The Uniworld River Heritage Club E-Newsletter
June 2022
In This Issue 1 Ellen’s 360°
5 Top 10 Summer Getaways
2 Uniquely Uniworld: Our Family of Luxury Brands
7 Meet our New Culinary Director
3 Have a Suite Summer
8 From the Uniworld Kitchen: Asparagus à la Flamande
4 How to spend a full day in Istanbul
June 2022
#ExploreUniworld
ELLEN’S
360° Hello to all of our lovely River Heritage Club members! If you’ve been following along, you’ll know that now is a very exciting time at Uniworld, as we’re in the midst of an enthusiastic return to travel and about to set sail on our first ever Mystery Cruise in a couple short weeks. We have a lot of surprises planned, and we can’t wait to share them with you soon—if you’d like to get in on the fun, remember we have two more Mystery Cruises planned for this year! In this issue of RiverViews, you can read all about our new Culinary Director and some of the wonderful innovations he’s already brought onboard, get inspired by our summer travel recommendations, take a look at some newly renovated suites and more. Happy travels,
ELLEN BETTRIDGE CEO Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
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U N IQU ELY U N I WOR LD
OUR FAMILY OF LUXURY BRANDS
SAFARI YOUR WAY
Wherever you wish to go, you can do so in unsurpassed luxury with our family of award-winning travel brands. Trust our sister-company, AFRICAN TRAVEL, INC. to design the African adventure of your dreams. They can help you plan a journey that combines a safari and Uniworld's S.S. Sphinx or River Tosca!
Tailor-made Safari Choices
They Know Africa
Intimate Camps & 5-Star Service
African Travel's safari experts will customize your perfect trip, taking care of every detail. With 16 incredible countries to explore and endless extraordinary experiences to be had, there's no shortage of adventure.
For 45 years, African Travel has been crafting safaris, both tailor-made and pre-designed, that reflect the personal passion of safari specialists who have lived and traveled extensively in Africa.
Safari camps are some of the most intimate and private places to stay. Each safari has access to Africa’s best camps and lodges, and guest services available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
As a member of our River Heritage Club, you can enjoy savings of 5% on custom safaris of 7+ nights. To book, please contact your Travel Advisor or visit AFRICANTRAVELINC.COM. 2
Have a Suite Summer A stay in a Uniworld suite is unlike anything else—literally, since every one of our suites has its own unique design, and no two are the same. In addition to being some of the most beautiful rooms onboard, our suites also offer a host of exclusive amenities.
New Suites The S.S. Antoinette and River Tosca just got a stylish update in the form of some fully-renovated suites. Take a look around this page for a sneak peek at the new rooms.
A PERSONAL BUTLER Delivering your favorite drink with an afternoon treat as you get ready for dinner is just one of the services they provide.
The gilded design of Suite 402 leans into the opulence of European royalty.
ALL-MARBLE BATHROOMS Luxuriate in a spacious bathroom, complete with a bathtub, double sinks and Asprey bath products. The black-and-gray look of Suite 403 is a perfectly chic fit for a ship that features a mosaic-enclosed swimming pool and a Bar du Leopard.
FULLY STOCKED BAR Our in-suite bars are filled with a selection of drinks, including crystal carafes that can be refilled throughout your cruise.
LIVING ROOMS Our suites feature ample space, with room for their own sitting areas. And in our largest suites, you’ll even find a separate living room. 3
Cream tones brightens the feel of the S.S. Antoinette’s only Grand Suite, allowing its rich textures and thoughtful details to shine.
Serene blues and desert-hues bring the palette of the Nile itself onboard in these newly redesigned suites on the River Tosca.
HOW TO SPEND A FULL DAY IN
ISTANBUL Istanbul is a brand-new destination to Uniworld, thanks to our new Cruise & Rail itineraries with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains. Their allinclusive experience brings the Uniworld standard of luxury to places our ships can’t reach, opening up a world of exciting travel possibilities when you combine the best of river cruising and train travel. One of those possibilities: a spectacular journey through the Balkan Peninsula that culminates in a 2-night stay in Istanbul. Read on for our tips on how to spend your free time in this amazing city!
MORNING If you want to see it all, we recommend an early start in the Sultanahmet district. Begin with the Blue Mosque, then make your way to the Hagia Sophia nearby. Next, head over to the Topkapı Palace, once the home of Ottoman sultans.
AFTERNOON Grab a lunch of local specialties, such as kebabs, kofte meatballs and Turkish delights. Wander through the Bazaar district. Shop the colorful stalls of the Grand bazaar, and you won’t want to miss out on the Spice bazaar either.
EVENING Climb the Galata Tower for the best views in Istanbul. Cross the Bosphorus River by ferry during sunset, or take a cruise for a longer scenic ride.
Visit Istanbul one of our three Cruise & Rail journeys: 18-Days MILAN, VENICE & ISTANBUL | 16-Days VENICE & ISTANBUL | 9-Days ISTANBUL RAIL JOURNEY ONLY 4
Wondering where to travel this summer? Take a look and get inspired by some of our favorite summertime destinations!
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1: BUDAPEST (HUNGARY)
2: PARIS (FRANCE)
Budapest is a foodie’s dream, which is why we love taking guests on a tour of the city’s most popular treats—expect to see an eclectic “ruin pub,” try langos (a fried bread snack) and wander the stalls of the famous Great Market Hall.
Paris really comes alive during the summer. Take on the town like a local with an invigorating bike ride along the banks of the Seine, across the Île de la Cité and on to the Champs de Mars, one of the city’s largest green spaces.
Visit on our Enchanting Danube itinerary.
Visit on our Paris & Normandy itinerary.
3: SAINT-ÉMILLION (FRANCE)
4: AVIGNON (FRANCE)
One of our favorite towns, Saint-Émillion is all medieval cobblestones and pretty views—and, of course, amazing wine. We conclude our time here enjoying nothing less than the best in the cellars of a Grand Cru estate.
Want to spend your vacation in a Mediterranean climate? Head to the South of France for sunshine and some absolutely delicious cuisine. In Avignon, we enjoy the opportunity to cool off by kayaking down the Gardon River.
Visit on our Brilliant Bordeaux itinerary.
Visit on our Burgundy & Provence itinerary.
5: VENICE (ITALY)
6: BADEN-BADEN (GERMANY)
Of course, Venice itself is incredible, but few things top a summer sailing around its gorgeous lagoon. Join us on the sun deck to take in the views and refreshing sea air while sipping on a local favorite drink: the aperol spritz.
The ultimate spa-town destination, Baden-Baden is a haven for rest and relaxation. While you’re here, test out the famously healing waters of the Caracalla Thermal Baths or breathe in the rejuvenating air of the Sea Salt Grotto.
Visit on our Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy itinerary.
Visit on our Rhine, Moselle & Blissful Baden-Baden itinerary.
7: PRAGUE (CZECH REPUBLIC)
8: COLOGNE (GERMANY)
This city is a favorite amongst artists, musicians and writers, and we find its bohemian flare best appreciated in the summer. Bask in the warmth of Prague's most temperate time of year at a beer garden.
Visit the largest city on the Rhine for the perfect mix of old and new. Many of Cologne’s most iconic scenes are at their most vibrant in the sunshine, so take plenty of pictures.
Visit on our Delightful Danube & Prague itinerary.
Visit on our Castles Along the Rhine itinerary.
9: MILAN (ITALY)
10: THE WACHAU VALLEY (AUSTRIA)
The fashion capital of Italy is a can’t-miss destination for travelers who love lively cities and all things glamorous. On tour with us, you’ll find yourself in awe of the fantastic facades of Il Duomo and Da Vinci’s revolutionary The Last Supper.
The UNESCO-designated beauty of this river valley is especially striking in the summer sunshine. While you’re there, join us at a private reception in Artstetten Castle with a direct descendent of Habsburg royalty.
Visit on our Milan, Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy itinerary.
Visit on our Delightful Danube itinerary.
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MEET OUR NEW CULINARY DIRECTOR
ROBERT VAN RIJSBERGEN
We’re excited to introduce Chef Robert van Rijsbergen, who joined Uniworld this spring to take our culinary excellence to the next level, with an emphasis on supporting our sustainability goals through ethicallysourced cuisine. “Throughout my years of cooking I have been exposed to so many wonderful ingredients from all over the world. I hope to take Uniworld guests on a journey through these wonders, transforming the magic and authenticity of fresh local foods from the glorious places we sail, into exquisite meals that ignite taste buds and highlight the unique flavors of the location. It is also incredibly important that cuisine not only pays homage to the surrounding cultures, but also directly gives back to the communities and land.” Amongst the innovations Chef Robert has already brought to dining at Uniworld: an intimate new way to dine onboard the River Duchess and River Empress. These classic Uniworld ships will now offer an additional dining option: a private fourcourse dinner in the Captain’s Lounge. 7
From the Uniworld Kitchen
This month, to welcome Chef Robert, we're sharing one of his favorite recipes for the spring season.
ASPARAGUS À LA FLAMANDE WITH FINGERLING POTATOES, BOILED EGGS, SMOKED HAM & HOLLANDAISE
White asparagus—nicknamed “white gold”—has just come into season in Europe, making now the perfect time to try this dish. A true delicacy, white asparagus has a slightly sweeter taste and is less bitter than its green cousin.
Ingredients 2 lbs white asparagus 2 tbsp butter 1 lb fingerling potatoes 1 bay leaf 4 clove garlic peeled 4-6 slices ham rolled 2-3 whole eggs hard-boiled Parsley to taste, finely chopped Chives to taste, finely chopped Hollandaise Sauce (ready-made) Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Preparation 1. Peel each white asparagus 2 times, from top to bottom, holding the asparagus by the head and turning it around while laying it on a cutting board. Be careful, they break easily. Once they are peeled, cut off approximately 1 inch from the bottom. 2. Place the asparagus in a pan and fill it with just enough cold water to cover the asparagus completely. Season the water with salt and a knob of butter (roughly 2 tbsp). Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 3 minutes. When the asparagus is cooked, let it cool in the cooking liquid for at least 1 hour. 3. In the meantime, wash the potatoes well and cover with cold water. Add 1 bay leaf and a clove of peeled garlic. Season generously with salt and bring to a boil. Cook until nicely tender, about 10 minutes on a simmer. Once cooked, strain, season with salt and pepper and keep warm until the rest of the meal is ready. 4. Bring a small pot of water to a boil for the eggs. Once it boils, add the eggs, and set the timer for 11 minutes. When the timer goes off, run the eggs under cold water until cooled (about 1-2 minutes). Peel the eggs and chop them finely or use a fork to mash them up. Season with a little salt, pepper and the chopped herbs. Set this aside. 5. Take a pan and add some of the asparagus cooking liquid then add the sliced ham, heat just until warm. 6. To finish the dish, heat up the asparagus and place 4-5 pieces on each plate, add the boiled potatoes, the eggs, the warm sliced ham and finish with a nice amount of Hollandaise Sauce. Bon Appetit!
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Bring a piece of your Uniworld river cruise home Find authentic, handmade items from our destinations and exclusive Uniworld merchandise in our online shop, such as these nutcrackers. Originating in 17th-century Germany, nutcrackers served a trifold purpose: charming decorations, practical tools and figurines that protect against evil spirits. The nutcracker pictured here is painted in traditional Bavarian clothing, often worn at Oktoberfest, and is holding a beer mug painted with the Bavarian crest. Start shopping here.
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
Earn credit toward your next cruise with our REFERRAL PROGRAM
Special MEMBERS-ONLY OFFERS
Complimentary LAUNDRY service
Dedicated PHONE NUMBER
Exclusive RIVERVIEWS E-MAGAZINE
EXCLUSIVE TTC LOYALTY SAVINGS of 5% on select trips across our family of more than 40 award-winning brands
Complimentary IN-ROOM FRUIT PLATTER waiting onboard for you upon arrival
Join the Captain for a members-only COCKTAIL PARTY onboard
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 MYSTERY PHOTO The lounge on the S.S. Sphinx
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. Exclusive 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.
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