RiverViews

summer 2015

Uniworld’s river heritage club e-magazine

U n iwo r l d ’ s n e w e st m ast e r p ie c e

S.S. Maria Theresa I n a u g u r at i o n

Bordeaux, France

India

2015 Holiday Cruises

A Royal Dining Experience

“Europe’s Best Destination”

Destination Spotlight

Celebrate the Season in Style

From Our Kitchen to Yours

Uniworld’s river heritage club e-magazine

in this issue summer 2015

02

09

Letter From the President

Uniworld Cares

Employee Spotlight

Guy Young

Our Commitment to Responsible Tourism

Valentin Gradescu

03

11

17

Uniworld’s Newest Masterpiece

Destination Spotlight

A Royal Dining Experience

S.S. Maria Theresa Inauguration

India

From Our Kitchen to Yours

05

13

The Wonders Of Bordeaux

2016 Multigenerational River Cruises

“Europe’s Best Destination”

07

1

“Top River Cruise Line for Families”

14

2015 Holiday Cruises

Past guest Program

What’s on Your Holiday Wish List?

Uniworld’s River Heritage Club

15

19 Recipe Spotlight Sachertorte

Letter from the President

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

It seems like just yesterday we were concluding our 2014

M U LTIGENERATIONAL FAMILY TRAVEL

Holiday Season cruises. Yet, here we are now in June.

I am pleased to announce that Uniworld will be expanding

The time seems to fly by when you’re keeping busy, and

our Multigenerational Family-Friendly Program in 2016 by

we have been very busy here at Uniworld. In addition

nearly tripling the number of departures. I am very proud

to officially beginning our 2015 cruising season in March,

of our family program, which has won Travel + Leisure’s

we also introduced our newest masterpiece—Super Ship

award for “World’s Best Family River Cruises” several

S.S. Maria Theresa—during a wonderful inauguration

years in row, and I am delighted that there was a demand

ceremony, which you can read about on page 3.

from guests to expand the program to include more

This is shaping up to be an extraordinary and memorable year for Uniworld, with our new ship and six new allinclusive European itineraries. If you can’t join us this year, we hope to see you next year, as we have some exciting

itineraries and dates. I have taken my children on a number of Uniworld cruises, and I can say that traveling through Europe with the entire family is an incredible and unforgettable experience. You can read more about our expanded family program on page 13.

plans for 2016.

A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES Uniworld has been expanding into new regions along the world’s greatest waterways for four decades, and next year, we will proudly introduce our newest destination— India. This colorful and unforgettable country is home to incredible landmarks, kind and generous people, and a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years.

This new river cruise and tour, “India’s Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges,” will join our ever-expanding

ALSO IN THIS ISS U E

collection of impeccably planned global itineraries. With

In addition to sharing information about the inauguration

38 itineraries in 26 countries, Uniworld truly offers a

of the S.S. Maria Theresa in this e-magazine, we will

world of possibilities. No matter which river cruise tour

showcase a menu from the ship and provide you with a

you choose, you will always enjoy a sophisticated,

delicious recipe. You can also read a “Destination Spotlight”

boutique river cruise experience with cultural connections

on India, learn more about our 2015 Holiday Season cruises

and insider’s views that provide enriching perspectives

(the holidays will be here before you know it), get to know

of the places you visit.

one of our talented and world-class butlers, and more.

Thank you again for your patronage and loyalty.

As always, I wish you safe and happy travels.

Guy Young President Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

uniworld.com | uniworldcruises.ca | 2

Uniworld’s Newest Masterpiece

S.S. Maria Theresa the I n auguratio n

On March 26, 2015, Uniworld welcomed our exquisite Super Ship, S.S. Maria Theresa, with an elegant ceremony in Amsterdam. Named after Archduchess Maria Theresa of the Habsburg-Lothringen dynasty, the S.S. Maria Theresa was christened by her Godmother, Princess Anita von Hohenberg, a direct descendent of the great Maria Theresa and great-granddaughter of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Duchess Sophie von Hohenberg. Princess Anita was joined by Guy Young, President of Uniworld; the Tollman family, who have owned and operated Uniworld for more than 10 years; and approximately 120 guests.

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Uniworld’s most spectacular ship to date, the S.S. Maria Theresa is fashioned in the spirit of her great namesake and cruises the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers through the heart of Maria Theresa’s vast empire. Her inaugural cruise departed March 28, with guests experiencing the best of Belgium and the Netherlands on our nine-day “Tulips & Windmills” itinerary.

Young began the ceremony’s proceedings by introducing Mrs. Beatrice Tollman, President and Founder of Uniworld’s sister company, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Mrs. Tollman also leads Uniworld’s design team and provides input to the award-winning cuisine and service standards across all of our boutique ships.

“Launching this ship has been one of the delights of my life,” said Mrs. Tollman. “I hope everyone here today, and each and every guest to come, will be touched by the incredible beauty, attention to detail, and personal service they will experience onboard.

Creating wonderful memories for our guests is absolutely at the heart of everything we do.”

Young also introduced the ship’s Godmother to the crowd.

“It is my great pleasure to welcome Princess Anita von Hohenberg as Godmother of the S.S. Maria Theresa,” said Young. “As a direct descendant of the ship’s namesake, and as Managing Director and owner of Artstetten Castle, where she has been welcoming Uniworld guests for many years, she is the perfect fit to christen our new masterpiece.”

“I’d like to thank the Tollman family for your generosity in extending this honor and responsibility to me,” said Princess Anita, “and for your ideas and entrepreneurship in creating this beautiful tribute to Maria Theresa, who left such a strong legacy across Europe. It is truly a floating castle.”

The S.S. Maria Theresa’s décor is inspired by the Baroque period over which the Archduchess of Austria presided, and guests can expect an onboard atmosphere seamlessly integrated with the history and architecture of the places they will visit onshore.

Stunning antique mirrors throughout, royal crown detailing with real gold leaf, and custom furniture pieces have been painstakingly collected and built by a team of skilled artisans from around the world.

In addition to “Tulips & Windmills,” the S.S. Maria Theresa will serve our popular “European Jewels” itinerary, as well as our Holiday Season river cruises: “Danube Holiday Markets” and “Enchanting Christmas & New Year’s Cruise” in 2015, and “European Holiday Markets” and “Grand Christmas & New Year’s Cruise” in 2016.

uniworld.com | uniworldcruises.ca | 4

Love France?

Combine Bordeaux, Vineyards & Châteaux with Paris & Normandy for the 15-day A Portrait of Majestic France, a picture-perfect journey.

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Destination Spotlight

“Europe’s Best Destination”

The Wonders of

Bordeaux The French region of Bordeaux and the

estate. Savor an artisanal wine pairing lunch at

elegant capital city that shares its name are

Château d’Arche, and meet the makers of

an

sweet, golden-hued Sauternes, the region’s

epicurean’s

paradise—not

to

mention

Europe’s “Best Destination 2015”.* Uniworld’s all-inclusive Bordeaux, Vineyards & Châteaux

highly prized dessert wine.

cruise through this renowned and alluring

Exquisite cuisine onboard a luxurious ship

region showcases many wonders along the

The serene and elegant River Royale is an

scenic Garonne, Dordogne, and Gironde rivers.

ideal place to admire the southwestern France

Experience it all from the perspective of a

scenery, relax over drinks with friends, and dine

luxurious floating hotel, the River Royale—

on exceptional cuisine. Onboard, you can

there’s no finer introduction to Bordeaux’s

indulge in delicacies such as duck confit, caviar

cultural treasures.

d’Aquitaine, and oysters, as well as an extensive

Who will enjoy this cruise? Nature lovers and those interested in epicurean pursuits, winemaking (and tasting), history, and culture.

Superb wines from renowned appellations

wine selection. The River Royale even has her

The ancient Romans planted the first vineyards

and passion for wine are much appreciated by

in Bordeaux almost 2,000 years ago. Today,

our wine-loving guests.

Bordeaux is one of the most celebrated wine

own onboard sommelier, whose vast expertise

regions in the world. With more than 13,000

Savor an unforgettable taste of the “sweet life” in bordeaux

wineries and nearly 60 appellations, there’s no

With great food and wine; the charming towns

better place to indulge in Uniworld’s exclusive

of Bergerac, Saint-Émilion, and Bordeaux; and

wine-themed excursions. In 2015, travelers can

ample time to take in the breathtaking scenery,

pedal through verdant vineyards on a guided

you'll undoubtly discover the douceur de vivre

“Go Active” bicycle ride, visit a Premier Grand

(sweet life) Bordeaux is known for.

Cru cellar in Saint-Émilion, and travel along the Médoc wine route to a tasting at private wine

Bordeaux Tasting Notes After virtually all Bordeaux vineyards were destroyed by insects in the 19th century, local farmers grafted native vines onto rootstock from America—a rescue operation that saved the region’s wine industry from ruin.

The undisputed king of red wines, Bordeaux can mature for decades, evolving into mellow, nuanced flavors with deep complexity.

Most Bordeaux wines are red, but wonderful white, rosé, sparkling, and sweet wines such as Sauternes are made here as well.

* As determined by an online vote conducted by Best European Destinations, a nonprofit organization based in Brussels.

uniworld.com | uniworldcruises.ca | 6

2015 Holiday Cruises

What’s on Your Holiday Wish List?

Uniworld offers seven festive all-inclusive

Yu l et i d e T re ats

largest pipe organ at a Christmas Eve Mass,

Uniworld’s 8-day Classic Christmas Markets

and spend Christmas Day in Salzburg and

cruise onboard the River Queen is a seasonal

Obendorf, the respective birthplaces of Mozart

“tasting menu” of Germany’s Main River, with

and the classic song “Silent Night.” And on

ample opportunities to indulge your sweet

New Year’s Eve, bid farewell to 2015 with a

tooth. Share homemade treats with a family in

gala dinner and a night full of music and

an idyllic German village. Sample fragrant

dancing in a beautiful Budapest ballroom.

gingerbread, roasted chestnuts, and other

This spectacular evening is sure to be the

holiday favorites, accompanied by a mug of

highlight of your tour.

piping hot apple cider or spiced wine. Savor our exclusive “Taste of Christmas” walking

T h e R oya l T r e atm e n t

tour of Frankfurt. Our local experts will also

Travel like royalty aboard the River Princess

introduce you to stollen—a traditional German

on Uniworld’s 13-day Grand Christmas & New

fruitcake—at a baking demonstration with a

Year’s Cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest.

master baker at a private wine estate, another

Three captivating countries along the Danube

Uniworld exclusive. Indulge, it’s the holidays!

River—Germany,

and

Hungary—

F est i v e Mus i c

celebration fit for a queen. Visit Nuremberg’s

beloved seasonal

Our 11-day Enchanting Christmas & New

renowned Christkindlesmarkt. Sip cocktails in

traditions. If your wish

Year’s Cruise on the Danube from Passau to

Austria with Princess Anita von Hohenberg at

list includes delicious

Budapest features numerous memorable and

a private reception inside her 13th-century

music-inspired moments. Onboard the regal

castle home—a Uniworld exclusive sure to be a

S.S. Maria Theresa, relax among friends

highlight of your trip. Wander amongst the

your Christmas fantasy

in a warm and cheery atmosphere. Wander

opulent interiors of Schönbrunn Palace in

is about to come

through bustling holiday markets, listening to

Vienna, as well as the Winter Palace of Prince

true. Here are Three

local choirs. Enjoy a Mozart and Strauss

Eugene. Savor a traditional Christmas dinner

itineraries to consider.

concert in a Viennese palace and a private

onboard and waltz your way into the New

organ concert at Melk’s 900-year-old abbey.

Year in grand style, with a gala dinner and

Hear the soul-stirring sounds of Europe’s

dancing in a glorious Viennese palace.

with its own spin on

once-a-year treats, classic songs, or ultimate relaxation,

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Austria,

provide an ideal backdrop for a dual holiday

cruises in 2015, each

Discover beloved seasonal traditions

Visit our website for details about other magical 2015 holiday cruises: Rhine Holiday Markets | Danube Holidays Markets | European Holiday Markets | Parisian Holiday

Note: Most Christmas markets are open from the beginning of Advent until approximately December 23.

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U n i wo r l d C a r e s Our Commitment to Responsible Tourism At Uniworld, we’re proud to provide our guests with extraordinary trips to some of the world’s most beautiful and inspiring places. It is this pride that propels our commitment to sustainable business and travel practices, ensuring the very places we live and travel in will remain vibrant for future generations to enjoy. Our multilevel approach to Corporate Social Responsibility is based on three pillars: environmental, economic, and social responsibilities.

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Uniworld Cares

Since 2008, Uniworld and our sister brands from The Travel Corporation have been the sole supporters of TreadRight, an organization that encourages the sustainable development of tourism by supporting projects that benefit the environment, cultural heritages, and local communities. TreadRight provides guidance to Uniworld on many of our projects, including the Environmental Sustainability River Cruising Guide; our partnership with WHOLE WORLD Water; and the TreadRight Heritage Initiative, through which Uniworld supports local economies by empowering and providing seed funding to artisans.

En viron men tal R esp on si bi l i t y

E co n o mi c R e s p o n s i b i l i ty

In partnership with The TreadRight Foundation and

Uniworld

The Travel Foundation, Uniworld created the first-of-its-

enterprises—such as organic wineries and small, owner-run

kind Environmental Sustainability River Cruising Guide,

businesses—by featuring excursions on each of our

which offers best practices to river cruise operators

itineraries that introduce our guests to these types

worldwide on how to operate with as little environmental

of venues. For example, our “Castles along the Rhine”

impact as possible. Using Uniworld ships as the case study,

cruise takes guests to the Doktorenhof Vinegar Estate, and

the guide is designed to support the river cruise industry by

our “Enchanting Danube” cruise visits a saffron farm in the

providing a tool to allow operators to integrate sustainability

tiny baroque village of Dürnstein. Together, these experiences

into their own operations. By identifying strategies to reduce

foster a spirit of true community and a commitment to

water and energy use and waste generation on Uniworld-

intercultural communication by educating our guests on

owned ships, The Travel Foundation was able to create this

local history, culture, craftsmanship, and nature.

also

supports

environmentally

conscious

guide for other river cruise lines.

Our environmental responsibility efforts extend to our

S o c i a l R e s p o n s i b i l i ty

corporate offices, both in Los Angeles, California, USA,

We support local communities by donating materials that

and Rheinfelden, Switzerland. In November 2014, our

are no longer in use on our ships. We also support a range

Los Angeles office was certified by the City of LA Green

of charities and have fostered programs geared at

Program. We met numerous

preserving local communities. All of our staff members are

requirements to earn this distinction, including using “green” products, having a recycling program in place, conserving

energy,

and

more. All staff members are

All staff members are trained to think ecologically, and to balance luxury standards and care for the environment.

trained to think ecologically, and to balance luxury standards and care for the environment by optimizing the use of resources, buying locally, and reducing and recycling waste.

We encourage all crew to use public transport on travels where possible, and office employees receive a subsidy of public transport costs for their daily commuting needs.

encouraged to participate in local charitable efforts, which is why Uniworld offers two paid days off per year for employees to volunteer for a charitable organization of their choice.

Uniworld also proudly supports cultural diversity by offering platforms for craftsmen and skilled artisans to showcase their traditional crafts and production methods, and by offering local encounters for our guests, such as village visits and home-hosted meals. All Uniworld trips feature custom-crafted expert lectures that are designed to foster intercultural communication and educate our guests on history, culture, and nature. Plus, Uniworld offers a series of

Further, Uniworld announced our continued support of

“Do as the Locals Do” themed city walks on our European

WHOLE WORLD Water on March 22, in celebration of World

itineraries. These city walks provide guests with an intimate

Water Day. Through our partnership with TreadRight,

look at daily life in foreign cities, including rituals, challenges,

Uniworld is able to aid WHOLE WORLD Water in its goal of

and special environments. Guests on these walks also use

uniting the hospitality and tourism industry to raise $1 billion

public transportation, visit typical and beloved local places,

per year to provide everyone around the world with access

and learn about everyday life.

to a basic necessity: clean, safe drinking water. uniworld.com | uniworldcruises.ca | 10

Destination Spotlight

One of the world’s oldest civilizations, dating back 5,000 years, India may very well be the most complex and colorful country you will ever encounter. Uniworld’s new 2016 itinerary, India’s Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges, delves into an exotic land that is endlessly fascinating.

This 13-day cruise and tour from New Delhi to Kolkata explores wondrous sights along the country’s most venerated

river,

the

Ganges,

said

to

hold

eternal

salvation in every drop. Over the course of eight days on the river, you will have unparalleled glimpses of life along the Ganges, including rare opportunities to visit small villages inaccessible by road. This itinerary also features must-see sites in New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur— the Golden Triangle—one of the most culturally-rich areas of the Indian subcontinent.

A kaleidoscop e o f color fu l c u r i osi t i es Our knowledgeable local experts lift the veil on everyday life in India, a sensory feast of exotic sights, sounds, aromas, and tastes: Bollywood music crackling from a radio, the sweet fragrance of bright marigold garlands, the pungent tang of turmeric and tamarind, a lavish shrine to the elephant-headed god Ganesh, the languid gaze of a Brahmin cow. Marvel at India’s vivid colors—a rainbow of luminescent hues—from the saffron robes of holy men to baskets of scarlet tomatoes, to delicate saris of citrus

Starting in the cities of the Golden Triangle, you’ll visit Ghandi’s memorial,

and sapphire-colored silk, fluttering in the breeze like

Humayun’s Tomb, and the fabled “Pink City” of Jaipur. You’ll also have a

butterfly wings.

generous amount of time to admire the graceful, dream-like Taj Mahal—a

India’s multi-laye r ed c u lt u r a l m asa l a

optimal times to gaze upon this spectacular monument to love. From

To travel in India is to encounter remarkably diverse languages,

Kolkata, embark upon an 8-day cruise down the Ganges, stopping to visit

UNESCO World Heritage site—with visits at sunrise and sunset, the

religions, cuisines, cultural traditions, and the proud and

Mother Teresa’s tomb and humble home; the massive Temple of the

good-natured Indian people. Seeing the sights in small groups

Vedic Planetarium in Mayapur; Buddhist and Hindu temples; imposing

of no more than 18 people allows for authentic experiences

British colonial-era architecture; a village of artisans revered for their

that provide great insights into this extraordinary destination.

bronzeware; and the former French colony of Chandannajar.

The Jewels in the Crown of the British Empire India is home to numerous world-famous landmarks and attractions.

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New Delhi’s Humayun’s Tomb

Agra’s Taj Mahal

Built in the 16th century

by Emperor Humayun’s grief-stricken wife, this immense red sandstone and white marble structure is Delhi’s most visited attraction.

The Taj Mahal is described as “an elegy in marble.”

This white marble tomb is a cultural treasure and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Destination Spotlight:

INDIA

Optional extension in Varanasi The city of Varanasi is the holiest site on India’s holiest river, and every devout Hindu aspires to come here at least once to purify body and soul in the sacred waters of the Ganges. Your 3-day stay includes a city tour, a private boat ride to observe a Ganga Aarti ceremony, and a boat ride along the river at sunrise—an otherworldly spectacle you’ll be talking about for years to come.

O pu l e n t acco mm o dati o n s , f i t fo r a ma h a r a ja The newly built, all-suite, custom-designed Ganges Voyager II—the most luxurious ship on the Ganges—is the ultimate way to experience the mystery and magic of India, providing 360-degree views of ever-changing scenery, serene and stylish surroundings, and an effortless means of getting around. Onshore accommodations in New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur are provided at a trio of magnificent Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, recently voted the “World’s Best Hotel Brand” by Travel + Leisure readers.

Mayapur’s Temple of the Vedic Planetarium

Kolkata’s Victoria Memorial Hall

Mayapur—birthplace of the founder of the Hare Krishna movement—is also home to the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Kolkata has some of India’s finest examples of colonial-era architecture, such as the stark white edifice of Victoria Memorial Hall.

Kalna’s Rajbari Temples Kalna’s Rajbari complex has the region’s densest concentration of temples, including 108 intricately carved structures devoted to the Hindu god Shiva.

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FamilyFriendly

2016 Multigenerational Family-Friendly Cruises “Top River Cruise Line for Families”

Uniworld’s all-inclusive, award-winning multigenerational river cruises in Europe provide young guests with mind-expanding travel experiences, and opportunities for families to spend quality time together. Imagine playing interactive spy games in Budapest or climbing past stone gargoyles at a Gothic cathedral. Cultural experiences such as these are as educational as they are enjoyable.

Highlights for 2016:

Expanded 2016 Family Program:

The Middle Ages come to life at Marksburg Castle, a well-preserved fortress that sits upon a hill along the Rhine, overlooking the river and town below. (Castles along the Rhine)

Castles along the Rhine July 13 & 20

Kids can “Spend Christmas with Dinosaurs” at Frankfurt’s Senckenberg Museum of Natural History, which boasts a vast collection of dinosaur skeletons—including an imposing Tyrannosaurus rex. (Classic Christmas Markets) Fascination BMW is an exhilarating tour of the German carmaker’s state-of-the-art production facility that is sure to please your family’s car lovers, whether they’re young or young-at-heart. (Delightful Danube & Prague) Visit the world-famous Spanish Riding School on a Vienna Experts Tour to see the highly-trained Lippizan stallions inside their stables. This school has been training horses in the fine art of classical riding for over four centuries. (Grand European Discovery) Venice Treasure Hunt includes a glass blowing and mask-making workshop, a bird’s eye view of San Marco, and tartufo ice cream—sure to be everyone’s favorite treasure of the day. (Gems of Northern Italy)

Special Onboard Perks

Just for Kids Personal ship tour with the Captain or Cruise Manager Language classes—French, German, Italian, Hungarian Dessert-making workshop with the ship’s pastry chef Hands-on craft workshops Kid-friendly menus with unlimited beverages Dedicated Family Host to oversee children’s activities

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Rhine Discovery & Prague July 24 Danube Discovery & Prague July 29 Delightful Danube & Prague June 29, July 4 Grand European Discovery July 24 Gems of Northern Italy June 26, July 3 & 10 Paris & Normandy July 3 & 31 Classic Christmas Markets December 12

Past guest program

Uniworld’s River Heritage Club 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.

member Rewards Include: ± $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* ±O ne category stateroom upgrade, if space is available* ± Complimentary fruit platter in your stateroom upon arrival ±C omplimentary onboard laundry service (once per week)* *Visit uniworld.com/river-heritage-club (US) or uniworldcruises.ca/river-heritage-club (CANADA) for more information.

uniworld.com | uniworldcruises.ca | 14

Employee Spotlight

Va l e n t i n G r a d e s cu S e n i o r b u t l e r U niworld B outi q ue R iver C ruise C ollection

Guests staying in suites on all company-owned European boutique river ships in 2016 are treated to in-suite butler service during their cruise. Uniworld’s Senior Butler, Valentin Gradescu, oversees our staff of butlers, who are trained to the same level of skill as those serving in the finest royal houses in Europe, including Buckingham Palace.

How long have you been with Uniworld?

I started working for Uniworld five years ago as a relief butler and waiter. During my second year, I took over a full butler position and I was more involved in developing Uniworld’s butler department. In 2013, I graduated with distinction from

preferences faster, their likes and dislikes, and to act accordingly in order to anticipate their wishes before they are spoken. These are just two very important aspects, of many others, which inspired me to choose a butler career.

located in the Netherlands. Since then, I have served as the

What are the most important qualities and skills needed to be a Uniworld butler?

Senior Butler in charge of Uniworld’s butler department.

As I mentioned, the butler/guest relation is very tight.

What attracted you to becoming a butler?

Therefore, discretion is the most important value of Uniworld’s

Working with guests in the hospitality industry is an exciting

a desire to serve, interest and curiosity, and the ability to

challenge, and working with people from the perspective of a

anticipate. Uniworld does care about our guests. We really do

butler, even more so. It gives you, as the butler, the chance to

pay attention to all our guests’ needs and we really do our

be closer to the guests than anyone else from the other

best to offer them an unforgettable vacation.

The International Butler Academy, a prestigious butler school

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departments. It gives you the opportunity to acquire guests’

butlers. Other values that characterize Uniworld’s butlers are

“When the guest saw me [waiting at the train station], she was really speechless, she couldn’t stop crying. They were so impressed with Uniworld’s service.”

Please describe the typical day working for a butler onboard a Uniworld ship.

Onboard the ships that provide butler service, there are two butlers who work in shifts to cover a full day, from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. The butler is on call (standby) all day long, and at the same time, his day is divided into three parts: Morning Service,

And this is not all. There are other activities that do not take place every day, but are still the butler’s responsibility. These include unpacking and packing service, upon guest request; shoe polish service; laundry service; attending Private Parties or River Heritage Club parties; and arranging movies, popcorn, and beverage service in the cinema onboard select ships.

For Morning Service, it is the butler’s responsibility to organize

What have been your most memorable experiences working as a Uniworld butler?

and serve in-suite breakfast room service upon guest request.

One pleasant moment working as butler was during the

After that, the butler proceeds to refresh all food- and beverage-

Private Fine Dining event. This is a formal event, so it requires

related goods in the suites, such as cookies, fruits, the coffee

special attention. At the end of the dinner, all guests who

station, and the mini-bar. The butler also provides the final

attended stood up and applauded the butlers and the

touches after morning housekeeping service—he arranges all

performance of the service team. It was something magical,

cushions and curtains, and leaves the suite tidy before the

something unique.

Afternoon Service, and Evening Service.

guests return from their excursions. For Afternoon Service, the butler offers his assistance everywhere it is needed—the bar or the restaurant, for example. He socializes with guests, checks the suites again to refresh the beverage-related goods where needed, and provides final touches in the suite before leaving.

Also, a few years ago, we organized a limousine transfer from the train station to the ship for a couple that had traveled with us many, many times. I knew them, so I also went to the train station to meet them. Just imagine, me wearing my uniform with white gloves and a fresh white rose on my lapel,

Both butlers are on duty in the evening. One is in charge of

walking in the train station to meet our guests. When the

Evening Service in the suite, which consists of once again

guest saw me, she was really speechless, she couldn’t stop

refreshing all beverage-related goods in the suites and

crying. They were so impressed with Uniworld’s service. For

providing the final touches after evening housekeeping

me, it was the most emotional moment ever. I definitely will

service. The other supervises and serves the Private Fine

not forget it.

Dining, if it is offered. This is a special dinner organized and served by butlers together with the restaurant team.

uniworld.com | uniworldcruises.ca | 16

a

Royal

Dining Experience fro m our kitche n to yours

Uniworld’s most magnificent Super Ship to date was inspired by the great Maria Theresa, beloved Archduchess of Austria and the only female ruler of the Habsburg dynasty. Aptly described as a “majestic masterpiece,” the resplendent S.S. Maria Theresa serves equally superb cuisine to her pampered guests.

As the only Zagat-rated river cruise line—and SAVEUR magazine’s “Best Culinary Cruise Line”—Uniworld takes enormous pride in the onboard dining experience crafted by our Global Master Chef, Bernhard Zorn, and his talented team of chefs. Guests staying aboard S.S. Maria Theresa enjoy gourmet fare showcasing a variety of delectable flavors and regionally inspired dishes, all made with the finest and freshest ingredients sourced from farmers’ markets and other local suppliers.

On the following pages, you’ll find a sample menu and an irresistible recipe for Sachertorte from the kitchen of the S.S. Maria Theresa—a tantalizing amusebouche to whet your appetite for the luxurious (and delicious) adventures to come on the great rivers of Europe. Enjoy!

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Sample Menu from the S.S. Maria Theresa

— Starter — Lobster Cocktail European cocktail sauce, English celery, green apple on crispy iceberg lettuce

— Soup — Wild Mushrooms Cappuccino Ò Truffle espuma

— Warm Appetizer — Cheese Ravioli Ò Wilted spinach, limburger-walnut sauce, pesto drizzle

— Entrée — Dialogue of Seabass and Grilled Jumbo Shrimps Saffron arborio risotto, seasonal asparagus, caviar-champagne beurre blanc

Oven-baked Milk-fed Veal Tenderloin Domino potato, baby carrots, spinach smoothie, cherry tomato, pinot noir-morel sauce

— dessert — S.S. Maria Theresa Chocolate Extravaganza Valrhona chocolate mousse, coconut biscuit, passion fruit sorbet

— Friandises — A selection of homemade sweets

— artisanal Cheese — The Executive Chefs’ choice cheese selection served from the galley 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.

Ò = vegetarian

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Recipe Spotlight

Sachertorte

Ingredients Torte • 9 tablespoons unsalted butter, soft (cool room temperature) • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

This delectable chocolate cake—one of the most famous culinary specialties in Vienna—is available regularly in S.S. Maria Theresa’s Viennese Café.

• 4 ½ ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped • 6 large eggs, separated • ½ cup granulated sugar • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 cup apricot jam

Chocolate glaze • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar • ¾ cup water • 6 ounces dark chocolate, coarsely chopped

Preparation 1. Preheat oven to 400˚ F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper, and grease the sides of the pan with butter. Dust some flour on the sides and then tap out the excess.

2. In a bowl, whip the butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy. Gradually add the egg yolks, and continue beating until the mixture is thick and creamy.

3. Melt the chopped chocolate in the top part of a double boiler over very hot water. When completely melted, fold into the mixture.

4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff, sprinkling in the granulated sugar and continuing to beat until the mass is stiff and glossy. Heap the beaten egg whites onto the chocolate mixture, and then sift the flour over the mixture. Carefully fold the flour into the mixture.

5. Fill the springform with the mixture and spread evenly.

Bake for 55–60 minutes, leaving the door slightly ajar during the first 10–15 minutes.

6. Still in the cake form, turn the cake upside down on a cake rack and allow to cool for about 20 minutes. Open up the springform and peel off the parchment paper. Put the springform back on the cake, then turn the cake over, and allow to fully cool in the springform. Remove the springform and cut the cake in half horizontally into two layers with a sharp knife.

7. Warm up the apricot jam, stir until smooth, and spread on top of one cake layer. Stack the second cake layer on top, and spread jam on the top of the second layer, as well as on the sides of the cake. Allow time to dry.

8. To make the chocolate glaze, bring the granulated sugar, water, and chocolate to a boil over medium-high heat in a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, stirring occasionally.

Reduce the heat to medium and cook, uncovered, stirring, about 5 minutes. Quickly pour the slightly warm glaze over the cake and, with a spatula, spread the glaze smoothly over the surface of the cake. Allow to dry for a few hours, until the glaze is hard. Serve with whipped cream.

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