for our guests. I would say my most favorite part of the job is working with my colleagues to create new and exciting activities and tours for our guests—it's always a fun challenge.

You were aboard the S.S. Bon Voyage preview cruise—how was that?

It was incredible to see the transformation of the River Royale into S.S. Bon Voyage. It was also incredible to see that some of the original details were kept, like artwork of a local painter from Provence and the mosaic in the lobby representing the abbey at the bottom of the valley. Our chefs are the best, and it was wonderful to see their creativity blossom in the ship's new dining venues like La Cave du Vin, where our guests can enjoy expert food and wine-pairing dinners.

What is your favorite aspect of the new S.S. Bon Voyage?

The Soleil Deck is definitely my favorite place on the whole ship. The Brilliant Bordeaux itinerary includes three afternoons of sailing and the deck is perfect for enjoying the sunny Aquitaine region while sipping a glass of Sauvignon blanc and relaxing in the only infinity pool you'll find on the rivers. Le Café du Soleil is also the perfect place to enjoy a light lunch while you enjoy the scenery. The ship is especially beautiful at sunset, when the

polished yacht-like wood surfaces throughout reflect the light and create a serene ambiance.

What can you tell us about the new Wellness Program on the enhanced Brilliant Bordeaux itinerary?

Our Wellness on the Water program promotes a healthy lifestyle, which the French refer to as douceur de vivre, or a sweetness for life, and I'm excited for all the new activities we're offering this year. You can go for a walk or bike ride along the banks of the river, do yoga in the heart of Blaye fortress or meditate at sunrise on Europe’s highest sand dune, La Teste-deBuch. Onboard, indulge in a vino therapy massage. Great wines, art, history, wellness and relaxation are all themes on Brilliant Bordeaux.

Besides the S.S. Bon Voyage launch, what are you most looking forward to in 2019?

This year is the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Normandy beach landings and we get to celebrate with our guests each week with a special program at Omaha Beach.

When you’re not busy working for Uniworld, how do you like to spend your free time?

Tourism is really my passion and one way or another my hobbies are related to that. I love keeping myself informed of the latest travel trends while I'm actually traveling by reading inflight magazines. I also like to test Airbnb experiences, luxury and trendy hotels, and get to know new cities and towns by bike, stopping in at the markets, restaurants and cafes and getting to know the locals.

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from the kitchen of Bea Tollman

SALMON KOULIBIAC Wow your guests with this delicious Bea Tollman specialty.

“The Salmon Koulibiac recipe is one of the most popular items on the menu at Ashford Castle and exemplifies the Chef’s approach to cuisine—fresh, local and seasonal.”

—Bea Tollman

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

Puff pastry 1/2 cup basmati rice, cooked 3 hardboiled eggs 14 oz boned fresh salmon 1 teaspoon of sweet or mild paprika 2 shallots, finely diced 7 oz cooked spinach Sea salt Pepper 1 egg, beaten 12 oz mushrooms (optional)

Roll out the puff pastry dough 3 mm thick into a square large enough to set the filling over one half.

Leaving a narrow border around the outside edges, set the rice over half the rectangle and sprinkle with salt, pepper and paprika. Spread the salmon over the rice, then arrange a layer of sliced hardboiled egg on top. Finally, layer the cooked spinach on top.

Brush the pastry border with beaten egg and fold over the pastry. Pinch the edge with a fork to seal the pastry parcel.

Brush the top of the koulibiac with the remaining beaten egg to give a lovely brown glaze, and cook in the oven for 30 minutes as at 425 F. Serves 6-8

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AN OUTSTANDING LOYALTY PROGRAM FOR OUR EXCEPTIONAL GUESTS. After your first Uniworld cruise, you will be automatically enrolled in our River Heritage Club loyalty program and begin receiving benefits, savings and rewards reserved exclusively for our loyal guests.

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS ON ALL CRUISES, COMBINABLE WITH ALL PROMOTIONS.* plus

An exclusive WELCOME GIFT to commemorate your membership.

PRIORITY NOTIFICATION on new cruises and programs.

Join the Captain for a members-only COCKTAIL PARTY onboard.

Special MEMBER-ONLY OFFERS.

Complimentary LAUNDRY service.

Exclusive RIVERVIEWS E-MAGAZINE.

Enjoy exclusive access to our dedicated members-only reservations line: 1-800-307-4699.

Complimentary IN-ROOM FRUIT PLATTER waiting onboard for you upon arrival.

NOTE: Benefits in China may vary.

EVEN MORE 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 3% ON TOP OF YOUR EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS FOR RIVER HERITAGE CLUB MEMBERS.†

WHERE IN THE WORLD….???

Discover the charm of one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, from this historic street on our Castles along the Rhine itinerary.

If you can name where in the world this place is, email us at RHC@ Uniworld.com. The first to answer correctly will be featured in our next issue of RiverViews.

LAST ISSUE’S VICTOR Congratulations, Jim Gardner, for being the first to correctly identify the Saar Bow, a breathtaking river loop in Germany, as last month’s mystery destination.

Marvel at this stunning natural wonder for yourself on our Magnificent Moselle & Rhine itinerary.

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 .†This offer is combinable with the River Heritage Club Member Benefit and Early Booking Discount. 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 3% onboard savings. Other restrictions apply. See Uniworld.com for complete terms and conditions.