FleetFlash
MESSAGE FROM
BEN
Managing Director
In this month’s edition, we’re excited to share inspiring achievements, important milestones, and fresh initiatives from across our Uniworld family. From a captain’s remarkable career anniversary to the launch of new IDEA circles, there’s plenty to celebrate and reflect upon.
Employee of the Month
Congratulations to our outstanding Employees of the Month! Your passion, professionalism, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire everyone around you. We’re proud to recognize your hard work and the positive impact you make every day.
1st Captain Menno Celebrates 25 Years with Uniworld
A truly remarkable milestone—1st Captain Menno marks a quarter-century of dedicated service! Over the past 25 years, Menno has steered both ships and teams with skill, integrity, and unwavering leadership. His journey is an example of excellence and loyalty we can all be proud of. Here’s to many more years ahead!
Employee Satisfaction Survey
Our annual Employee Satisfaction Survey is now live! This is your chance to share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences so we can continue to build an even better workplace together. Your feedback matters—please take a few minutes to make your voice heard.
Disabilities Prevention
Health and safety remain a top priority. Our disabilities prevention program focuses on awareness, safe practices, and proactive measures to ensure every team member can work in an environment that supports their long-term well-being.
IDEA Circle Welcomes Two New Circles
The IDEA Circle community is growing! We’re thrilled to welcome two new circles—one focused on Personal Development and another dedicated to Men’s topics. Both aim to create supportive spaces for sharing, learning, and growing together.
Welcome Magdalena – P&C Specialist
We’re happy to welcome Magdalena to our P&C team as our new P&C Specialist. Her expertise and enthusiasm are sure to be a great asset to our colleagues and the wider Uniworld family.
Welcome Ewa – Hotel Manager
We also extend a warm welcome to Ewa, our new Hotel Manager. With her leadership, hospitality experience, and passion for service, we’re excited to see the fresh ideas and energy she will bring to the role.
Warm regards,
Ben
CREW
Employees of the Month
Congratulations to all of them for their outstanding work and dedication in July 2025!
Nucharin has been named Employee of the Month in recognition of her outstanding passion and dedication to her work. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every guest’s needs and wishes are fulfilled. Always ready to lend a hand, Nucharin offers unwavering support to both colleagues and guests with warmth and a genuinely helpful attitude. Her reliability, positive spirit, and commitment make her an invaluable member of the team.
NUTCHARIN PIGOVA, HOUSEKEEPER | EOM JUNE | SS BEATRICE
CINTIA FEREIRA, BAR/REST WAITRESS | SS CATHERINE
Joana joined SSE in mid-April as an HSK student, destined to shine somewhere else, instead, she lit up our ship. Her solar energy won over management, peers and guests alike, one even wrote directly to HQ to praise her care. In just three months, she became an anchor in her team and a beacon onboard. We are SO proud... Hip hip hourra for our shining rising star, Joana!
JOANA ESTRELA PASCOAL, HOUSEKEEPER | SS ELISABETH
PAUL STEFANITA, KITCHEN STEWARD | RIVER DUCHESS
Svetlana exemplifies professionalism, demonstrating flexibility in supporting both the Front Desk team and new team members. She consistently shows great attention to detail and maintains a positive, can-do attitude.
SVETLANA KRASTEVA, HOUSEKEEPER | SS LA VENEZIA
ANGELA NUNEZ, HOUSEKEEPER | SS BON VOYAGE
Each of us is a valuable part of the crew, regardless of our status onboard. Marius not only plays an important role in the galley but also spreads generosity and kindness around him. Marius, thank you for everything you bring to the team. Congratulation.
MARIUS UNGURIANU, KITCHEN STEWARD | SS JOIE DE VIVRE
Emil has consistently gone above and beyond in their role – demonstrating outstanding dedication, teamwork, and a true sailor’s spirit. Whether navigating challenging conditions or supporting fellow crew members, Emil leads by example and brings positivity to every task. His commitment to safety, professionalism, and excellence onboard does not go unnoticed, and this recognition is well deserved. Thank you, dear Emil for being part of our crew, we are very proud to have you on board with us!
EMIL STANCIU, 1ST OFFICER | SS VICTORIA
July & August 2025 ANNIVERSARIES
It is a real pleasure to show our appreciation to those with special anniversaries, but also to everybody else for their passion, commitment and perseverance. We are so grateful for the amazing team and feel privileged for the opportunity to work with all of you.
Congratulations to the following colleagues who have been with us for 10 years:
• Mirel MUTULEA, Pastry Chef
• Philippe DELROEUX, 1st Engineer
• Marius Ionut MIHAI, Trainee Engineer
• Marinela DAVID, Bartender
• Alexandru MARINESCU, Hotel Manager
• Georgi MITEV, Restaurant Manager
1st Captain Menno celebrates 25 years with Uniworld!
by Ferdy Savelkouls
Menno and I have known each other for over two decades. He was already part of the company when I joined, and we quickly discovered something remarkable while working for Uniworld: we had actually attended the same school in Rotterdam—just one year apart!
Menno was one of the captains who taught me the Main–MDK–Danube routes (thank you!). On my very first cruise, he was my support and mentor, guiding me patiently and helping me develop into a skilled captain on those rivers.
I have always seen Menno as a captain who keeps his ship in perfect order and is meticulous with his administration. And of course, there are always Dutch cookies in the wheelhouse! During our time at Uniworld, we shared many adventures and countless laughs. Menno has a wonderfully dry, very British sense of humor that I truly appreciate—he can go from completely serious to delivering a one-liner that has you laughing until your stomach hurts. Congratulations to you on your 25 years!
LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
Employee Satisfaction Survey: how happy
are we?
Dear Team,
As you may have heard, we’re partnering with Investors in People to better understand what we’re doing well — and where we can improve.
What’s this all about?
We believe our people are our greatest strength, and we’re committed to continually improving how we lead, support, and develop our teams. Change won’t happen overnight, but Investors in People will help us focus on the areas that matter most.
The survey is a valuable opportunity for everyone to share their voice and help shape a better workplace here at Uniworld.
What do we need from you?
Just five to ten minutes of your time to complete the survey and share your honest feedback. That’s it! Click here to share your thoughts OR scan
Your responses are entirely confidential — no one within our organisation will know who said what. All feedback goes directly to Investors in People.
The questions explore areas such as how motivated and engaged you feel, whether your work is meaningful, and if you feel supported and valued.
Thanks Emilia & Irma Learning, Development & Culture
July & August TTC Global Training Calendar
Dear Team,
We’re pleased to announce that the new TTC Global Training Calendar is now live, offering a wide range of virtual training sessions scheduled over the next two months! These sessions are open to all team members and provide a great opportunity to develop new skills, gain valuable insights, and engage with expert facilitators—from wherever you are.
What’s Inside the Calendar?
• Pages 3–4: Calendar overview of all upcoming sessions
• Pages 5–10: Course descriptions, facilitator names, and converted time zones to help you find the right fit
How to Join a Session:
If you see a session you’d like to attend, just:
1. Email the session leader listed in the calendar 2. Include:
• Your name (or names of attendees) and email addresses
• The session title, date, and time
• You’ll receive a calendar invite with all the necessary details once your spot is confirmed.
Use this opportunity to invest in your growth,
Emilia and Irma Learning, Development & Culture
We welcome 2 new circles: Men’s Circles and True Self
The IDEA Circle is expanding to include two new circles, opening fresh opportunities for you as a Uniworld team member to develop, grow, and broaden your horizons.
Manhood, Redefined: Purpose and Identity in the 21st Century, by
Sven Poznanović
The definition of “being a man” is changing faster than ever. For centuries, masculinity was built on provision, protection, and stoicism—traits reinforced by cultural mantras like “boys don’t cry.” But in today’s world, that narrow model no longer fits.
Economic shifts, greater gender equality, and evolving cultural values have expanded what manhood can mean. Men are increasingly active in parenting and domestic life. Emotional openness, once seen as weakness, is now recognized as strength. Leadership is moving away from dominance toward empathy and collaboration.
Yet, challenges remain. Society still pressures men to measure worth by professional success, wealth, and status—fueling stress, burnout, and mental health struggles. The “man up” mindset persists, discouraging vulnerability and contributing to alarmingly high male suicide rates. Even as gender roles evolve, lingering stereotypes push men away from caregiving and toward outdated ideals.
The new masculinity is defined less by rigid rules and more by authenticity. Emotional intelligence, inclusivity, shared responsibility, and inner resilience are replacing dominance as markers of strength. Men who adapt, empathize, and lead with self-awareness are finding deeper purpose and connection.
Manhood in the 21st century isn’t about abandoning the past—it’s about reshaping it. By embracing flexibility, rejecting harmful stereotypes, and defining identity on their own terms, men can thrive—not just survive—in a changing world.
IDEA CIRCLE
True
Self: Personal Branding for Self-excellence at Uniworld
by Mylène Brisinger
The True Self circle is designed for both new and current Uniworld team members to discover, refine, and confidently express their unique personal brand while embodying the elegance, warmth, and service excellence that defines Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
Your personal brand is the unique combination of your skills, personality, values, and reputation—how others experience and remember you. It’s not just what you do, but how you do it, and the consistent impression you leave with guests and colleagues.
This experience invites you to explore who you are at your core—your values, strengths, passions, and style—and align them with Uniworld’s distinctive guest experience. Through guided reflection, interactive exchanges, and peer conversations, you will learn how to identify your unique strengths and how they contribute to the onboard experience:
• Develop strong interpersonal skills to connect with guests and colleagues in meaningful, lasting ways.
• Express your true personality with confidence, making every interaction authentic and memorable.
• Create a signature presence that blends individuality with Uniworld’s luxury hospitality culture.
• Grow your career by building a trusted professional reputation rooted in who you genuinely are.
“True Self” is not about changing who you are—it’s about bringing out the best of who you already are, every day. By participating, both new and seasoned crew members will strengthen their personal brand, deepen team relationships, and unlock new opportunities for professional growth.
When you live and work from your True Self, you not only shine personally, but you elevate the entire Uniworld journey—making each river cruise an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experience for every guest, while creating a stronger, more connected relationship with your colleagues.
Welcome to our new Hotel Manager Ewa
We are thrilled to welcome Ewa Tomczyk, to our teams! Get to know more about her.
What are you most proud of in your career so far?
Helping people around me grow. Whether it was training a new crew member, offering encouragement to someone who needed it, or simply being the person others could count on, I’ve always valued supporting others. Professionally, I’ve embraced big challenges and grown through them, but my proudest moments are when I’ve played a part in someone else’s success.
Is there anything that we should know about you?
I’m a lifelong learner who approaches every situation with curiosity and humility. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I bring positive energy, a problem-solving mindset, and a genuine desire to make things better. I care deeply about people and am committed to creating a positive, supportive environment.
What’s the best way to start the day?
For me, it’s with a good run. Even just 30 minutes clears my mind, boosts my energy, and sets me up to take on the day with focus and determination.
Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
Mount Everest Base Camp. Reaching it was one of the most challenging and life-changing experiences I’ve ever had. The dramatic landscapes, the resilience of the people, and the sheer intensity of the altitude are impossible to fully capture in words—it’s an experience that stays with you forever.
What are you really looking forward to in working for Uniworld?
I’m inspired by the dedication and loyalty that the crew has shown over the years—it speaks volumes about the company’s culture. I’d be proud to contribute to that legacy, working alongside people who are passionate about what they do, and growing as part of a team that truly takes pride in its work.
Overview halfway throught the 2025 season
by Julie Higgins, Director Hotel Operations/ Sustainability Officer
Time truly seems to be flying — I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels like I blink and another day has passed!
We certainly have faced a few challenges already this year, but what continues to impress me is how each of you rises to meet them with grace, determination, and a clear focus on the ultimate goal: achieving the best possible outcome, always with the best possible intent.
One of my favorite traditions each year is running our guest comments through a word cloud generator. It’s a simple but powerful way to see what words guests most frequently use to describe their experiences with us. I love doing this because, without fail, it provides “scientific evidence” of something we already know: you — our incredible team — are what make our cruises so memorable and meaningful for our guests. Your impact is not only seen but deeply felt.
Thanks to Stefanie, I’ve collected guest comments from the past five series and generated a word cloud showing the top 50 most frequently mentioned words. The larger the word appears, the more often it was mentioned.
So without further ado, here are the top 50 words our guests used to describe their experience:
So many beautiful, meaningful, complimentary, and positive words are coming through in the guest comments, and not a single bad one either!
The No. 1 most repeated word? Cruise — and let’s be honest, that makes perfect sense. No. 2: Staff! There it is — scientific proof of what we already know. No. 3: Uniworld, of course.
No. 4: Excellent No. 5: Great
This is now the third year I’ve run this word cloud experiment, and for the third year in a row, it clearly shows just how highly our guests value what each of you bring to their experience with Uniworld. I can’t say I’m surprised — but I am continually inspired.
Whether you’re ship-based or land-based — Nautical, Technical, Culinary, Hotel, Program Services, Cruise Managers, Traveling positions, Product, Accounting, Purchasing, IT, L&D, P&C, or Office Management — you make the difference.
Thank you for the immense amount of work and effort you put in every day to go above and beyond for our guests. You make it look effortless, but we know how much dedication, care, and teamwork it takes to make it happen.
As I read through the guest comments, I feel incredibly proud to be surrounded by such talented and passionate individuals. It brings me real joy to see your names mentioned — especially in the kind of feedback that says things like:
“I’ve done 20+ cruises, and [Insert Name] is the best [Insert Position] I’ve ever had!”
Every role, every individual plays a part in creating the memories that stay with our guests long after their cruise ends.
Thank you for being such wonderful colleagues — and thank you for being such a vital part of our team.
With sincere appreciation,
INTERVIEW
Welcome to Magdalena , P&C Coordinator
1. How did you start your career with Uniworld?
Three months after making the life-changing decision to leave Poland and move to Switzerland, I was fortunate to come across the opportunity to join Uniworld. It felt like the right step in building a new chapter, both professionally and personally. I became part of the People & Culture team in Rheinfelden in July, and the warm welcome I received made a lasting first impression.
2. What did you know about Uniworld that appealed to you?
When I started learning more about Uniworld, I was truly impressed by the company’s dedication to excellence and the attention to detail in delivering impeccable service to guests - the glowing reviews only backed up that impression. Seeing the photos online gave me a glimpse into the world Uniworld creates for its guests - it was inspiring and made me excited to be part of it. Although I am a complete newbie in the industry, Uniworld has made me feel supported, valued, and secure in this new journey.
3. What are you most proud of in your career so far?
In my previous role, I was responsible for coordinating the onboarding process for around 350 young people starting their banking apprenticeships. I managed the project to ensure a smooth and positive experience for all stakeholders - especially the apprentices and their parents. Together with a colleague, we developed a structured system that streamlined the entire process. It was incredibly rewarding to see how our efforts made a real difference in helping young people feel confident and supported at the start of their careers.
4. What are you looking forward to in working for Uniworld?
As someone new to the industry, I am really looking forward to learning from my colleagues and gaining a deeper understanding of the life at Uniworld. The warm welcome I have received so far makes me excited to collaborate, share ideas, and grow together with the team. I see this as a chance to challenge myself, expand my skills, and build something lasting in an environment that encourages both personal and professional development
5. What or who inspires/motivates you?
I draw most of my inspiration from the people closest to me. Each of them influences me in a different way, and I truly admire their courage to dream big and chase those dreams, even when it means stepping outside their comfort zones. They are not afraid to challenge things while staying kind and supportive no matter what. Their mindset and strength constantly motivate me to grow, take initiative, and stay true to my values.
6. What are your hobbies? What skill would you like to master?
Whenever I have the resources, I love to travel and explore new cultures - so far, I have visited 28 countries, and each one has left me with unique and unforgettable memories. Music is also a big part of my life; it is something I turn to daily, whether I am listening to my favorite playlists or discovering new podcasts. I enjoy staying active - skiing is my go-to in winter, and during the rest of the year, I like to mix in different sports. Recently, I have taken up tennis, and I would love to become somewhat good at it over time. It is both quite challenging and fun,
7. What’s the best way to start the day?
For me, the best way to start the day is by putting on my headphones and turning on some music - it prepares me for the day. Then comes a good breakfast and a cup of coffee. If I manage to sneak in a bit of exercise, it is a great bonus that helps me feel energized and focused.
8. Where is the most interesting place you’ve been?
While it is always hard to choose just one place, I have to say that Iceland holds a very special place on my list. Visiting in winter felt like stepping into a fairytale - its landscapes were so surreal, it almost did not feel like Earth. The dramatic contrasts of ice, volcanic rock, and endless skies left a lasting impression. I would love to return one day during the warmer months to see completely different landscapes.
9. What was the best book or series that you’ve ever read or seen?
I have always been a loyal Harry Potter fan – it remains one of my go-to stories that I keep coming back to. While I do not watch much television, I do enjoy light-hearted sitcoms like The Big Bang Theory and Modern Family for their humor and feel-good energy. On the other hand, I was completely captivated by the series Severance. I loved every minute of it - the mysterious concept, excellent performances, and raw, minimalist scenography really stuck with me. I cannot wait for more of it.
10. Any message to your colleagues?
I am incredibly grateful for the warm welcome I have received since joining Uniworld. Starting a new chapter in a new country and industry can be overwhelming, but the support and kindness from everyone here have made me feel secure and excited about what is ahead. I am looking forward to meeting you and learning from you, growing together, and contributing in any way I can. If you ever want to chat about anything – I am always up for it!
Social Media Digest
We are pleased to share pictures/videos from the ships and our offices during July 2025. Click on the picture to view the content online.
#memories #castlesalongtherhine
#cruisemanager #SSVictoria
#cologne #SSAntoinette
#captainview #SSElisabeth
#DouroSunset #SSSaoGabriel
#stayfit #SSLaVenezia
#bulgariansunset #SSBeatrice
#BartenderAlex #SSVictoria
#OldandNew #SSEmilie #RiverQueen
#toast #goodspirit #SSVictoria
#silentdisco #SSCatherine
#Team #SSBeatrice
#SummernNights #SSBonVoyage
#CaptaininTraining #SSBeatrice
#Sommelier #SSBonVoyage
#NauticalTeam #SSBeatrice
#WaiterAndrei #SSLaVenezia
#CaptainTalk #SSBeatrice
#BastilleDay #SSBonVoyage
#TraineeCaptain #RiverDuchess
#ChefKristiyn #SSLaVenezia
Open Positions
Click on the images to view the full job description. Referrals are accepted exclusively through the online application form.
Guest comments
River Duchess - European Jewels
“Excellent , wonderful and the best experience ever. We have never been to Europe before only came for our 70th Birthdays so glad we booked with Uniworld which my brother recommended after he cruised last year on the Beatrice . Thank you to the crew and staff for their professional service . “ - Alister & Julie -
River Princess - Ultimate European Journey
“Having never cruised before we have been very impressed with the whole experience. The staff have been amazing and I would like to particularly mention our two cruise managers - Milcho for the first part and Patricia for the second. The waiting staff in the restaurant have also been amazing and again I would like to mention a few names - Tiago and Peter between Bucharest and Bamberg were wonderful. The restaurant manager on the River Princess - Alexandra - was particularly great and made our wedding anniversary on August 1st a memorable evening meal. Both cruise managers made the whole experience a trip to savour with a variety of excursions etc. Milcho booked us a private guide for a free afternoon in Budapest who was very knowledgable and accommodating with regards to what we did with our time. We will return to Uniworld. “ - Nicola -
S.S. Antoinette - Castles Along the Rhine
“I have both a gluten and a lactose intolerance. The cooks and the wait staff did an outstanding job of letting me know what I could and couldn’t eat. They went out of their way to modify meal offerings to make them gluten and lactose free. I especially would like to mention Desislav for seeking me out at each meal to make sure I was given the information I needed--and for coming up with unique desserts that I could enjoy.“ - Charles -
S.S. Beatrice - Highlights of Eastern Europe
“The shipboard staff was the best we have experienced! Our meal service team with Desi, Krista, Dennis and led by Arleta was one of our best cruise experiences! The lounge service team stars included Diogo and Arbi, who were courteous, friendly, and extremely helpful while the star of the lounge in my opinion was the bartender, Cristiano, in whose hands I put my drink choices and he never failed to impress me and my travel partners with his choices; he was the ultimate professional -- courteous, knowledgeable, and responsive! Our only ‘glitch’ with the cruise was the temporary loss of our luggage during the disembarment process; our compliments to our Hotel Manager Alexandru (sic) who led the ship’s efforts to locate our luggage which they ultimately did before departing Budapest. Our gratitude to all those involved in the search. Lastly, we wanted to recognize the oft-under recognized performance, professionalism, and efforts of the Beatrice’s sailing crew, the names of which we don’t have but whom we watched doggedly pursue their mooring/docking efforts. All in all, what a great crew!.“ - David -
S.S.Bon Voyage - Brilliant Bordeaux
“We appreciated specific staff who helped to make our trip over the top with their excellent service, humor and hospitality. Laura & Roberto who always had time for questions and stories, at reception, Janine gave us good advice on excursions, at the bar with a voice like Frank Sinatra, Jose was delightful. Venelin ensured we had a cool beverage up on the sun deck. In the Fromage: Julien, Estevez, and Miguel were wonderfully attentive, ensuring the wine glasses were full as well as our stomachs! Merci! “ - Jeffrey -
S.S. Catherine - Burgundy & Provence
“The cruise was beyond our expectations. The ship was beautiful, the staff fantastic and the food delicious. From the housekeeping service of Yordan, Paulina & Gabriel, Sabrina, the tour director, Nicolette at the front desk, Robert the waiter, Rafael the bartender and Augustin, the amazing Sommelier, all were helpful and just a joy to be around. I wish that I recalled all their names because they all should receive acknowledgement of their outstanding job performance. We strongly recommend Uniworld to anyone considering a river cruise! Well done!“ - Kathleen -
S.S. Elisabeth - Castles Along the Rhine
“We had a spectacular time with Uniworld! We especially enjoyed crew members like Adrian in the dining room, the butlers Valentina and Beatrice, Rik the cruise manager, Mila the Sommelier, Silvino and the servers in the bar. The services like laundry and cabin cleaning were excellent. Our very favorite excursion was the vinegar tasting. Who knew? ? Thank you for everything.“ - Margaret -
S.S. Joie de Vivre - Paris & Normandy
“Our dining staff - Georgi, Yasmin and Patricia were especially good. Very attentive without being over burdensome. Daniela and Melinda were great at the front desk. Melinda helped us with some gifts from the onboard shopping. Maria our housekeeper was lovely. She took great care of us. She notice I had a CPAP machine and left demineralized water on the first night!! Very grateful to her!! Our excursions were fun and informative Each guide - Martin, Tanya, Cecile and Patricia were fantastic. Fun, humorous and knowledgeable!!! We loved our time with Uniworld on the Seine River.“ - John -
S.S. La Venezia - Venice & the Jewels of Venet
“This cruise was perfection. Everything from the service to the food was excellent. The kitchen staff were excellent and totally dedicated to the guests. The food was gourmet level and beautifully presented, the cabin steward was very attentive and always available to assist. The bar staff were fabulous. I would name everyone if I could because everyone was outstanding. But I will name a few: Reardon the cruise manager was outstanding. He went above and beyond to ensure that all had a great and safe time. His knowledge and warmth were so appreciated. Robert the cruise director was always available to help and ensure that all was well. Maria the sommelier was charming, knowledgeable and always there to help. Thank you for what was the best cruise I have ever taken. I am looking forward to my Uniworld cruise next April in Egypt.” - Lynn -
Recipe of the Month
Codfish with cornbread and bechamel
INGREDIENTS
3 slices of cod fish flaked or shredded | 1 Olive oil to taste | 1 Slice onion | Garlic minced | 1/3 of thinly sliced beef Chorizo | 300g grated cornbread | 200g Straw Fries | 500 gBechamel | Pepper to taste | Olives for garnish
1. In a frying pan, heat the olive oil with the onions and garlic. Let it cook for a while, add the cod and chorizo and fry, always stir.
2. On the baking tray, spread the straw potatoes on the bottom.
3. On top of fried cod and chorizo with the onions and sauce drizzle with bechamel sauce. Season with pepper.
4. Finally, arrange the grated cornbread and garnish with olives.
5. Place in the oven to toast, for 25 minutes, at 180° C.
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