The Uniworld River Heritage Club
LOOKING BACK AT 2019 pg 3 GUEST SPOTLIGHT: CONNIE'S EXPERIENCE AS A GUEST AND SPEAKER pg 5 TREADRIGHT FEATURE: ONE YEAR LATER, AN UPDATE ON WILDLIFE SOS pg 9
December 2019
SUITE ON THE NEW S.S. SÃO GABRIEL
E-NEWSLETTER
RIVERVIEWS
1
ELLEN’S 360°
2
UNIQUELY UNIWORLD: CULINARY EXCELLENCE
3
LOOKING BACK AT 2019
5
GUEST SPOTLIGHT: CONNIE'S EXPERIENCE AS A GUEST AND SPEAKER
December 2019
7
UNIWORLD Q&A WITH KIMBERLY AAMOT, VP OF PASSENGER SERVICES
9
TREADRIGHT FEATURE: ONE YEAR LATER, AN UPDATE ON WILDLIFE SOS
11 A RECIPE FROM THE KITCHEN OF
BEA TOLLMAN
#ExploreUniworld
Ellen’s 360° The holidays are upon us, and I speak for everyone here at Uniworld in wishing you a joyous holiday season and Happy New Year! As 2019 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the past year and looking forward to what's next. In this issue of RiverViews, we'll look back on our accomplishments in 2019 and turn our focus to 2020 as we continue to elevate luxury river cruising to an entirely new level. You'll also learn more about our culinary excellence, get an update on an important initiative with The TreadRight Foundation and hear from both a guest and an employee about their experiences with Uniworld. I'm also excited to announce that Uniworld is nominated again in the 2020 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards. Thanks to you, we've won "#1 River Cruise Line" the last two years running, so let's keep it up! It would mean the world to me if you were to vote for us again in 2020. Vote Now. Have a happy and safe holiday season, and I look forward to welcoming you back onboard again soon!
Warm regards,
Ellen Bettridge PRESIDENT & CEO, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
1 UNIWORLD.COM
UNIQUELY UNIWORLD:
CULINARY EXCELLENCE You deserve the absolute best in every aspect of your Uniworld river cruise, and the food you enjoy onboard is no exception. The Uniworld culinary team is run by our Culinary Director with over 30 years of experience and two world-renowned titles under his belt, having been named a Global Master Chef by the World Chefs Association and as a Officier Maître Rôtisseur by the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. The Chaîn des Rôtisseurs is the world’s oldest and largest culinary guild. Established in the 13th century to train chefs to roast geese fit for royal tables, the organization focuses on establishing a worldwide community of top chefs to foster mutual growth and culinary education. Membership in this guild is hard to come by, as chefs have to be invited to join. We're proud to not only have several chefs onboard and managers in our leadership team designated as Maîtres by the association, but also to have been holistically recognized for culinary excellence by this prestigious group.
UNIWORLD.COM 2
Looking back at 2019 BEA TOLLMAN INDUCTED INTO THE TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY HALL OF FAME In April this year, Uniworld’s guiding visionary was recognized for her 60+ years in providing incredible guest experiences. Bea is known for her dedicated attention to detail and deep involvement in all of her many hotels and ships, from handpicking unique fabrics for each suite to working with her chefs on every menu. We are so proud of Bea and are honored to work with her to bring our guests that uniquely Uniworld experience.
S.S. BON VOYAGE SETS SAIL Each new ship we come out with manages to be even more stunning than the last — and the S.S. Bon Voyage is no exception. Gorgeous, polished wood, shining tilework, soothing green & blue custom fabrics and brass detailing come together in a space that redefines elegance, comfort and style. 3 UNIWORLD.COM
VOTED #1 RIVER CRUISE LINE In 2019, Uniworld was once again voted the "#1 River Cruise Line" in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards. We are sincerely grateful for the support of our guests in continuing to recognize our company as a leader in luxury river cruising.
A NEW ADVENTURE IN SOUTH AMERICA For the first time ever, we're setting sail in South America. Join us in 2020 on one of our newest itineraries that take you through the heart of Peru, from the wonders of the Amazon Rainforest and lively cities of Lima and Cusco to the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu. And as a River Heritage Club member, you'll get exclusive savings when you book now through January 31, 2020.
LEARN MORE >
05.
UNIWORLD.COM 4
This month, we had the pleasure of speaking with Connie Marco, who has joined us on several of our Jewish Heritage Program cruises as both a guest and speaker. Hi Connie, can you tell us a little bit about yourself? I live in Los Angeles, California and am married with three kids. I work as a real estate broker and psychotherapist. For the last seven years, I’ve been a volunteer docent at the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust and on the Board at the David Labkovski Project, which teaches about the Holocaust through the artwork of a survivor in Lithuania. So many students I work with haven’t even heard of the Holocaust and they are completely changed at the end of the program.
How did you first hear about Uniworld? A friend in my yoga class first told me about Uniworld because she had gone and loved it. I went on the website, saw all of their beautiful ships, itineraries and their mission. It immediately felt appealing to me and my husband.
You’ve cruised with Uniworld on our Jewish Heritage Program itineraries. What initially drew you to those experiences and did you feel they offered a deeper understanding of Jewish history and culture in Europe? I’ve been on three Uniworld Jewish Heritage cruises. While I had been on cruises before, I had never taken
5 UNIWORLD.COM
one focusing on Jewish heritage sites. The program was extremely educational and I felt privileged to see so many of the sites I’ve heard and read about. It went above and beyond my expectations. And of course returning back onboard to the staff and charm of the ships was great.
What were some of your favorite Jewish Heritage excursions and why? Each cruise has a new and rewarding experience. I loved stopping at some of the small villages on the Danube and seeing a strong Jewish presence that has existed for centuries. It was interesting to learn that back then the synagogues were near churches, as the churches provided protection. I loved Regensburg and the fascinating old Jewish quarter and new synagogue. It was like food for my soul seeing the distant past and present. Every experience adds to my knowledge base and makes me a better speaker because now I’m more informed.
In addition to traveling with Uniworld, you’ve also been a guest speaker onboard our Jewish Heritage cruises. Can you tell us about your Signature Lecture Series? I shared with the passengers my father and mother’s stories of survival during the Holocaust. So many guests were moved, which I think is because when you hear individual stories, you relate to them more than facts. I
don’t think they had heard a child of a survivor share their story before, and every story of survival is so unique. I offered the talks to everyone onboard, even people who weren’t initially signed up for Jewish heritage excursions. So many of them were happy to have had that experience. Some of those people joined the Jewish Heritage Program excursions after hearing me speak.
How does the experience compare from being a traveler vs a speaker? I’m a really outgoing person, and I love getting to know other people. I’ve always seen myself as someone who wants to learn from other people’s stories. As a speaker, people come up to me and engage in my stories, ask me questions and share their own stories. That’s the best part of it all — the human side and interest of getting to know people and forming relationships.
What keeps you coming back for more Uniworld experiences? Getting to know the other passengers, intimate time with your friends, the incredible ambiance of the ships, five-star accommodation and caring staff are all things I look forward to on every cruise. Everything is always better than you’ve ever dreamed of. If I’ve met a staff member on a previous cruise, they always remember me.
If you had to pick, which Uniworld ship is your favorite and why? Oh I can’t pick. Uniworld is my favorite cruise line, I’ve been on 4-5 ships. I always look forward to a new visual experience onboard. Because they are boutique, each is uniquely decorated and I just spend hours roaming the ship and admiring the art work and color palettes. The staff on every ship is also fantastic. You have your needs met 24/7.
I’m planning on going to Italy next year. I’ve been on many Danube, Main and Rhine River cruises, but never Italy. I can’t imagine having a nicer experience on any other line.
Thanks for speaking with us, Connie and we can’t wait to see you in Italy! 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.
UNIWORLD.COM 6
UNIWORLD Q&A: With Kimberly Aamot, Vice President of Passenger Services.
Hi, Kimberly! What is your title and role within Uniworld? Vice President of Passenger Services
What drew you to a position with Uniworld? I worked with Princess for 17 years and have cruising in my veins. A friend told me about a niche new product cruising the rivers of the world and I wanted to see what it was all about. I love the small ship feel of river cruising, as opposed to where ocean travel was heading at the time.
Have you always wanted to work in this industry? No, my bachelor’s degree is in the fine arts and I planned on designing book and album covers. I had actually gotten a callback interview with a major production company and started working with Princess to save up while I built a new portfolio, but then I fell in love with the travel industry and never went back.
What does a typical day look like for you? I don’t have a typical day, which makes my job fun and exciting. Every day brings on a new adventure or challenge. My days fly by so fast that I’m always surprised when it’s time to leave.
continue on next page
7 UNIWORLD.COM
What is your favorite part about your job? The people. I’ve worked with my team for many years; they are truly my second family — not just within my team, but the whole company, including the staff onboard the ships, our global offices and the executive teams.
If you could travel on any of Uniworld’s 2020 itineraries, which one would it be and why? Egypt! It’s been on my bucket list for years and I’ve seen so many lovely letters coming back from our guests. I loved Portugal and would like to go again. I was so inspired by that trip that I planted four grape vines and two olive trees!
How does it feel to have been named the “#1 River Cruise Line” in the Travel + Leisure 2019 World’s Best Awards? It just confirms what I already know and feel in my heart. There is so much passion in Uniworld, so much love and desire to please. How could we not be #1?!
Apart from your passion for traveling, what are some other things you enjoy doing? I’m a foodie who likes to try foods and experience cultures from all over the globe with my husband and two daughters. I also love reading, photography and playing with my four dogs.
UNIWORLD.COM 8
9 UNIWORLD.COM
ONE YEAR LATER
Putting an end to animal abuse with Wildlife SOS. 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. A year ago, we introduced Asha, a sick and injured elephant rescued by Wildlife SOS, an organization dedicated to protecting and conserving India’s wildlife and natural habitats. We’re delighted that Asha is continuing on the road to recovery and living out her days showered with love in the wildlife sanctuary, thanks to the hard work of the organization. Wildlife SOS continues to make huge strides in animal rescue and rehabilitation in India. At the end of 2018, they opened the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital — the country’s first — with the capacity and technology to care for and conduct a variety of tests on elephants in recovery. They’ve rescued a number of elephants this year, and in November 2019, unveiled India’s first Elephant Memorial to honor those elephants who’ve sadly succumbed to their injuries from a life of neglect and abuse. With an emphasis on #RefuseToRide, the memorial honors five elephants who are a symbol of the suffering of captive elephants, and a driving force behind the fight to ensure these majestic creatures are protected from the same fate. Ending the mistreatment of wildlife at the hands of travel and tourism is a mission that The TreadRight Foundation and Wildlife SOS share. TreadRight’s Wildlife pillar focuses on the protection and awareness of wildlife, working hand-in-hand with its Animal Welfare Policy, the standard to which The Travel Corporation holds its hundreds of trips, while encouraging the industry and consumers to follow suit. Raising awareness about the harmful consequences of animal entertainment is vital in creating responsible travelers. Wildlife SOS’s #RefuseToRide campaign aims to educate travelers about the cycle of abuse and exploitation caused by animal riding.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WILDLIFE SOS’ EFFORTS
“The power to change the landscape around elephant rides rests with us; the travelers.” – Céline Cousteau, TreadRight Ambassador
Don't forget to take our Make Travel Matter Pledge! Learn more at TreadRight.org/Pledge
UNIWORLD.COM 10
From the Kitchen of Bea Tollman
BLACK PEPPER PRAWNS
This recipe serves six people and is delicious with rice or a loaf of crunchy, rustic bread. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
2 lbs prawns, shelled with tails attached 1 1⁄3 teaspoons ground turmeric 2 teaspoons salt 2 oz lemon juice 3 teaspoons brown mustard seeds 2 tablespoons crushed black pepper 3 teaspoons crushed garlic 1 tablespoon crushed ginger a handful chopped fresh coriander a little extra salt 2 tablespoons of Pernod (can substitute with any anise-flavored liqueur such as Ouzo, Pastis or Sambuco) 1 stick of butter 2 cups vegetable oil
Devein the prawns if required and season with turmeric, salt and lemon juice. In a wok or nonstick pan, sauté the prawns in oil over a high heat until they’re pink and firm (about 2 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon. you’ll probably find it best to sauté the prawns in several batches so they cook quickly without stewing. In the same pan, fry the mustard seeds until they begin to pop and crackle. Before they begin flying around the kitchen, add half the cracked pepper with the garlic and ginger and cook briefly. Return the prawns to the pan and toss over a high heat, keeping them turning and moving so they gather up the spices. Check for pepper heat and add as much of the remaining pepper as you need. Toss the chopped herbs into the pan with the Pernod and an extra pinch of salt and give the pan a hearty shake to distribute everything evenly.
11 UNIWORLD.COM
UNIWORLD.COM 12
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 MEMBERS-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. New! Earn credit toward your next cruise with our REFERRAL PROGRAM.
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. Know you’ll be cruising with us again, but don’t know where? No problem. Now, you can put down a FLOATING DEPOSIT to secure those 3% savings, and don’t have to decide on the exact cruise until a later date.†
CAN YOU NAME THIS SHIP? Each ship in our fleet is a one-of-a-kind floating boutique hotel, designed to be an extension of the destinations it sails through. If you can name which Uniworld ship this 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, Panfilo Contreras, for being the first to correctly identify the S.S. Maria Theresa as last issue's mystery Uniworld ship.
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 Savings. 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/or Floating Deposit processed while onboard to qualify for 3% onboard savings. Other restrictions apply. See Uniworld.com for complete terms and conditions.