RiverViews Newsletter October 2023 by Uniworld

The Uniworld River Heritage Club E-Newsletter

OCTOBER 2023

The Vista Bar on the sun deck of S.S. Victoria

OCTOBER 2023

IN THIS ISSUE 1 ELLEN’S 360° 2 AN INVITATION FROM ELLEN 3 MEET THE TWO NEWEST MEMBERS OF OUR FLEET

5 GUEST SPOTLIGHT: MEET JIM & CORA FANNING

7 CASTLES, PALACES, AND FORTRESSES ...OH MY!

9 CHEF ROBERT’S CORNER:

ELLEN’S

360°

WIENER SCHNITZEL APPLE STRUDEL

Hello, River Heritage Club! I am so excited to bring you our October issue of RiverViews—trust me when I say this is a good one. If you’ve been keeping up with our email newsletters, you’ll know that we’ve recently made a major announcement: TWO new Super Ships are joining our fleet! Not only are you getting an in-depth look at the ships in this issue, but you’re also the first to be invited to join me on a special President’s Cruise sailing of the S.S. Victoria next year. Keep reading for more goodies, such as an interview with the couple to beat on the Name This Ship challenge featured at the back of every issue and a Halloween-themed article all about our favorite eerie castles in Europe. Bon Voyage,

#EXPLOREUNIWORLD

ELLEN BETTRIDGE CEO, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

UNIWORLD.COM

A N I N V ITAT ION F ROM ELLEN

THE 2024 PRESIDENT’S CRUISE From June 16 – 23 next year, I’ll be blissfully sailing my way from Basel to Amsterdam on one of our most popular itineraries, Castles Along the Rhine. Space has been filling up quickly for 2024, but I reserved this sailing for something special—my President’s Cruise—and I would love for you to join me. If you do, expect a week of wonderful local experiences, exclusive activities planned just for us, and a few special surprises along the way. I’m also excited to announce that we’ll be boarding our newest Super Ship for this voyage! The S.S. Victoria is absolutely gorgeous, and I can’t wait for you all to see her in person. In the meantime, flip ahead to the next article for a sneak peek. If you’re interested in setting sail with me next year, reach out to your preferred Travel Advisor or our Reservations Team at 800-733-7820.

Meet the Two Newest Members of Our Fleet

THE S.S. VICTORIA

THE S.S. ELISABETH 3

We couldn’t be more excited to announce the launch of the S.S. Victoria in 2024, followed by the launch of the S.S. Elisabeth in 2025. This matched pair of sister ships will sail our Central Europe itineraries in all-inclusive luxury.

These ships exude contemporary luxury, with a serene palate and accents of fine materials such as velvet and marble. Of course, we had to add Uniworld’s signature boutique flair, which comes through in Tiny Noticeable Touches™ like the original artwork lining the walls. With room for just 110 guests each, the S.S. Victoria and S.S. Elisabeth are particularly spacious for river ships. Even the lead-in category staterooms are roomier than average, and it only gets more impressive from there. Each ship also features two Royal Suites with 506 square feet of space each, making them some of the largest suites on the rivers of Europe. Reserve these in combination with the adjoining standard Suites next door, and you’ll create an

incredible 756 square-foot suite with two bedrooms connected by a separate living room. Our talented culinary team will serve up delicious, regionally inspired cuisine across three different dining venues onboard. Grab a light bite at the Bistro, situated near the lounge. Dine with panoramic views in the main dining room, or book a private dinner for you and your party at the Vintage Room. There’s nothing like relaxing on the sun deck of a river ship during sailing. To kick it up a notch, the S.S. Victoria and S.S. Elisabeth each feature a sun deck bar in addition to the one in the main lounge. Take a seat here and watch the world float by with a glass in hand.

MEET JIM & CORA FANNING

If you’re a regular RiverViews reader, you may just recognize those names. Jim and Cora are frequent winners of our Name This Ship challenge, which you can find on the back page of every issue. It’s no wonder they’re so familiar with our ships when they’ve sailed nearly a dozen of them! Read on to see what Uniworld insights they’ve accumulated over the years. And when you’re done flipping through the pages of this issue, don’t forget to try your own hand at naming the ship we’ve featured on the back page!

GUEST SPOTLIGHT Tell us a little bit about yourselves We are retired after 40 years in the fields of health care and university administration. We were privileged to work with some of the most wonderful people and now we are equally privileged to indulge our passion for travel. We enjoy exploring other cultures, tasting all the iconic culinary offerings of each region, and making new friends.

The last time we chatted, you mentioned that you’ve been on 17 trips with Uniworld. That’s an incredible number! How did you get started traveling with us? At a travel show in our home city, we attended presentations by three river cruise company representatives. All were well done, but the Uniworld presenter was a step above. We booked our first back-to-back cruise journeys from Basel to Nuremberg and from Nuremberg to Vienna.

Can you tell us about your favorite destination? It’s difficult to choose only one. Generally, we prefer the small villages and towns, rich in culture and history, yet we love Vienna for its beauty, food and music. We have discovered some incredible gems like Bruges, Dürnstein, and Bacharach. In the spring, it’s hard to top the Keukenhof Gardens in the Netherlands. And then there is Switzerland! Words cannot adequately convey the majesty of the Alps. You have to be there to understand the feeling of standing on a high peak and surveying so much beauty stretching out before you. There are simply no words to describe the Christmas markets in Europe. Even a photo, while it can somewhat represent the visual, does not convey the aromas and tastes nor the joyous atmosphere. There is no substitute for being there, especially in the evening when everything is twinkling—it’s magic.

How do you choose where to go next?

décor reflecting the richness of the history and culture of the region. We especially enjoy onboard entertainment, particularly the classical and folk musicians. Particularly appealing is that Uniworld is truly “all-inclusive.” We appreciate that there is no stress about tipping. That adds an important element of relaxation to our holiday.

Do you have any treasured Uniworld memories you’d like to share with our readers? Cycling along the Moselle River in Germany and also from Chioggia to the Adriatic during our Italy cruise, wandering among the tulips and other spring flowers at Keukenhof Gardens, and spending time on the deck while cruising beautiful stretches of the rivers. Probably the most amazing event was the New Year’s Eve Ball with dinner held in a palace in Vienna in 2016. It was magical. We will not forget how special it was.

What tips would you give on river cruising with Uniworld? Pack light, bring an open mind, lots of curiosity, a camera, a good appetite, very comfortable but sturdy walking shoes, and a relaxed attitude. Enjoy every moment.

You have a sailing scheduled for December on our brandnew Christmastime cruise, BELGIAN HOLIDAY MARKETS. Why did you pick this one, and are you excited? We have visited many Christmas markets in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria but none in Belgium, so when we saw this new itinerary, it appealed to us. We can hardly wait. We have visited some of the cities in the spring and fall and look forward to the magic of Christmas there.

Is there a “must-do” Uniworld experience, i.e. a shore excursion or onboard enrichment opportunity, that you would recommend?

We have cruised through all of Europe except Portugal, Paris, and Bucharest, so they are still on our wish list. We do not feel the need to always do something different so we have repeated many areas of Europe, each time with a slightly different itinerary or at a different season. Where we go next is usually influenced by a yearning to experience something new or revisit a familiar place, perhaps with a different twist.

The Doktorenhof Vinegar Estate is one that should not be missed. Equally special is a visit to Aschfeld. There we stepped back in time to sample life from an earlier era. The local tour leaders are delightful and welcoming. The atmosphere is relaxing and interesting. It feels like we were visiting an ancestral community where we were warmly welcomed and wanted to remain there.

What is it about river cruising with Uniworld that keeps you coming back again and again?

You do such a great job at guessing the right answer in our Name This Ship game every issue. How many of our ships have you sailed? Which are your favorites and why?

The river ship atmosphere is intimate, uncrowded, and comfortable. Our rooms have always been lovely, very nicely appointed, and provided us with everything we needed for a relaxed but elegant journey. The personnel on board are exceptional and have come to feel like family. We delight in seeing familiar faces when we embark. It truly feels like coming home. Each ship has its own character with

We have had the pleasure of sailing on 10 different Uniworld ships. The River Queen alone has hosted us 5 times. The S.S. Maria Theresa is elegant in the style of imperial Austria. We truly felt like royalty. The S.S. Beatrice and the S.S. Catherine are also elegant and lovely.

CASTLES, PALACES, and FORTRESSES...Oh my! This is the time of year to celebrate all things spooky, and nothing may be more shrouded in history and eerie ambience than the castles of Europe. These buildings have had a front seat to history for centuries and have amassed legends of their own. Even travelers less interested in the haunted aspect of castles can’t help but appreciate how the crisp air and changing leaves complement these landscapes in autumn.

BRAN CASTLE

SIGHIȘOARA CITADEL

Separated from the Alps by the Danube River, the Carpathian Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop for one of the regions with the scariest lore in all of Europe. Transylvania has become synonymous with its most iconic mythological resident, Dracula. Perched high on a rock is the imposing Bran Castle, often referred to as “Dracula’s Castle” and the purported residence of the titular character of the 1897 novel.

The citadel of Sighișoara carries a UNESCO World Heritage designation for being one of the few medieval fortresses that is still inhabited to this day. Walking through the pastelhued streets, you might never guess that this town has a sinister history: it has long been rumored to be the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the real-life ruler whose thirst for blood inspired the Dracula legend.

See on Cruise & Rail: Delightful Danube & the Castles of Transylvania

HEIDELBERG CASTLE The town of Heidelberg and the castle ruins lying above the town center have become synonymous with the German Romantic movement of the 19th century. The castle represents a blend of architectural styles added as it expanded until it was ravaged by attacks, fires, and even lightning strikes (twice!). There are many fables around the history of the castle. One such legend is about an iron ring on a gate tower that has a crack in it. It is said that the crack was caused by a witch trying to bite through the iron ring for ownership of the castle. While this castle entrance is known as the “Witch’s Bite,” the biggest spell cast in Heidelberg might be the charm and influence it had on the many writers and poets who have visited it, including Johann van Goethe, Victor Hugo, and Mark Twain. See on Ultimate European Journey or Castles Along the Rhine

GOLUBAC CASTLE

PALACE OF THE POPES

Rising from the south bank of the Danube River is Golubac Castle and its 10 towers are situated strategically at the entrance of the Iron Gates, a narrow gorge with steep cliffs on each side of the Danube separating Serbia and Romania. The exact reason for the name of the fortress is unknown, but one myth is that it is named for a girl named Golubana who rejected the proposal of an Ottoman commander, who then punished her by imprisoning her on a rock in the river.

The Palace of the Popes is the biggest Gothic palace in Europe. In 1305, to avoid political unrest in Rome, Pope Clement V transferred the papal seat to Avignon, France. Pope Grégoire XI restored the papacy to Italy in 1376. Upon his death two years later, when a new pope was elected in Rome, opposing cardinals also elected a pope in Avignon, giving rise to the Western Schism. See on Burgundy & Provence

See on Portraits of Eastern Europe or Highlights of Eastern Europe

Chef Robert’s Corner:

AUSTRIAN CLASSICS

This may just be the perfect fall meal. Wiener schnitzel and apple strudel, a pair of Austrian classics, make a warm and cozy pairing. It's also an excellent excuse to use up some of the mountains of apples we accrue while they're in season. Enjoy!

WIENER SCHNITZEL INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

8 veal loin slices, about 3 oz each

1. Tenderize the veal with a meat tenderizer tool to about inch and salt on both sides. On a flat plate, stir the eggs briefly with a fork; they will become too thin if you beat them too much. Lightly coat the veal slices in flour, then dip into the egg and finally, coat in breadcrumbs.

Salt to taste 4 eggs ¾ cup flour, sifted 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs, very fine 2 ½ sticks butter 7 Tbsp vegetable or peanut oil Lemon slices and parsley for garnish

2. Heat the butter and oil in a large pan, allowing the fat to get very hot, and fry the schnitzels until golden brown on both sides. Toss the pan regularly so that the schnitzels are surrounded by oil and the breading becomes fluffy. 3. Remove the cutlets and drain on paper towels. Fry the parsley in the remaining oil and drain. Place the schnitzels on a warmed plate and serve garnished with parsley and slices of lemon. Serves 4

APPLE STRUDEL STRUDEL DOUGH INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION FOR STRUDEL DOUGH

4 cups flour 1 ¼ cups water

1. Work all ingredients into a pastry together, until it is not sticky anymore.

4 Tbsp oil

2. Let the pastry rest for 1 hour.

1 or 2 eggs Pinch of salt

PREPARATION FOR FILLING 1. Heat the oven to 425° F.

FILLING INGREDIENTS

2. Chop apples. Mix with all the remaining filling ingredients.

5 to 6 apples

3. Roll the pastry very thin, then top it with the filling and roll into a log. Brush the top with melted butter. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

1 cup white breadcrumbs, roasted in butter 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans or your choice) ¾ cup sugar ¼ tsp cinnamon 2 tsp lemon juice ½ cup raisins

4. Bake the strudel for approximately 45 minutes. Remove the strudel, dust it with powdered sugar and serve it warm with vanilla sauce. Serves 4

4 tsp rum or more, to taste

Bring a piece of your Uniworld river cruise home Find authentic, handmade items from our destinations and exclusive Uniworld merchandise in our online shop, including these charming weather houses. With origins tracing back to 18th-century Germany, weather houses are a delightful combination of art, tradition, and meteorology. The little houses are often carved to resemble Alpine cabins, featuring a pair of tiny figurines on a balance beam. Through a simple yet ingenious mechanism, whether the air is humid or dry will determine which of the two figurines emerges from their door. Start shopping here.

AN OUTSTANDING LOYALTY PROGRAM FOR OUR EXCEPTIONAL GUESTS To show our appreciation for our past guests, we automatically enroll you in our River Heritage Club loyalty program, so you can begin receiving exclusive 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

Members-only onboard COCKTAIL PARTY

Exclusive RIVERVIEWS E-NEWSLETTER

Complimentary IN-ROOM TREAT waiting onboard upon arrival

PRIORITY NOTIFICATION on new cruises and programs

Special MEMBERS-ONLY OFFERS

Complimentary LAUNDRY service

Dedicated PHONE NUMBER

Additional savings when you REFER FRIENDS OR FAMILY

Can you name this ship?

Each ship in our fleet is a 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 to Cora Fanning for being the first to identify the September 2023 Mystery Photo: S.S. Catherine Lobby.

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.