The Uniworld River Heritage Club E-Newsletter
May 2021
In This Issue 1 Ellen’s 360°
5 Meet the new Mekong Jewel
2 Uniquely Uniworld: Reducing our Carbon Footprint
7 Opening for Travel
3 Uniworld & TreadRight Q&A: MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences
March 2021
8 From the Kitchen of Bea Tollman: Cheese Biscuits
#ExploreUniworld
ELLEN’S 360° Hello to all of our wonderful River Heritage Club members! If you’ve been following along with travel news lately, you’ll have seen that countries are starting to announce that they are or will soon be ready for international travelers again. We couldn’t be more excited at the prospect of getting back to exploring the world again and look forward to reuniting with our guests and crew. See which cruises are setting sail soon in this issue or learn more here! Now is the best time to book your 2021 river cruises, before our Cruise Back Into Travel savings end on May 31, 2021! In this issue, I’m also excited to tell you more about how we’re launching back into travel with a renewed focus on sustainability. Learn about what that means as you read about new MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, our eco-friendly ship on the Mekong and our efforts to reach carbon neutrality by 2030.
I hope to see you onboard soon!
ELLEN BETTRIDGE CEO Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
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U N IQU ELY U N I WOR L D
REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT On Earth Day this year, we launched our action plan to achieve the first couple goals of The TreadRight Foundation’s How We Tread Right sustainability strategy, a sweeping set of reforms to all of our operations, both in-office and on our trips. This first goal is to achieve total carbon neutrality by 2030, and the second is to source 50% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2025—and we’ve established a 5-point plan to do just that! For each step in the plan, our parent company, The Travel Corporation, is working on a series of initiatives across our family of brands to further these goals.
OUR FIVE-POINT PLAN
1: MEASURE THE EMISSIONS FROM OUR BUSINESS AND TRIPS For example, we’re using Accuvio, a cloud-based carbon reporting tool, to measure emissions from our offices, ships and employee air travel.
2: BUILD ON REDUCTION EFFORTS AND SET AMBITIOUS REDUCTION TARGETS For example, we are in the process of switching to renewable energy across our operations, including expanding the use of biofuels on our ships and installing solar panels at our Uniworld head office in Encino, California.
3: THROUGH TREADRIGHT, INVEST IN NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS TO REMOVE EXCESS CARBON FROM THE ATMOSPHERE For example, We’re investing in Project Vesta, which aims to accelerate the natural process of weathering at our shorelines to permanently store carbon in rock.
4: PURCHASE CARBON CREDITS TO OFFSET UNAVOIDABLE EMISSIONS. For example, we will offset the emissions from all of our offices and employee air business travel beginning in 2022.
5: INVEST IN NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND SUPPORT STRATEGIC ALLIANCES THAT ENABLE THE MOVE TO A LOW CARBON ECONOMY For example, We’re involved with World Travel & Tourism Council and The Future of Tourism Coalition to build roadmaps for our sector that will enable travel and tourism to achieve net-zero by 2050. 2
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® EXPERIENCES Uniworld & TreadRight Q&A MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are conscious travel experiences offered by Uniworld and TTC’s family of brands which support the United Nation’s Global Goals. They are chosen for the positive environmental or social impact they have on the guests who experience them, and the people and places they visit. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences received honorable mention in the Corporate Social Responsibility category of Fast Company’s 2021 World Changing Idea Awards! In its fifth year, the Fast Company Award honors businesses, policies, projects and concepts deeply committed to pursuing innovation for the good of society and the planet. TreadRight’s Nadine Pinto and Uniworld’s Wanda Kowalczyk joined us to share an inside look at what makes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
NADINE PINTO Sustainability Manager, TreadRight What are MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences and how do they support the Global Goals for sustainable development as set out by the United Nations? The 17 Global Goals have been set out by the United Nations to achieve a sustainable world— including eliminating poverty, achieving gender equality, encouraging responsible consumption and protecting life on land and life below water. To qualify MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences, we used the same criteria that the UN has developed to track progress on these important issues.
Why design MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences around the United Nation’s Global Goals in particular? We wanted to move beyond “feel good” experiences and look at how we could drive real change on the ground and positively impact broader environmental and social issues. The Global Goals were established in 2016 and were quickly adopted by governments, businesses and society as the goals for which we should all be working towards. It made sense that our impacts also correspond to global efforts and that’s why it felt natural that we look to the UN Global Goals for inspiration.
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How did you select which Global Goals to focus on? While recognizing all 17 Global Goals are important and interconnected, we determined that prioritizing a select number of goals would help us focus our efforts and ensure measurable impacts. We chose 11 Global Goals based on our impact potential, and these are the Goals supported by our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences and by the guests who partake in them.
How are MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences selected? Our brands submit experiences through a proprietary assessment tool that reviews them against a set of qualifying criteria. The tool then assesses whether the experience meets a Global Goal, and if so, which one(s). Our qualifying criteria have been endorsed by leading industry sustainable development experts. This means that we are building travel experiences that display genuine social and environmental good. We are committed to transparency and so our qualifying criteria have been made publicly available.
What role do MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences play in TTC’s broader sustainability goals? TTC launched its sustainability strategy, How We Tread Right, in September 2020 with 11 sustainability goals that address issues such as climate, sustainable food production, waste, the travel experience, diversity and wildlife. While many of these goals impact the way we operate, meaning our travelers don’t need to “opt-in”, MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences are curated for travelers to choose and experience for themselves. We hope our guests take home a new perspective on how communities around the world are striving to make positive impacts.
WANDA KOWALCZYK VP of Product Development, Uniworld Can you tell us about the process of crafting a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience for Uniworld? Many of our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences have started with popular tours that we’ve run in the past, and which we have since found ways to make more sustainable. For example, we have included a chocolate tasting on our Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time river cruise for a while, but have realized that we can make it better. For the MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, we approached a company that was established in 1912 and is credited with inventing the Belgian praline. This company works directly with the farmers, a collaboration that offers farmers a reliable job, good working conditions and higher incomes, while also making a more sustainable product. We have also added some completely new experiences to our itineraries, such as the “Plastic Fishing” outings offered by Uniworld and U by Uniworld in Amsterdam. I am positive that guests are going to be delighted with this excursion because they will not only get to enjoy a canal ride, but they will also get to help keep the canals beautiful as they go.
Are you working on any new-to-Uniworld MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences at the moment? I believe that the best way to encouraging sustainable tourism is to lead by example, so our work will never stop. We’re working to offer at least one MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on 50% of Uniworld and U by Uniworld programs by 2025. We are also in the middle of creating new itineraries and new experiences that will help support the local economies and communities we visit. Since arts and crafts are an integral part of the tourism business, we are contacting local vendors from many countries to work with them on the new excursions. Please stay tuned!
How do MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience help immerse guests in the destinations they visit? Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences help you get involved in the communities they visit, which is a great way to get to know them more intimately. On the Jordan extension to our Splendors of Egypt and the Nile itinerary, for example, guests will visit the Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Cooperative, which is run by local women and has provided training for more than 150 women from the surrounding region on a variety of handicrafts. When guests visit this establishment, they immerse themselves in the Jordanian culture in a very interactive way. They hear the women’s stories, discover local crafts and learn about how the women have been able to cultivate their traditions.
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Meet the new
MEKONG JEWEL In 2020, the well-loved Mekong Navigator was replaced with an even more luxurious Super Ship, the Mekong Jewel. A full 10 meters longer than her predecessor, but with the same low capacity of just 68 guests, the Mekong Jewel features larger onboard spaces and boasts a guest-to-crew ratio of just 1.3:1. Her light, airy design, accented with flowers and greenery, captures the tropical nature of Vietnam and Cambodia with casual elegance.
Every one of the Mekong Jewel’s 24 staterooms is a gorgeously appointed, spacious suite. Dark, polished wood is offset by serene blues and greens, and each suite opens into a wrought-iron balcony. Each room features beautiful marble and tile bathrooms, which include a window-side tub in addition to a shower in both Grand and Royal suites. Royal suites, the largest at an incredible 924 sq. ft., have the added luxury of a large wraparound balcony with their own private jacuzzi. 5
The Mekong Jewel was constructed with sustainability in mind. The hull is coated with a special paint that decreases drag for more efficient use of the biofuel the ship runs on, an effect increased by the unique propeller design we’ve utilized. The interior of the ship is outfitted with energy-efficient lighting and an optimized cooling system that will keep guests comfortable even in balmy weather without wasting energy.
Guests onboard this Super Ship have the choice between two dining venues. The main restaurant serves regionally-inspired, five-star cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The al fresco eatery on the upper deck serves more casual local fare, such as Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches—a delicious combination of grilled meat and pickled vegetables, typically in a baguette.
Perhaps our favorite space onboard is the sun deck, where you’ll find a chic outdoor lounge and bar, as well as a stunning tile pool. Here you can grab coffees, teas and cocktails made with local ingredients and relax to rolling views of the lush environment outside the ship.
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OPENING for travel
Join us STARTING JUNE 18th IN ITALY for an enchanting experience cruising the Venice Lagoon and Po River onboard our stunning new Super Ship the S.S. La Venezia. Milan, Venice & the Gems of Northern Italy is an exquisitely crafted and utterly unique way to see this popular travel destination. It’s full of Uniworld exclusives, such as an overnight docking in colorful Burano or a private lighting ceremony at St. Mark’s Basilica.
A few countries recently announced that they’re ready to open their borders for travel very soon, which means we get to start sailing with our guests on the rivers of the world once again. Our first cruises are ready to set sail next month!
Or find us sailing the waterways of FRANCE STARTING JUNE 27th. For lavender fields, medieval villages and strolls down cobblestone lanes, travel through Burgundy & Provence on the S.S. Catherine. Step onboard the S.S. Bon Voyage to sample wines at some of France’s most renowned vineyards on Brilliant Bordeaux. Visit romantic Paris and Northern France on the S.S. Joie de Vivre for Paris & Normandy—or join any combination of the three for a complete French escape!
SEE ALL THE ITINERARIES THAT ARE SAILING SOON HERE AND KEEP CHECKING BACK—WE’LL CONTINUE TO UPDATE THIS PAGE WITH MORE ITINERARIES AS COUNTRIES ANNOUNCE THEIR PLANS TO REOPEN! 7
Other destinations have been open for some time, which means they’ll be ready when sailing season starts for our PERUVIAN and EGYPTIAN ITINERARIES IN SEPTEMBER. Immerse yourself in the lush flora and fauna of the Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve during Peruvian Amazon & Machu Picchu Exploration, or sail through golden desserts and ancient wonders on the stunning new S.S. Sphinx for Splendors of Egypt & the Nile.
From the Kitchen of Bea Tollman
CHEESE BISCUITS Perfect for a dinner party, summer BBQ or breakfast with your family, these biscuits are so delicious you might want to double the recipe.
Ingredients
Preparation
1 cup finely grated sharp cheddar (plus extra for topping)
Cream the cheese and butter together.
1 stick butter
Sift dry ingredients together into the bowl and incorporate, then roll out onto a floured board.
1 egg 1 ¾ cups flour Salt Cayenne pepper 1 tsp baking powder
Add the egg, unbeaten, and mix well.
Cut the dough into small rounds with a scone cutter and sprinkle grated cheese to taste. Place on an ungreased baking pan and chill in the freezer for 20 minutes. Bake at 375°F for 20-30 minutes or until biscuits are golden brown. Cool on a baking rack before plating and serving.
DID YOU KNOW: The primary difference between biscuits and rolls is the leavening agent. Biscuits use baking soda. Rolls use yeast.
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Bring a piece of Uniworld home Check out our virtual shop to find Uniworld merchandise and authentic handmade items from Europe to get a little taste of travel while you’re at home. 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 NOTE: Benefits in China may vary.
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.
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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