Issuu

FleetFlash

A message from Ben, Managing Director

Dear Uniworld Team,

As we approach the end of another remarkable year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our achievements and express my heartfelt gratitude for your dedication and hard work.

This year has been exceptional for our company. We have not only met but exceeded many of our goals. Our commitment to providing unparalleled luxury and service has been recognized through the excellent feedback we received from our guests. Their glowing reviews are a testament to the amazing service you all provide, ensuring every journey is a memorable experience.

We have also embarked on several exciting developments that will shape our future. These promise to enhance our product, set new standards in the luxury river cruise industry, and allow us to further develop our high standards. I am confident that with your continued passion and innovation, we will grow sustainably and achieve even greater heights in the coming years.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication and for making this year a great success. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the new year.

Warm regards,

Ben Wirz Managing Director

A Heartfelt Thank You!

‘Twas the year before Christmas, and all through our fleet, The crew worked together, a team none could beat. With Cruise Managers guiding, so steady and true, Ensuring smooth journeys for all guests we knew.

Hotel Managers, with vision and grace, Curated a haven, a welcoming space. Chefs and utilities, with passion and flair, Created dishes beyond compare. The sous chefs, too, with skill so refined, Prepared Mrs. Tollman’s famous soup, one of a kind.

Housekeeping worked magic, with each room and space, Bringing cleanliness and warmth to each guest’s embrace. Operations kept everything running on time, Ensuring each detail was perfectly aligned.

The technical team, with skill and precision, Kept our fleet moving, with flawless decision. The nautical team, with expertise grand, Steered our vessels with a steady hand.

Bartenders and waiters, with charm and with grace, Served drinks and delights with a smile on their face. Butlers so thoughtful, with care in each task, Made every guest feel welcome, no need to ask.

The front desk, so friendly, with warmth and a smile, Made check-ins a breeze and stayed with you awhile. Purser’s coordination, with calm and with poise, Ensured all requests were met with ease and joy.

Through challenges faced, with each twist and bend, You gave all your best, and saw it through to the end. With pride and passion, and teamwork so true, You bring joy to our guests, in all that you do.

So, here’s to the crew, who made every voyage bright, With passion and dedication, you’ve set the course right. You’ve worked with heart, you’ve worked with flair, Bringing joy to our guests, beyond compare!

With heartfelt thanks, I raise a cheer, Merry Christmas to all, and a fabulous New Year!

Big hugs to all you are amazing!

Warmest, Ellen

HOLIDAY SEASON

Spreading the Good Cheer

The holiday season at Uniworld has been filled with warmth, joy, and celebration, creating an unforgettable atmosphere across the fleet and in the office. Festive cheer was shared in many forms, from the crew singing carols to guests, spreading holiday joy on board, to the fun and camaraderie of the Secret Santa exchange in the office. These moments fostered a sense of unity and holiday spirit among the team.

The culinary department also played a huge role in enhancing the festive atmosphere, delighting everyone with beautifully crafted holiday meals, Christmas cookies, and gingerbread creations. The gingerbread competition sparked creativity and friendly competition, with some truly impressive and festive designs.

Meanwhile, each ship was beautifully decorated, sparkling with holiday magic and setting the perfect mood for guests. The attention to detail in the decorations and the efforts from every team member ensured that the season was celebrated to the fullest.

This festive spirit, from the small gestures to the grand decorations, made the holiday season truly special, creating lasting memories for both guests and crew alike.

As we wrap up this festive season, we want to extend our warmest wishes to each and every one of you. May the holidays bring you happiness, peace, and the chance to recharge, and may the New Year 2025 be filled with new adventures, success, and continued unity.

Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year to all!

Gingerbread Competition: the winners are...

PASTRY TEAM

Dusko & Alex

S.S. Beatrice - Frontdestk Team

River Duchess - Nautical Team

River Princess Housekeeping Team

Goodbye for now your Majesty...

By Rik Sprengers, Cruise Manager

In the autumn mist of 1999, a ship unlike any other took her maiden voyage. The River Queen, with her regal navy blue and yellow exterior, seemed less a vessel and more a floating jewel. From the moment her engines purred to life, it was clear she was not just another ship—she was a character, a presence, a soul on the waters. Her passengers adored her; her crew swore she had a personality all her own.

Over her remarkable 25 years of service, the River Queen welcomed more than 100,000 guests aboard her decks. From honeymooners to seasoned travelers, each guest became a part of her legacy, adding their stories to the rich tapestry of memories she carried.

The River Queen quickly became legendary for her charm and quirks. She was the only river cruise ship in the world with a real fireplace—a crackling hearth that added warmth to chilly nights and coziness to her elegant art deco lounge. Passengers would gather there, exchanging stories, their laughter mingling with the soft hum of the river. Some said that the ship herself seemed to listen, absorbing every tale, every secret, until she became a repository of memories and emotions.

Yet, for all her grace and charm, the River Queen had her preferences—and her peculiarities. She adored the Rhine and the Moselle, the winding waterways flanked by steep, vine-covered hills and fairytale castles. There, she glided effortlessly, as if she belonged to the rivers themselves, an extension of their timeless beauty.

But the Danube? Oh, the River Queen made it very clear she was no fan of the mighty blue river. Every time she left Passau, bound for the plains of Austria and Hungary, she rebelled. Her propellers would groan, her water systems would inexplicably falter, and her engine room would throw tantrums. “She just doesn’t like the Danube,” the crew would mutter, shaking their heads with wry smiles. “Get her back to the Rhine where she’s happiest.”

Her quirks only deepened her legend. Passengers spoke in hushed tones of the ghost that lingered in the 200 corridor. Crew members swore they’d heard whispers in empty cabins or caught fleeting shadows in the moonlight. And who could forget the time the air conditioning failed on the hottest day of the year, as if the Queen herself were making her disdain for warm weather known? But oh, when she was in her element— in the cool embrace of the Moselle, weaving through narrow locks and gentle curves—she was magnificent. Her stag figurehead, perched proudly atop the sun deck, seemed to come alive against the backdrop of vineyard-covered hills.

For nearly 25 years, the River Queen carried countless guests along Europe’s rivers, creating memories that would last a lifetime. She celebrated honeymoons and anniversaries, hosted laughter-filled dinners, and provided quiet moments of reflection as the world drifted by. She ventured through iconic itineraries like “Tulips and Windmills” in spring, explored the narrow curves of the Moselle, and even surprised adventurers on two mystery cruises.

Behind her success were the 1,100 staff members who served on board over the years. These dedicated individuals brought her to life with their warmth, professionalism, and passion. Together, they created millions of incredible memories—from the tulip fields of the Netherlands to the sparkling lights of German Christmas markets.

As 2024 approached, the announcement came: the River Queen would be leaving the Uniworld family. Though she would continue to sail under a new banner, her departure marked the end of an era. For those who had worked on her, traveled on her, or simply admired her from the shore, it felt like saying goodbye to an old friend.

On her final voyage with Uniworld, as she sailed the Main River, the crew and passengers gathered around her iconic fireplace. They raised their glasses in a toast: “To the River Queen—to her stories, her quirks, and her soul. May she continue to glide through life’s rivers with the same grace and spirit.”

And as the sun set, casting golden light on her proud silhouette, the River Queen seemed to shimmer with gratitude. For though ships are built of wood and steel, the River Queen had always been so much more. She was a confidante, a guardian, a storyteller. And wherever she went, she carried the hearts of those who loved her.

Rik, Cruise Manager / River Queen Enthusiast

CULINARY

Chef’s Summit

By Robert van Rijsbergen, Culinary Director

Mid-November marked the conclusion of our annual Chefs Summit, a much-anticipated event that brings together our talented culinary leaders. This year, we chose the stunning city of Avignon, France, as our destination, hosting the summit aboard the beautiful SS Catherine.

Upon arrival, UW’s culinary managers, including Executive Chefs, Pastry Chefs, Senior Executive Chefs, Fleet Pastry Chefs, and Corporate Chefs, gathered for an inspiring kick-off session. The summit began with a warm welcome presentation and a reflective discussion on the successes of the 2024 season. Key topics included food cost management, budgeting, minimizing food waste, enhancing communication, and optimizing galley operations across the fleet.

One of the highlights of this year’s summit was our focus on the French menus for our three ships in France. Staying aboard a French vessel allowed us to immerse ourselves in the culinary traditions of the region while updating critical offerings, such as our Christmas Menus, the festive X-Mas revenue menu, and the new Celestial Dinner. Additionally, we crafted an exciting Italian Chef’s Table menu for the LV.

In total, the team developed over 100 new dishes, many of which will be introduced fleet-wide. A particularly exciting initiative invited our Executive Chefs to create and present their personal favorite dishes. This challenge was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, and the creativity on display was extraordinary. Several of these standout creations will soon find their way onto UW menus.

To conclude the summit, we ventured into the heart of the famed *Châteauneuf-du-Pape* wine region. Our team enjoyed visits to two exceptional wineries, where we savored some of the finest wines the region has to offer—a perfect ending to a productive and inspiring gathering.

La croisière des saveurs...

The Cruise of Flavours: Embark on a culinary journey with a new itinerary of dishes for the upcoming season

Grilled Venison fillet, Brussel sprouts, chestnut, sweet poatato mousse, raspberry compote

BEEFINGTON

NEW VENISONSHIRE

Grilled beef strip, double baked potato

Duck Leg Confit, Sauce a l’orange

All about carrot

DUCKINGHAM

CARROTLANTA

ENTREMETROPOLIS OPERSBURGH

SAN TUNISCO

Fillos with nougatinne

L’opera Pistachio

Entremet Crocante

Shrimps Vol au vent

Tuna at Coral reef

FILLOSYLVANIA

SHRIMPSTERDAM

Travel Voucher

We are pleased to announce that the new version of the TTC Travel Form, along with additional important information, has now been published on RadiantFleet.

Please take a moment to review the updated documents to ensure you are familiar with the latest changes and requirements. The process includes an enhanced form, as well as important updates to ensure compliance with current travel guidelines.

To access the updated form and detailed instructions, simply log in to RadiantFleet and navigate to the New Section “TTC Travel Voucher Request”.

Should you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email peopleandculture-grc@uniworld.com

Dear all,

Farewell fom Clarke Peninton

As you might know, I decided to move from London home to Sydney earlier this year. Having the opportunity to continue my role and work on various Program Services projects and enhancements from Australia was a tremendous gift that I am very thankful to Moniek, Jillian, Ben, and respective HR teams for.

I also wanted to express my appreciation for the flexibility and understanding that Cruise Managers and Ship Teams showed me whilst I navigated my role from across the globe – there was a big time zone difference, but your proactive collaboration always made it very achievable. This year, and every other year spent in Program Services - has proven to be challenging and rewarding, but most importantly: surrounded by great colleagues. Every peer in every role has created a memorable learning experience for me, and working closely with Moniek, Martina, Keitlina and our Cruise Managers will always be a highlight from my time in London.

Excitingly, I will continue to be a part of the Uniworld family in Alice’s team as the Inside Sales Manager for Australia, and look forward to sharing with our region all the amazing experiences you strive to provide in your day-to-day.

I truly hope to cross paths with you all again in the future – and welcome you to reach out if you are ever planning a trip to Australia!

Farewell, Happy Holidays and Safe Travels in 2025 :-) Clarke

November & December 2024 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.

Also please join us in congratulating the following colleagues who have been with us for 5 years:

Martin Danchev, Senior Housekeeper

Kaloyan Tsvetanov Nikolov, Senior Housekeeper

Ioana-Maria Bocse, Housekeeper

Florian Mocanu, Butler

Tiberiu Zuican, Kitchen Steward

Congratulations to the following colleagues who have been with us for 10 years:

• Name , position

• Florferida Gradescu, Purser

• Matija Svetic, Butler

• Hajnalka Munkacsi, Purser

• Arthur Ioan Danila, Senior Chef de Partie

• Dimitar Tsvetanov Petrov, Pastry Chef

Congratulations to the following colleague who has been with us for 15 years:

• Damien Kesteloot, Boatsman

Fairs in 2025

The recruitment team will attend the following fairs until end of 2025. Stay tuned for the coming dates and help us spreading the word across our social media platforms with the hashtag #insideuniworld

27.01.2025 / Warsaw CRUISE JOB FAIR

15.03.2025 / Lisbon BOLSA DE EMPREGABILIDADE

Social Media Digest

We are pleased to share pictures/videos from the ships and our offices during the month of November/December 2024. Click on the picture to view the content online.

#happyfaces #SSmariatheresa

#christmascarolls #SSmariatheresa

#teamsphotocall #SSbeatrice

#christmasdecor #SS.Antoinette

#stunningview #traveling

#congratulations #SSMariaTheresa

#beautiful #SSMariaTheresa

#applauseround #SS.Catherine

#autumnscenery #SSSaoGrabriel

#guets&crew #SS.LaVenezia

#autumnmagic #SS.JoiedeVivre

#tasting #cruisemanagers

#teamsmoments #SS.JoiedeVivre

#employeesofthemonth #UWFleet

#happy65thcruise #SS.Beatrice

Open Positions

Click on the pictures to access the full job description. Spread the word and contact via email at recruitment-grc@uniworld.com to refer a candidate! (further details in the next page).

Guest Comments

Rhine Holiday Markets - SS.

Victoria

The chef and his crew were amazing. All of the waitstaff were fabulous. I had a real hard time sleeping because we cruised at night. The vibration from the engines and the bumping the sides in the locks were very hard for me. The entertainment was really top notch. - Lenora -

Classic Christmas Markets - River Princess

We loved our cruise. It truly exceeded our expectations. The Captain had a great crew and we liked his leadership style - he was approachable, sometimes welcomed us back from excursion; we saw him helping tie off the boat one day - true leadership. We loved the live musice nights; thought the 70s night was fun and loved how Ramona added extra things like putting our shoes out for St. Nicholas Day. We were a big group of 10 and Pedro was outstanding at taking care of us all in the dining room (and props to Paulo who always greeted us with big smiles.) We loved Prague and especially Jana. She was wonderful - keep her! Thank you to everyone. We already signed up for our next! Merry Christmas! Froliche Weihnachten!- Juleeanne -

Our experience on the ship was amazing. The crew, food, and housekeeping were all outstanding. We were very disappointed in the Christmas markets. Nuremberg was the only one that lived up to the expectations set by the description of the trip. We did not realize that we would be touring towns and castles every day for up to 1/2 of the day. We had pictured the markets looking like Nuremberg every day and they were not. Paulo and Christophe, especially, in the restaurant were extremely attentive, happy and took great care of us.- Homer -

European Holiday Markets - River Princess

Paulo, Andrea, Bruno, and Constantine were particularly excellent and noteworthy, and we will miss them. Also Roxanne our steward and Ramona our cruise director were outstanding. Our Captain was incredibly approachable and friendly, answered every question can?t say enough about this crew. Thanks for a wonderful trip- Paul -

Classic Christmas Markets - River Queen

Every single crew member works so hard to provide a wonderful experience for guests. They are always smiling. Special thanks to Alex for taking care of my room, to Ilber, Denis, Roxana for great service in the restaurant, and to the nautical staff who work together so efficiently. The front desk staff are always available to answer questions, resolve concerns, or even meet you as you come back loaded with shopping bags to help you to your room. All are a credit to their managers who are ALWAYS helping. Rik takes care of everyone, and makes it a fun cruise. Thank you. - Mary -

Rhine Holiday Markets - River Duchess

Everything was Above Excellent as always with Uniworld! I have no desire to ever use another cruise line. - David -

Rhine Holiday Markets - SS. Antoinette

Amazing time, Dennis was my Waiter for the complete cruise, amazing job Jessica kept the cabin perfect I don’t drink alcohol and Augustine made me many mocktail that I now know I like Louise was very welcoming and did a great job keeping us engaged and informed. There are many people who’s names I don’t remember, however, everyone went out of their way to make this an amazing holiday vacation. Thanks - Donald -

I want to say that Alexandr at the front desk was AMAZING! He went above and beyond for my sister and I. Anything we needed he always went out of his way to get us an answer to a question or arrange a cab. He was a complete gem! Jessica our house keeping attendant was very friendly and helpful everyday! We loved Eve and Dennis who were our servers. There were 2 other guys that were also servers who deserve to be recognized, but I didn’t catch their names! We loved Louisa the cruise director. She was always very informative and we appreciated her humor! We’ve been on 4 cruises and she might be my favorite! We also loved Augustus at the bar! Despite not being big drinkers, he always went out of his way to make sure we had full waters and snacks! Everyone on our boat was friendly! We had a great trip! Thank you! - Shannon -

I would like to highlight how amazing all of your staff were but in particular Dilyanna, Ivelin, Sarah, Louisa and the people who cleaned our room 320. Thank you so much for an amazing experience even better than we hoped for. We will be back. - Linda -

Meals were a highlight thanks to Ventsislav and the wonderful food. What incredible service and great sense of humor. Shoutout to Iban, always so friendly and a clean cabin! You certainly lived up to expectations with the quality and friendliness of service. - David -

Louisa went above and beyond for me on our cruise. I needed some assistance in obtaining a prescription for my husband and she managed to take care of everything for me. I felt our person, Patrick, who cleaned our room was excellent and we had wonderful service from Peter in the dining area. Also, on one of our excursions in Cologne, we had a fabulous tour guide. And his name was Justus. - Diane -

Nedko looked after our dining experience & was excellent. As were Ventsis, Sara, Dada, Douchka & Denis. Denis makes a great Flat White :-) Particularly enjoyed the Vinegar excursion & Ginny thought the trip to Baden Baden required more time on the bus than the destination warranted. Alexis in Cologne & Arthur in Koblenz were very good guides - John -

and receive our latest offers, news, and travel inspiration.

CLICK ON THE BULB TO ENTER THE SUGGESTION BOX

Do you have any suggestions, feedback or great ideas?

Share them (with name or anonymous) via the Suggestion box!

All feedback, ideas and suggestions will be carefully read and will always receive an answer.

Recipe of the Month

INGREDIENTS

1. Prepare the avocado spread: cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. mash with a fork until smooth but still slightly chunky. stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

2. Prepare the croissants: lightly toast the croissant halves in a toaster oven or on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°f (175°c) for about 5 minutes, or until they are slightly crispy and warm.

3. Poach the eggs: fill a medium-sized saucepan with about 3 inches of water and bring to a gentle boil. add the white vinegar. Crack one egg into a small bowl. create a gentle whirlpool in the boiling water with a spoon and carefully slide the egg into the center. poach for about 3-4 minutes for a runny yolk or longer if you prefer a firmer yolk. use a slotted spoon to remove the egg and place it on a paper towel to drain. repeat with the second egg.

4. Assemble the dish: generously spread the mashed avocado mixture onto each toasted croissant half. Place a poached egg on top of the avocado spread on each croissant half. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs, and add optional toppings like red pepper flakes, cherry tomatoes, or microgreens for extra flavor and color.

5. Serve the avocado croissants immediately while the croissants are warm and the eggs are perfectly poached.

N o n-slip soles help prevent slipping on snow or ice. In autumn and winter, remember to c heck the weather forecast before going out and wear shoes that are suit able for the weather conditions. The joys of

FleetFlash December 2024