RiverViews Newsletter February 2019

The Uniworld River Heritage Club

UNIQUELY UNIWORLD: THE STORY OF BEA TOLLMAN pg 2 BEHIND THE SCENES OF A UNIWORLD PHOTO SHOOT pg 3 TREADRIGHT FEATURE: IMPROVING ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER pg 7

February 2019

E-NEWSLETTER

RIVERVIEWS

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ELLEN’S 360°

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UNIQUELY UNIWORLD: THE STORY OF BEA TOLLMAN

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BEHIND THE SCENES OF A UNIWORLD PHOTO SHOOT

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GUEST SPOTLIGHT: JANET’S EXPERIENCE IN VIETNAM & CAMBODIA

TREADRIGHT FEATURE: IMPROVING ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER

9 UNIWORLD Q&A WITH FIONA DALTON,

MANAGING DIRECTOR OF AUSTRALIA

11 A RECIPE FROM THE KITCHEN OF

BEA TOLLMAN

#ExploreUniworld

February 2019

Ellen’s 360° February is in full swing and we’re certainly feeling the love this time of year. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your patronage and loyalty. We truly admire your continued support—it’s what inspires us to keep innovating and provide you with experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

This month, we’re gearing up to kick off our 2019 sailing season. The anticipation for the debut of S.S. Bon Voyage in a few short weeks is continuing to build. We can’t wait to share our newest Super Ship with you and we hope you love her as much as we do! Be one of the first to experience S.S. Bon Voyage on our 2019 River Heritage Club Reunion Cruise on the June 30, 2019 sailing of Brilliant Bordeaux. It will be here before you know it and I can’t wait to join guests on this enhanced itinerary with a special focus on wellness.

In this issue of RiverViews, go behind the scenes and see what goes into a Uniworld photo shoot, learn how The TreadRight Foundation is improving access to clean water, hear from one of our guests who traveled with us in Vietnam & Cambodia and much more.

Finally, it’s that time of year again! Uniworld has been nominated in the TRAVEL + LEISURE 2019 World’s Best Awards. If you’ve enjoyed your experiences with us we would be honored to have your vote in this year’s survey. Vote Now> Many exciting things are on the horizon for Uniworld, this year and beyond, as we continue to raise the standard of luxury river cruising and continue to live up to our title as the “#1 River Cruise Line.” We hope that you’ll join us and fall in love with new ships and new destinations across Europe, Russia, Asia, Egypt and India.

Warm regards,

Ellen Bettridge PRESIDENT & CEO, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

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UNIQUELY UNIWORLD:

THE STORY OF BEA TOLLMAN Bea Tollman, Uniworld and an affinity for creating moments guests will never forget.

Like many great stories, Bea Tollman’s is one built on a love of life, a passion for people and a distinct vision of travel that only she could create. She began her career intending to become a teacher, though a school trip to Europe presented her with a different vision. It was then that her palate was first truly piqued, a hunger for fine cuisine was born, and an idea was sparked: to combine exquisite gastronomy with enchanting world travels.

A few years later, Bea caught the eye of a distinguished South African hotelier, Stanley Tollman, a man with a passion for good food, a heart for hospitality and a red carnation nestled in his lapel. Though they didn’t know it then, they would later go on to build the world-renowned luxury brand, Red Carnation Hotels. But Bea had even bigger dreams, and those dreams were on the water, eventually leading her to acquire Uniworld River Cruises in 2004.

With Red Carnation as her guide, Bea sought to bring the feeling of staying in a luxury boutique hotel to the rivers, and thus, the Uniworld of today is largely influenced by Red Carnation’s key tenets: unparalleled hospitality, unmatched service and a dedication to going above and beyond for guests.

NO DETAIL IS TOO SMALL

Bea has designed each ship interior to reflect the rivers they cruise on, with bespoke themes, color palettes, original art and personally selected furnishings.

NO REQUEST IS TOO LARGE

Whether remembering a favorite drink order from day one or surprising a guest with a treat mentioned swiftly in passing, these Tiny Noticeable Touches are just one emblem of Bea’s thoughtful nature.

IT MUST BE DELICIOUS

A temporary solution to help her husband, Stanley Tollman, with their first hotel paved the way for a life in food, later translating into the many dazzling dishes and culinary feats that have become a cornerstone of our onboard menus.

“My driving passion is to make every stay memorable for every single guest. To make them feel truly welcomed and special.”

-Bea Tollman

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GO ofBEHIND THE SCENES a Uniworld photo shoot.

At the end of December, a team ventured to Budapest for a photo shoot on S.S. Maria Theresa and S.S. Beatrice. Months before the shoot, we compiled a list of shots we intended to capture, and worked with the photography team and onboard staff to bring these scenes to life. After the photos are taken, selected and retouched, they’ll make their way into many of the marketing materials that you’ll see—from our emails to our brochure, to direct mail and our website.

See how our photographers and team bring the beauty of Uniworld to life.

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Behind the Scenes

Final Photo

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Seasoned traveler Janet Knipe has long been interested in learning about new cultures and seizing opportunities to explore new places. After a career in child welfare advocacy, she’s happily occupied much of her time with international travel.

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

Two of our very good friends are Uniworld “long-timers,” and they’ve taken just about every river cruise you have and they’ve always spoken so highly of it. For years, they would ask me to come and I’ve always been drawn to Asia, so when they said they were going to do this tour on the Mekong River, we looked at each other and said, “Let’s do that…it’s a part of the world we’re interested in.”

What aspect(s) of a Uniworld cruise do you find most appealing?

Every aspect of the trip exceeded my expectations. I really didn’t know what to expect, but now I get what the appeal of a river cruise is. What I understand now that I didn’t get before is that there’s an opportunity to experience what life on that particular river is like, which is fascinating.

Every day you see something new and you’re learning in a way that you wouldn’t if you were on a bus or a car trip.

The staff was fabulous, the accommodations were great, the excursions and the guides that we had in each place were terrific, the food was wonderful and the whole trip seemed like a really great blend of learning opportunities and being really well taken care of. The staff just absolutely blew us away. The fact that they learn your name and your food and drink preferences immediately—and never messed up—made the experience especially memorable.

Additionally, the size of the ship really appealed to us, it allowed us to get to know other people, enjoy really informative lectures and gave us a lot of flexibility.

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What drew you to our Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong itinerary?

I’ve always wanted to see Angkor Wat and having been in a couple Buddhist countries before, I was very drawn to that.

So Cambodia had been high on my list. Vietnam had also been high on my list because I realized I didn’t really know anything about Vietnam except what I learned from the American media. It’s a part of the world that has such a long and rich history. It seemed like this trip particularly touched on everything that I wanted to see in Vietnam and Cambodia.

Can you describe the land portion of the trip? What were your favorite experiences and what did you think of the hotels?

In Ho Chi Minh City, the market that we went to was really interesting to me. I found that the Cu Chi Tunnels—from an engineering standpoint—were fascinating. The other things that stand out in the land portion were the Presidential Palace in Ho Chi Minh City, the Killing Fields in Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat was breathtaking. The hotels were fabulous also.

I loved the variety of food at the breakfast buffets in all three hotels! The opportunity to have dim sum for breakfast is not something I get very often.

Can you describe the cruise portion of the trip? What was it like cruising on the Mekong river? What did you think of the Mekong Navigator?

The Mekong Navigator, in my mind, was perfect. It was the right size, there were nice accommodations, it was clean and the staff was fabulous. I sort of got used to having my shoes washed when we came back from an excursion, and getting that nice cool drink and cool towel as well. I’ve missed that now that I’ve been back. The staff was always so nice, cheerful

and welcoming. Not just with the servers, but with every single person we met. It was a nice environment and conducive to meeting other people.

Throughout the trip, did you feel immersed in the local culture?

Absolutely. I thought there was a good range of excursions.

The guides helped you step into the culture in an easy and meaningful kind of way. I thought doing things like going to the market allowed us the opportunity to see local people’s lives up close. It made for a very humbling experience… stepping into that world and not feeling awkward or intrusive.

What did you think about all the fascinating temples across these two countries?

You’re doing a lot of temples, but that’s what Cambodia is all about. The temples, especially Angkor Wat, are captivating places to actually see. What we appreciated about the guides was that they would always take us around to a place where we got a different perspective and there weren’t that many people there. We weren’t always right in the middle of a bunch of people, so we really got an opportunity to absorb what they were saying. Another temple that we went to enabled you to get a blessing from a monk and I think almost everyone did that. I still have the little red yarn around my wrist as a memory from that experience.

What surprised you about Vietnam and Cambodia?

The difference between the north and south in Vietnam. I knew so little about Vietnam other than watching the war on TV and I wanted to understand and know that there was so much more to Vietnam than that. I never understood the difference culturally between the north and the south as well as the different geography and the people.

How would you describe Vietnam and Cambodia to those who haven’t been?

There’s so much history there, that’s the thing. Their place in the world is so incredible and relevant today. I think that was a big reason I went there and so many people go there. It was also astounding how the people in both countries were so warm and so welcoming.

What did you think about the food of Southeast Asia? Did you enjoy the food onboard the Mekong Navigator?

Both were fabulous. I thought the ship did a great job of providing so much variety. I was amazed! All the places we were taken onshore to were terrific. If you’re drawn to Asian food at all, it was a paradise.

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

The biggest highlight for me was the sunrise over Angkor Wat and the gondola ride after that. I hope I never forget that. It was absolutely magical—hiking and then watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat was special and unusual. I’m so glad we did that as an optional excursion.

Any plans for a future Uniworld cruise?

No specific plans yet, but we’re certainly doing another Uniworld cruise. Next on our list might be a cruise down the Nile!

Thanks for speaking with us, Janet!

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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IMPROVING ACCESS to clean water.

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.

Improving access to clean water is one of the most crucial and quickest ways to lift a community out of poverty. Its positive effect on a community is undeniable. From reducing illness to improving agriculture, increasing access to food, and giving girls the opportunity to go to school, the transformative power of clean water and sanitation is sweeping.

As part of its People pillar, TreadRight has now partnered with WE Charity to provide a community in the Kanambu region of Ecuador with clean water to drink and use for cooking; healthy sanitation facilities for washing and going to the bathroom; and infrastructure like irrigation or catchment systems to facilitate food production.

The village of Kanambu is located in the Amazon region of Ecuador. While there is a nearby river from which the community can draw water, it is highly contaminated, and piping to a nearby spring contains untreated water and lacks the water pressure to deliver water to the entire community.

With TreadRight’s support, WE is constructing a water treatment center for the community. This will include establishing a water catchment system, constructing a water treatment plant, laying piping, and establishing water access points at the school. This also means the project will lay the piping for the distribution system, allowing for household access points to be established.

Another crucial element to the successful delivery of the project is ensuring community mobilization and training, which is why WE is establishing a committee to maintain the project.

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

ttc.com

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“We are so proud to have now partnered with WE in working to deliver clean water to Kanambu, Ecuador. Having partnered with WE for years now on a number of sustainability projects and immersive volunteer trips, we appreciate their recognition of the unique needs of each community and their thorough commitment to each project,” says Shannon Guihan, Program Director, The TreadRight Foundation. “We look forward to delivering the same positive success in Ecuador that we’ve seen WE deliver around the world.”

Every day, around the world, people–mostly women and girls–spend a reported 125 million hours collecting water, according to Plan International. Those are hours that they can’t spend in classrooms, generating income or simply playing.

As WE’s dedicated team says, “Clean water isn’t a luxury, it’s a basic human right,” which is why TreadRight has long been dedicated to working to help ensure communities around the world can gain access to clean water. It’s a foundational cause that TreadRight will continue to commit to as more than 660 million people around the world don’t have access to safe, drinkable water. Some 50 percent of malnutrition around the world has been linked to a lack of clean water.

Water affects everything. That’s why supporting the delivery of clean and safe water will remain a backbone in TreadRight’s mission to make travel matter.

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UNIWORLD Q&A: Managing Director of Australia, Fiona Dalton

Fiona Dalton combines her passion for travel and extensive industry knowledge in her role as Australia’s Managing Director.

Hi Fiona, what is your title and role within Uniworld?

I am the Managing Director of Australia, which means I am the regional brand ambassador with overall responsibility to grow our sales from this market.

What initially brought you to the travel industry and Uniworld?

I wanted to combine travel, which was my passion, with purpose every day in terms of an ongoing future career. So I left my role in investment banking and joined the travel industry right at the very bottom. I’ve never been shy about taking on new challenges in the industry and learning new skills, and that’s how I found myself saying yes to this amazing opportunity 25 years later to lead Uniworld in Australia.

What is your favorite part about your role?

Two things. Firstly, I love that I work for a family-owned company that cares deeply about the guest experience, such that it’s at the center of every decision made at Uniworld.

Secondly, I love that I lead a team of incredibly talented, passionate and dedicated professionals who I hang out with and who teach me new tricks every day as well.

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We heard you were recently named “Best Female Leader in Travel” in the 2018 KarryOn Awards in Australia; can you tell us more about that?

I’m absolutely stunned by it. It was an award voted on by over 3,000 people in the industry and was without a doubt the biggest career highlight for me yet. It is very nice to be acknowledged in this way and I’m very humbled by it.

In your experience, how do Australian consumers differ from other regions in terms of their travel wants and needs?

Australians are inquisitive travelers and I think we are generally very social. We love to meet new people, visit new places and immerse ourselves in new cultures. Aussies also tend to travel for longer periods of time than other regions because it’s so much farther away than other places.

From your own personal experiences, what is the most enticing feature of a Uniworld cruise?

I love everything about a Uniworld cruise, but especially that every ship is one of a kind. All of our ships have their own personalities and around every corner there is another story to be told. I also love that a Uniworld cruise is a total turnkey solution. From the time I arrive to the time I depart, every single aspect of my holiday is taken care of.

How many Uniworld cruises have you been on?

I’ve been very fortunate to have experienced five Uniworld cruises. I’m excited to soon experience our newest Super Ship in Bordeaux, the S.S. Bon Voyage, which is launching in April.

We heard you just went on our India’s Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges itinerary. Did you enjoy your time in India, and can you tell us a little bit about the new Wellness Program?

India is amazing. It was everything I thought it would be and more – even perhaps life-changing. People had told me this, and they were right! There’s so much history in India and so many lessons to learn as a traveler—from humility to patience and gratitude. India offered many contrasts for me…and while every day was a new adventure, I was cocooned in the comfort and luxury of the Ganges Voyager II at the the same time. We were so well looked after, it was truly unbelievable.

What was your favorite aspect of the Wellness Program?

The Wellness Program was a highlight for me. The opportunity to immerse myself morning and evening in yoga under the guidance of a certified yogi took discipline and effort but the reward was well worth it. To have an expert yogi onboard with us who understands the benefit of wellness and can help provide guidance for our guests to explore this in their own way was truly a gift I will treasure for many years to come.

We also enjoyed the chance for a digital detox while we were there. In fact, for most of the days we were on the river, my phone stayed off and this too gave me the time I needed to focus on my own well-being.

Besides your most recent trip in India, are there any other Uniworld cruise experiences that have stuck out for you?

It would have to be Burgundy & Provence on S.S. Catherine, my first-ever Uniworld cruise in 2016. For two reasons, one because that particular ship holds a special place in my heart, being my first river cruise. And also because I was fortunate enough to have the chance to meet our guide, Frances, in Viviers and visit her home where her aunt played an important support role during World War II. This was on our “Village Day” and Frances opens her home for guests to explore over rosé and French cheeses. It was extraordinary.

Have you ever traveled with your family on a Uniworld cruise?

I have! I have two teenagers. My son traveled with me on Rhine Holiday Markets in 2016 for his 18th birthday, and my 16-year-old daughter came with me last year to France.

Together we enjoyed a week on our Bordeaux river cruise over the summer. They both enjoyed it and we’re hoping to travel again as a family with my mom as well at the end of this year.

If you could go on any Uniworld itinerary that you haven’t been on yet, which one would it be?

The trip I most look forward to one day would be European Jewels, our beautiful cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest.

There’s no better way to explore these countries than from the luxury of a floating boutique hotel complete with curated shore excursions to some of the prettiest villages and most interesting cities in Europe.

There are a lot of exciting things in store for Uniworld in 2019 and 2020. Is there anything you are particularly excited for?

The buzz around the launch of the S.S. Bon Voyage is really building in Australia. I’ll be traveling with a group of luxury travel advisors early on in the season and we are just so excited to see the transformation of the ship. I absolutely adored the Bordeaux region and I’m so proud of the Tollman family’s commitment to investing in reimagining this ship in this way with stunning new dining venues, a redesigned top deck experience with a new swimming pool and lounge area, and an adjacent casual dining venue. It’s all part of our commitment to convert our entire fleet to Super Ships over the coming years, so our guests have access to the very best river cruise experience on every river we sail.

When you’re not busy being Managing Director, how do you like to spend your free time?

Life is busy. It’s summertime here in Australia at the moment, so we’re at the beach or the harbor…just trying to get outside as much as we can! We also have a new puppy that’s 5 months old and he’s keeping us on our toes at home. So when I’m not working, there’s plenty going on in our house every day.

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from the kitchen of Bea Tollman

LOBSTER OR CRAYFISH SOUP This easy and delicious soup can be enjoyed year-round, as an appetizer or the main course.

“We are a family of ocean lovers, and are always on the lookout for delicious new ways to prepare sustainably caught fish and seafood.”

This is a simple dish that has always been a crowd pleaser.”

—Bea Tollman

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

3 fresh lobster tails or 4 medium crayfish tails

Sauté the bacon until crispy and set aside.

1/4 cup fresh streaky bacon or pancetta (unsmoked, diced in 5 mm squares)

lightly brown, then add the thyme,

half a teaspoon salt a pinch of pepper 1 1/4 cups fish stock or chicken bouillon (use the tail shells)

Cook the potatoes in the same butter until parsley, fish stock or bouillon and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.

4 ripe tomatoes

Blanch (by placing the tails in boiling water

2/3 cup diced potatoes

for three minutes), then remove the meat

1/4 cup butter

from the shells. Dice the lobster or crayfish

2 teaspoons each of thyme, parsley stalks and mace

and add to the soup with the shells: cook for a further 20 minutes.

1/2 cup hot cream

Remove the shells, skin and add the tomatoes, and simmer gently for another 20 minutes.

Remove the parsley and stir in the hot cream just before the soup is served. Sprinkle with ground mace and chopped parsley.

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Your opinion

MATTERS Voting is now open in the TRAVEL + LEISURE 2019 WORLD’S BEST AWARDS! Your loyalty and continued patronage mean the world, which is why we would be honored to receive your vote. Complete the survey HERE

by March 4, 2019, for a chance to win a $10,000 dream trip for two planned by a Travel + Leisure A-List Agent.

As a token of our appreciation, our crew put together a video to say thank you for your support!

LEARN MORE

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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….???

This breathtaking and unique natural wonder has long been a recognizable German landmark and can be experienced on our new Magnificent Moselle & Rhine itinerary. From the top, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the verdant landscapes and sprawling vineyards.

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, Robert Berkowitz, for being the first to correctly identify the Sternschnuppenmarkt in Wiesbaden, Germany, as last issue’s mystery destination.

Visit this enchanting holiday market for yourself on our Rhine Holiday Markets and Classic Christmas Markets itineraries.

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.