RiverViews: SS Catherine Inauguration

SUMMER ISSUE 2014

UNIWORLD’S RIVER HERITAGE CLUB E-MAGAZINE

UNIWORLD’S NEWEST JEWEL

S.S. CATHERINE inauguration

PRESIDENT’S CRUISE CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE

NEW FOR 2015

2014 PARIS & NORMANDY COMMEMORATIVE CRUISE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY

BORDEAUX, VINEYARDS & CHÂTEAUX DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT

VIETNAM

A PARADISE FOR EPICUREANS FROM OUR KITCHEN TO YOURS

S.S. CATHERINE

in this issue SUMMER 2014

03 LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT GUY YOUNG 04 CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE NEW FOR 2015 06 UNIWORLD’S NEWEST JEWEL S.S. CATHERINE INAUGURATION 08 2014 PARIS & NORMANDY COMMEMORATIVE CRUISE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY

09 PRESIDENT’S CRUISE BORDEAUX, VINEYARDS & CHÂTEAUX

13 UNIWORLD’S RIVER HERITAGE CLUB BENEFITS FOR PAST GUESTS

10 DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT VIETNAM

14 EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT ZITA LANGENSTEIN

12 FAMILY FUN IN EUROPE MULTIGENERATIONAL CRUISES

16 A PARADISE FOR EPICUREANS FROM OUR KITCHEN TO YOURS

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Valued Past Guest, Welcome to our Summer edition of RiverViews.

The past few months have been very exciting here at

A L S O I N TH I S I SS U E

Uniworld. So far in 2014, we introduced our all-inclusive

In addition to providing information about our new 2015

boutique river cruises in Europe; we launched our

offerings in this newsletter, we will share the magic from

newest Super Ship, the magnificent S.S. Catherine; and

S.S. Catherine’s inauguration, shine a spotlight on Vietnam,

we set sail on the lovely River Royale in Bordeaux, our

showcase a typical French menu, and introduce you to

newest destination, where I had the pleasure of hosting

Zita Langenstein—a Uniworld butler with a fascinating

a President’s Cruise. We also announced our river cruise

background.

offerings for 2015, which include another new Super Ship and six brand-new European cruises.

It has been a busy year, without question, and we still have several months left. Throughout the remainder of 2014, we look forward to delivering unforgettable experiences for guests on upcoming cruises, as well as preparing for an incredible sailing season in 2015.

LOOKIN G AHEAD TO 2 015 Next year, Uniworld will launch the exquisite new S.S.

UNIWORLD’S GLOBAL SALES MEETING

Maria Theresa. This grand Super Ship will sail four itineraries throughout countries where her namesake—

A TE A M E F FO RT

Maria Theresa, the Archduchess of Austria and Queen of

In March, Uniworld held our annual Global Sales

Hungary and Bohemia—once reigned. Also in 2015, we

Meeting. Uniworld team members from around the

will introduce six new itineraries, ranging from 8 days

world gathered in France for five days to share ideas

in Belgium and the Netherlands to 22 days in France.

and discuss new opportunities. Spending time with the

Uniworld offers more European itineraries than any

international team is always a wonderful experience,

other river cruise line, and more choices to personalize

because it is a clear reminder that Uniworld employs

your journey. Whether you want to sail the Douro River

some of the most talented and dedicated professionals

in Portugal and Spain, or embark on an odyssey through

in the industry. From our office staff in Los Angeles and

Eastern Europe, Uniworld’s collection of boutique river

throughout all the regions where we operate, to the crew

cruises offers something for everyone.

onboard our ships in Europe and other destinations,

And with Uniworld’s truly all-inclusive, value-packed European itineraries, you can rest assured that you will always enjoy a luxurious voyage that features unlimited

to our supportive owners—the entire Uniworld team is committed to delivering the highest standards of excellence in river cruising to you, our valued guest.

meals and beverages onboard, all prepaid gratuities

Thank you again for your patronage and loyalty, and,

onboard and onshore, all scheduled arrival and departure

as always, I wish you safe and happy travels.

day transfers, shore excursions, and much more.

GUY YOUNG PRESIDENT UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISE COLLECTION

UNIWORLD.COM | 3

CHOOSE

Your Own Adventure

NEW FOR 2015 Uniworld offers more luxurious European voyages than any other river cruise line

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

NEW SUPER SHIP

S.S. Maria Theresa Uniworld is adding another crown jewel to our European fleet in 2015, the S.S. Maria Theresa.

This gorgeous “Super Ship” will sail the Danube, Main, and Rhine rivers through four fascinating countries—Austria, Germany, Hungary, and the Netherlands. The S.S. Maria Theresa’s inaugural 2015 itineraries are “Tulips & Windmills,” “European Jewels,” “Danube Holiday Markets,” and “Enchanting Christmas & New Year’s Cruise.”

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SPITZ, AUSTRIA

TOLEDO, SPAIN

NEW INCLUDED CITIES Wonderful new destinations have been added to some of Uniworld’s most popular 2015 itineraries: Spitz, a village in Austria’s famous Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its wines and natural beauty (“Delightful Danube & Prague”).

Haarlem, the heart of the Netherland’s tulip-growing industry (“Tulips & Windmills”).

Heusden, a medieval Dutch town; Maastricht, one of the Netherland’s oldest cities; and Schoonhoven, famous for its clocks and silverware (“Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time”).

The quaint town of Amarante, Portugal; Lamego, home to one of Portugal’s top pilgrimage sites; lively Madrid, Europe’s most multi-cultural capital; and Toledo, which boasts a spectacular Gothic cathedral (“Jewels of Spain, Portugal & the Douro River”).

NEW EXTENSIONS & HOTELS

with our newest 2-night land programs, featuring stays at grand 5-star hotels.

Les Trois Rois in Basel, Switzerland is a Condé Nast Traveler Gold List honoree, an elegant and historic hotel with a prime Old Town location on the Rhine (“Castles along the Rhine” and “Rhine Holiday Markets”).

The Sofitel Scribe Hotel in Paris, France is located in a historic 19th-century building that blends ornate architecture with sleek contemporary design (“Burgundy & Provence”).

The Yeatman Hotel in Porto, Portugal has a beautiful hilltop location with breathtaking views of the city, one of Europe’s top wine capitals (“Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley”).

NEW FAMILYFRIENDLY CRUISES Uniworld’s Travel + Leisure award-winning multigenerational cruises make it possible to share enlightening travel experiences with the special young people in your life. See page 12 for more information.

New 2015 ALL-INCLUSIVE ITINERARIES

With six new expertly planned, perfectly paced, all-inclusive 2015 itineraries from which to choose, the biggest challenge may be deciding where to go first.

HOLLAND & BELGIUM AT TULIP TIME Brussels to Amsterdam | 8 Days DELIGHTFUL DANUBE & PRAGUE Budapest to Prague | 10 Days EASTERN EUROPE EXPLORER Budapest to Bucharest | 10 Days GRAND EUROPEAN EXPLORER Prague to Bucharest | 19 Days ULTIMATE FRANCE Paris to Lyon | 22 Days JEWELS OF SPAIN, PORTUGAL & THE DOURO RIVER Lisbon to Madrid | 13 Days

Uniworld guests may extend their 2015 European vacations

UNIWORLD.COM | 5

BEATRICE TOLLMAN

CATHERINE DENEUVE

TOLLMAN FAMILY

MR. & MRS. TOLLMAN

UNIWORLD’S NEWEST JEWEL

S.S. CATHERINE inauguration

On March 28, Uniworld’s newest sparkling gem, Super Ship, S.S. Catherine, was christened in an elegant ceremony in front of more than 150 guests in Lyon, France.

Attending the intimate ceremony were travel agency owners and executives; local dignitaries; journalists from around the world; Guy Young, President of Uniworld, and his wife, Melissa; and three generations of the Tollman family—who have owned and operated Uniworld for the past 10 years—and many of their friends.

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The ceremony opened with Brett Tollman, Global CEO and President of The Travel Corporation. “This is a wonderful day to christen the most gorgeous and glorious ship on the rivers,” said Tollman in his opening speech.

The celebration continued with the customary tradition of the S.S. Catherine’s ship builder, Eric Rietveld from the Netherlands’ De Gerlien-Van Tiem Shipyard, giving a key to the S.S. Catherine’s Captain Pascal Rech. Denis Trouxe, President of the Grand Lyon Tourist Office, thanked the Tollman family and Uniworld by saying, “This is the type of magnificent ship we like to see on the rivers.” Trouxe then introduced Beatrice Tollman, President and Founder of the award-winning Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Uniworld’s sister company.

Mrs. Tollman welcomed the honorees and dignitaries, and shared the heartfelt history of how she and her husband, Stanley Tollman, have spent the past 60 years in the hospitality industry owning and operating fivestar luxury boutique hotels with the singular goal of pleasing guests and exceeding their expectations.

“Life keeps me very busy, very creative, and it is very exciting. I get emotional, as we put so much love and passion into our hotels and Uniworld ships,” said Mrs. Tollman. “It means so much to us to please our guests and make them feel extra special, and these principles have stayed the same for more than 60 years.”

Mrs. Tollman thanked her daughter Antoinette Tollman and Projects Director Brian Brennan for creating a new masterpiece in Uniworld’s collection of one-of-akind luxury boutique cruise ships. She then introduced Catherine Deneuve, legendary French actress and the Godmother of the S.S. Catherine.

“It is my pleasure to be here today celebrating the ship that bears my name,” said Ms. Deneuve. “My compliments to Mrs. Tollman for the beauty and elegance of this ship.

May God bless her.”

Captain Pascal joined Ms. Deneuve for the cutting of the blue ribbon, triggering a bottle of Dom Pérignon Champagne to smash against the vessel’s hull. Once the official christening ceremony was over, an orchestra played timeless classics such as “Moon River” and various movie themes, including the score from the “Godfather” and “Pink Panther” in honor of Ms. Deneuve.

All guests joined in a Champagne toast before boarding the ship to enjoy the S.S. Catherine for a special threeday inaugural sailing.

2014

Paris & Normandy Commemorative Cruise

Available through October 2014, this commemorative

70TH ANNIVERSARY of D-DAY

a full-day excursion to the historic beaches of World

8-day Seine River cruise provides an in-depth look at Northern France and its long and colorful past, with War II and a choice of tours—the D-Day Museum, Juno Beach and the Canadian Centre, or the Bayeux Tapestry Museum. Guests may also attend a poignant wreath-laying ceremony and moment of silence at the American Cemetery and Memorial near Omaha Beach.

Sailing round-trip from Paris, this anniversary year itinerary also features a number of other key sites in Normandy, one of the loveliest regions in all of France.

Guests can stroll through Monet’s resplendent gardens in Giverny, the inspiration for many of his most beloved

Uniworld is offering a number of special events and excursions on our “Paris & Normandy” itinerary in 2014 to honor the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

works. Hike up to the ruins of Château Gaillard, or take a scenic bike ride along the Seine. Trace the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh in charming Auvers-sur-Oise.

And gaze in awe at the opulent palace and gardens of Versailles.

Back in the French capital, guests will have many opportunities to explore the ”City of Light” like a bona fide Parisian, with walking tours of the Île de la Cité and Latin Quarter, a guided riverside stroll to the Eiffel Tower, a tour of the Musée d’Orsay, and much more.

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President’s Cruise B O R D E A U X , V I N E YA R D S & C H Â T E A U X

Uniworld President, Guy Young, recently traveled to France for his annual President’s Cruise, this time aboard the River Royale. Guests on this new “Bordeaux, Vineyards & Châteaux” itinerary in southwestern France—an exciting new region for Uniworld—had a chance to meet Mr. Young and his wife, Melissa, as the ship sailed the Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde rivers.

Onboard, guests dined on exquisitely prepared

“One of my favorite memories...

meals showcasing France’s refined cuisine and

of the cruise was seeing one of the world’s

for any gourmand. Another cruise highlight—

top countertenors, Max Emanuel Cencic, perform at the Opéra National de Bordeaux. It was a fantastic evening and a great example of the exclusive experiences we provide our guests.”

rich winemaking heritage, a dream come true a private artisanal lunch and wine tasting at Château d’Arche, a rare opportunity extended to only 350 lucky visitors a year. Guests also participated in a lighthearted wine “compatibility test” at the celebrated Château d’Arsac, an entertaining experience for any wine lover.

As the cruise came to an end, while sailing under

– GUY YOUNG, Uniworld President

Bordeaux’s Pont de Pierre, guests were surprised with the dramatic sabering of champagne bottles at their farewell cocktail party.

UNIWORLD.COM | 9

DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT:

Vietnam From hushed temple interiors to the hustle and bustle of

With an intimate group of no more than 20 people,

modern metropolises, Vietnam is a fascinating, dynamic,

you’ll enjoy immersive excursions designed to provide

multidimensional country that offers intrepid travelers

a deeper understanding of the local culture and the way

truly unforgettable travel experiences. Uniworld’s 15-

of life along the river. You’ll learn about the medicinal

“Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong” itinerary presents a tantalizing mix of

uses of indigenous plants from local villagers, and enjoy

East and West, past and present, ancient and modern—a

colorful floating markets by way of luxury sampan, and

once-in-a-lifetime voyage through a country that has

take an exhilarating cyclo (bicycle rickshaw) ride through

managed to thrive in spite of its tragic history. Along

the streets of Hanoi. Attend a water puppet show, a

the way, you will discover new friends among Vietnam’s

delightful thousand-year-old art form, at a unique Water

generous and resilient people, and make new memories

Puppet Theatre in Thang Long—the only theater of its

you’ll cherish the rest of your life.

kind in the world.

AUTHEN TIC EX P ER I EN C ES

Next, sail aboard a sampan for a tour of the historic An

Perhaps the best way to experience Vietnam is from

Kiet House. Visit a small family-run factory in Cai Be

the up-close perspective of the Mekong, the “Mother of

that makes candies, rice paper, and popped rice. In Sa

Water,” which flows thousands of miles from the high

Dec, see how bricks and tiles are made with Mekong

Tibetan plateau to the vast Mekong Delta. Uniworld’s

Delta clay and fired in kilns fueled with rice husks. Walk

meticulously-crafted “Timeless Wonders of Vietnam,

through the busy Sa Dec market to the former home

Cambodia & the Mekong” cruise and tour features a

of Huynh Thuy Le, immortalized by Marguerite Duras’s

plethora of in-depth, authentic encounters.

novel The Lover.

day

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the hospitality of a friendly Vietnamese family. Visit

Experience an up-close perspective of this beguiling destination aboard Uniworld’s exotic “Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong.”

THE RIVER ORCH I D

Site—famous for its surreal limestone rock formations,

Experience all the romance of a by-gone era aboard

ancient fishing villages, hidden lagoons and caves, and

the River Orchid, a serene and stylish vessel with

emerald green waters—is the perfect way to launch or

handcrafted accents and elegant French Colonial décor.

conclude your trip. This 3-day extension includes one

Carrying no more than 58 guests, you are assured of

night aboard a luxurious Junk in an outside facing

gracious and attentive service, as well as comfortable

stateroom with all meals onboard, and a visit to Sung

and serene accommodations, convenient amenities,

Sot Cave and a floating village.

artfully presented cuisine, and a broad menu of cultural

LUANG PRABANG, LAOS: This ancient capital city and

enrichment programs and onboard entertainment.

UNESCO World Heritage site is certain to leave you

THE A DVENTUR E CON T I N UES

spellbound. Your 5-day stay in this charming locale allows

Savor your journey a little longer with Uniworld’s

for a leisurely exploration of its tree-lined streets, beautiful

optional extensions. These programs may be added

rolling landscapes, and golden-roofed Buddhist temples.

before or after your 14-night “Timeless Wonders” river

BANGKOK, THAILAND: Your 4-day stay in the world’s

cruise and tour, and all three include top quality hotel

top tourist destination includes many highlights of

accommodations, daily breakfasts, and guided tours

this dynamic “City of Angels”—royal palaces, colossal

with English-speaking experts.

Buddhist statues, gleaming temples, floating markets,

HA LONG BAY, VIETNAM: The inspiration for countless

and world-class shopping and dining.

Vietnamese folk tales, this UNESCO World Heritage

UNIWORLD.COM | 11

AWAKEN THE IMAGINATION WITH TRAVEL Imagine standing on the beaches of Normandy as a family, sharing in the meaningful events that forever changed the world. Imagine the simple pleasures of retelling the classic story “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” while standing in the shadow of Quasimodo’s famous bell tower. Imagine traveling back in time to the Middle Ages as you sail along the Rhine River, a place rich in fairytale castles offering countless legends to be told.

CREATE LASTING MEMORIES Uniworld provides an environment where families can create lasting memories together while traveling onboard a luxurious ship to grand cities, Medieval villages, and beautiful countryside. This is what family travel is all about—reconnecting with loved ones in an intimate surrounding where there are no distractions from the chaos of everyday life, where you can share, explore, laugh, learn, grow, and experience new places together.

FAMILY FUN IN EUROPE

Multigenerational Cruises ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: CLASSIC CHRISTMAS MARKETS December 14, 2014 & December 13, 2015

Highlights include::

For the past three years in a row, Travel + Leisure has named Uniworld the “Top River Cruise Line for Families.” Uniworld has designed several multigenerational family-friendly cruises so you can share the gift of enlightening travel

• • • •

Onboard gilding workshop for children and adults Paleontological Museum Senckenberg Onboard Christmas cookie baking with chef Visit the Christmas Museum in Rothenburg and walk the Ramparts • Medieval Criminal Museum and snowball tasting • Horse carriage ride • “Create your own Advent calendar” craft workshop for kids • Guided tour of the Nuremberg Toy Museum

with the special young people in your life.

We’ve selected specific itineraries that are not

PARIS & NORMANDY July 5 & August 2, 2015

only fun and adventurous for families to enjoy,

Highlights include::

but also culturally and historically significant,

• Hot air balloon ride (Parc Andre Citroen) • Hike to Château Gaillard • Cooking class onboard • Normandy Beaches excursion • Walking tour of Rouen and tour of the old Clock tower • Honfleur and tour of the Naturospace butterfly pavilion • Monet’s Gardens in Giverny • Gargoyle hunting tour at Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris

and designed to spark creativity and life-long learning. These multigenerational cruises are scheduled during summer and winter school vacations, and offer special pricing, kid-friendly menus, and fun activities for the whole family.

CASTLES ALONG THE RHINE July 8 & 15, 2015

Highlights include:: • Cologne Chocolate Museum • Marksburg Castle • Siegfried’s Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments • Speyer Technik Museum • Strasbourg Notre Dame Cathedral

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When you travel with Uniworld just once...

You’ll automatically become a respected and highly regarded Member of Uniworld’s River Heritage Club. As a valued Member, you’ll be treated to extra savings and benefits.

Uniworld’s

RIVER HERITAGE CLUB PAST G U E ST P R O G R A M

SHARE YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

UNIWORLD’S RIVER HERITAGE CLUB REWARDS INCLUDE:

Stay connected with your family and

 $150 savings per person on 7- to

12-night cruises  $250 savings per person on 13-night

or longer cruises  Exclusive River Heritage Club Cocktail

Party hosted onboard by the Captain*  One category stateroom upgrade,

if space is available*  Complimentary fruit platter in your

stateroom upon arrival  Complimentary onboard laundry

service (once per week)*

friends during your next Uniworld cruise by posting your photos and videos on social media. By using our hashtag #ExploreUniworld, you can easily share your treasured moments and have them showcased live on our website at uniworld.com/explore.

Sharing your experiences is easy: 1. CAPTURE a photo or video during your river cruise on your mobile device.

2. T AG the photo or video and description with #ExploreUniworld on your favorite social media sites.

3. S HARE your river cruise experience on social media

*Visit uniworld.com/river-heritage-club for more information.

channels.

UNIWORLD.COM | 13

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:

Zita Langenstein BUTLER Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Uniworld is proud to offer in-suite butler service onboard four of our luxurious European boutique river cruise ships— and for the past several years, the butlers providing this world-class service have been trained by Zita Langenstein. As a graduate of England’s prestigious Ivor Spencer Butler School—which trains butlers who serve in Europe’s finest royal houses, including Buckingham Palace—Zita brings a world-class education, as well as a lifetime of enthusiasm, to her work.

What attracted you to becoming a butler?

Being a butler is a childhood dream come true.

can work with good quality cutlery and china. In the

According to my family, I was six years old when

places where a butler works, utmost attention is given

I first expressed my desire to become a butler.

to both the products and the infrastructure.

Two TV series kindled this idea: “Graf Yoster” and “Upstairs, Downstairs.” What fascinated me early on was the way that butlers work. But what I find even more interesting now is the art of interacting with the customer, no matter if they are demanding or easygoing people.

Naturally, I also have an appreciation for the infrastructure. It is marvelous for a butler when he (or she!)

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At the time I developed my liking for being a butler, I wasn’t able to follow it, in the sense of obtaining an education for a number of reasons. So, it was obvious to me that I would move into the field of gastronomy instead, as I also enjoyed this.

Can you please describe your experiences applying to, and then attending, the Ivor Spencer Butler School in England?

What are the most important qualities and skills you try to instill in the Uniworld butlers you train?

Towards the end of the 1980’s, I was working in a luxury

Style and etiquette; attentiveness; body language; and

hotel in Bern, Switzerland. That’s where I met a butler

“wow” effects. We want to ensure that every guest feels

who was traveling with his employers. We got into a

perfectly attended to, due to the professional manners,

conversation and he told me about the Butler School in

and that they notice this professionalism from the very

London. I was immediately fascinated by this, because

first moment. If we are not attentive, we do not see the

my desire to become a butler had never left me.

opportunities to better serve the guest, or the solutions

It took a big effort to research the address (this was

to any problems they may have.

before the arrival of the Internet), but once I had it,

A butler should be able to surprise the client when

I applied. I received an unbelievably high number

he or she expects it least—with something he says,

of negative responses. The reasons were many: not

a deed, something that is tailor-made for the client.

enough experience, lack of wine competence, the

That’s perfect service. Delivering perfect butler service

course was already full, and so on.

onboard a Uniworld ship is a very big challenge,

In 2000, I was contacted and finally offered a place.

However, I was not able to attend right away. In 2005,

because the quality of service onboard is already outstanding.

thanks to the great support of my employer, I finally attended the school. It was only then that I learned the school did not even accept women before the year 2000.

How long have you been with Uniworld?

I have been working at the kick-off meetings for

Even though I had gained a lot of experience and had

Uniworld for approximately 10 years. I am proud to

completed a number of educational trainings by the

say that I have contributed my fair share to ensuring

time I attended, this school offered one of the best

that Uniworld’s butler service is among the best there

educations I had ever received. Before attending, I had

is. This job fills me with incredible joy. But soon, I will

never known that the interaction with clients can be

be stepping down. Uniworld’s Senior Butler, Valentin

executed in such a differentiated way.

Gradescu, will take over the training. My job is done, which is sad for me, of course. However, I shall always remain in contact with Uniworld here in Europe.

What has been your most memorable experience working onboard a Uniworld ship?

The christening of the S.S. Catherine in Lyon this past March. It was a perfectly organized job, a smart event, and it featured incredibly touching and professional speeches by Uniworld’s owner, Mrs. Beatrice Tollman,

“What fascinated me early on was the way that butlers work. But what I find even more interesting now is the

and by Catherine Deneuve, who was deeply moving.

art of interacting with the customer,

There were many satisfied and excited guests. I can’t

no matter if they are demanding or

think of anything more beautiful.

easygoing people.”

UNIWORLD.COM | 15

a

PARADISE for Epicureans

The French zest for life is perhaps most apparent in its delicious and world-famous cuisine. Uniworld’s six itineraries in France celebrate this proud culinary heritage at every onboard meal, with authentic French dishes prepared with only the finest and freshest ingredients.

Guests often spot our classically-trained chefs perusing farmers’ markets in different ports of call, selecting sun-ripened, locally-sourced produce and finding inspiration in France’s unique regional traditions—butter and cream in Normandy, rich wine sauces in Bordeaux, Burgundy’s cheeses, and the Mediterranean flavors of Provence, with dishes featuring seafood, lemons, garlic, and olive oil. Plus, Uniworld has carefully selected a number of distinctive red and white wines, assorted craft and regional beers, and soft drinks for guests to enjoy during meals.

BON APPÉTIT!

UNIWORLD’S BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES IN FRANCE

PARIS & NORMANDY Paris to Paris | 8 Days BORDEAUX, VINEYARDS & CHÂTEAUX Bordeaux to Bordeaux | 8 Days BURGUNDY & PROVENCE Avignon to Lyon | 8 Days A PORTRAIT OF MAJESTIC FRANCE Paris to Bordeaux | 15 Days GRAND FRANCE Paris to Avignon | 15 Days ULTIMATE FRANCE (NEW FOR 2015) Paris to Lyon | 22 Days

SAMPLE MENU f o r cr ui ses i n Fran ce

TO S TA RT LE MELON DE CAVAILLON AU MUSCAT DE BEAUMES DE VENISE cocktail of Cavaillon melon in Muscat de Beaumes de Venise

LA SALADE NIÇOISE lettuce with tomatoes, string beans, bell peppers, potatoes, artichoke, tuna, olives and hard-boiled egg, drizzled with vinaigrette

FROM THE SOUP TUREEN LA SOUPE AU PISTOU traditional Provence vegetable soup with pesto

LA GRATINÉE À L’OIGNON GRATINÉE AU MADÈRE French onion soup with Madeira wine and cheese croutons

ENTRÉES LES CANNELONIS À LA FARCE FINE DE VOLAILLE ET ÉPINARDS GRATINÉES FACON PROVENÇALE homemade Cannelonis with chicken and spinach stuffing in Provence-style tomato sauce

LE DOS DE CABILLAUD AU JUS DE BOUILLABAISSE cod loin in bouillabaisse jus, barigoule artichoke, broad beans, and saffron potatoes

LE CARRÉ D’AGNEAU AUX HERBES FINES ET MOUTARDE, JUS AUX OLIVES ET À L’AIL DOUX roasted rack of lamb in mustard herb crust, olive and sweet garlic sauce, eggplant mash, tomato provençale, and boulangère potatoes

D E S S E RT LE DÉLICE “JIVARA LACTÉ” Valrhona Jivara delight on an almond sponge cake with raspberries

PETITS FOURS a selection of homemade sweet treats (mini Madeleine, rum truffle, and profiterole)

A RT I S A N A L C H E E S E BANON, BRIE DE MEAUX, ROQUEFORT, REBLOCHON, MUNSTER Uniworld has carefully selected a choice of unlimited complimentary distinctive wines—both red and white—assorted beer, juices, and soft drinks for you to enjoy with your meal.

La

GRATINÉE À L’OIGNON GRATINÉE AU MADÈRE No cruise through France is complete without a bowl of this famous French onion soup—a highlight on many Uniworld river cruises. Serves six.

SOUP INGREDIENTS:  3 tbsp

unsalted butter, cut into 3 pieces

 6

large yellow onions (about 4 lbs), halved and cut into ¼ inch slices

 2 cups

water, plus extra for deglazing



½ cup white wine



½ cup Madeira wine

 4

cups chicken broth

 2 cups  6

beef broth

sprigs fresh thyme

 1 bay

leaf

 Ground

black pepper

CHEESE CROUTONS:  1 small

baguette, cut into ½ inch slices and toasted on both sides



8 oz shredded Gruyère cheese

PREPARATION: 1. Sauté the onions with butter in a large soup pot until the onions are golden brown.

Add salt and pepper to taste, then deglaze with the white wine, water, and broth. Add the bay leaf and thyme and simmer for 45 minutes.

2. Remove the thyme and bay leaf, and add additional seasoning to taste.

3. Add the Madeira and pour the soup into bowls. Place the baguette slices on top, sprinkle with the cheese, and put under broiler until cheese melts.

EMBARK ON A JOURNEY BEYOND COMPARE. Discovering the world’s most alluring destinations has never been easier—or more luxurious—than with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. Experience a river cruise unlike any other with the world’s ONLY authentic boutique cruise line.™

Visit our website at UNIWORLD.COM.