RiverViews Newsletter April 2020

E-NEWSLETTER

The Uniworld River Heritage Club

WE’LL NAVIGATE THROUGH THIS TOGETHER and look forward to welcoming you back on board again soon.

April 2020

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ELLEN’S 360°

6 GUEST SPOTLIGHT: GENERATIONS

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ELLEN’S ARMCHAIR TRAVELS

4 TIPS ON STAYING HEALTHY AT HOME

FAMILY CRUISE

8 A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE 10 GOOD NEWS FROM TREADRIGHT 12 A RECIPE FROM THE KITCHEN

April 2020

OF BEA TOLLMAN

#ExploreUniworld

Ellen’s 360° During such unprecedented times as these, this issue of RiverViews could not have come soon enough and I am very happy to have this opportunity to stay in touch with all of our wonderful guests. The crew and I are saddened to not be seeing you on the rivers at the moment and look forward to the day we can welcome you back on board with open arms. In the meantime, let’s talk about all the exciting things to expect when we can get back to exploring the world together again.

Our new ships and itineraries are ready to go when the time is right. I can’t wait for you to be as amazed as I am with the S.S. São Gabriel, S.S. La Venezia, S.S. Sphinx and Mekong Jewel, and to join us on the Aria Amazon as we sail through Peru for the first time in 2020!

In this issue of RiverViews, we’re looking back on some special moments we’ve spent with our guests through their stories and photographs shared with us. We’ve also shared some special tips, updates and other fun content to keep you busy. But first, I’d like to tell you about some of the ways I’ve been keeping up the spirit of travel without having to leave my house!

Stay well,

Ellen Bettridge PRESIDENT & CEO Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

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ELLEN’S ARMCHAIR TRAVELS Lately, I’ve found that activities like reading, watching movies and cooking are not only good for keeping busy and de-stressing, but also for reminding me of the world outside my door and all the places I can anticipate returning to.

If you want to prepare for future travels, now might be a good time to read some of the stories that are significant to places we visit on our cruises.

Add a bit of intrigue to your Melk Abbey visit with Umberto Eco’s Name of the Rose or head to “fair Verona” with Romeo and Juliet. Already, I’ve gotten lost in the Egyptian desert with Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, and I plan to discover 1930s China with Janie Chang’s The Library of Legends.

Nothing transports me to Paris so fast as the French film, Amélie, or to Venice like Casino Royale. And, though it takes place in a fictional European country, there’s something about The Grand Budapest Hotel that always makes me dream of Central and Eastern Europe—and it even has some snowy Alpine scenes inspired by the mountains we’ll travel through on our new Cruise & Rail voyages! When I need a quick travel fix though, I usually put on a good food documentary. In just a few moments I can be on a farm in northern Italy, learning to make Ragu while watching Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, or drooling over the broken rice and banh mi I see on Street Food: Asia.

Of course, I don’t need to just look at delicious food from around the world. Having more time to cook at home has been a bit of a blessing in disguise as I’ve whipped up some of the lovely recipes from on board our ships that we’ve been sharing on social, like Austrian apple strudel or French onion soup. I also have a newfound joy in throwing together some of my favorite dishes from past travels or simply incorporating the ingredients and tastes I’ve picked up abroad—like using a good Hungarian paprika while I cook and enjoying a nice Italian espresso or a Bordeaux red.

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TIPS ON STAYING HEALTHY AT HOME from our Onboard Wellness Coaches.

It can be difficult to keep up a routine when we’re stuck inside without the full range we’re accustomed to, but at the moment, staying inside is the first step to taking care of ourselves (so you’re already on the right path!). We’ve asked our onboard wellness coaches for some advice on how to stay active without a gym, eat right with reduced grocery shopping and more. Read on to see what they had to say.

1. Drink plenty of water.

Designate a cup or reusable bottle to fill throughout the day. The average person should drink about 2 liters (or half a gallon) daily. You can also get hydration from other sources, like fruits, but avoid having too much coffee or caffeinated tea.

2. Move around as much as you can.

Aim to interrupt sitting or lying down at least once an hour. You can take a walk around your neighborhood or even around the house, do some daily stretches, play with your pets, clean or garden. These are all good ways to get your heart rate up and keep your muscles active if you do them briskly. Our favorite suggestion? Put on some music and dance!

3. Shop smart.

While you’re stocking up on food to last between infrequent grocery trips, there are plenty of long-lasting healthy options. You can freeze fresh fruits and veggies or pick out ones that will last well outside of the freezer (think carrots, beets, cabbage and sweet potatoes). Choose whole wheat bread and brown rice to avoid refined grains. Fish is a great source of vital nutrients and healthy fats, and you can get it canned or even fresh and freeze it. Nuts, and canned or dried legumes are the perfect pantry staple as well. And a category you might be missing out on?

Fermented foods. Things like yogurt, kimchi and miso contribute to a healthy microbiome, helping to boost your immune system.

4. Prioritize your mental health.

Keeping busy and social will go a long way in helping you stay positive. If you’re not working from home, give yourself something to do to keep your mind active. Pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read, try out some new recipes, do a puzzle, or whatever sounds fun to you. Adhering to a schedule will help you maintain a sense of control and transition back to regular life later, and now is the perfect time to make sure you always get a full night’s rest. Most importantly, keep in touch with friends and family every day by sending a text, calling or even writing letters.

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There is nothing we love more than hearing from guests about their cruise.

Hien and Juan joined us for a Generations sailing on our Delightful Danube itinerary, and left with some unforgettable family memories. Read on to hear some highlights.

We had a wonderful experience that we wanted to share with others who may be considering a multigenerational trip.

The trip left an indelible impression on my kids. We enjoyed the mix of activities that kept kids entertained and provided new experiences—from the active ones (paddle boarding and biking) to the cultural ones (concert in Vienna, SchÖnbrunn Palace). My son, who is interested in history and politics, was even able to ask a member of the Habsburg royal family whether her ancestors were “benevolent rulers when they had political power.”

This was my in-laws’ third Uniworld cruise. They wanted to share the experience with their children and grandchildren to celebrate my father-in-law’s birthday. We were a group of ten: grandparents; my husband, me, and our two kids (11 and 9); my sisterin-law, her husband, and their two kids (12 and 9).

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We consistently received excellent service, particularly from the waitstaff. They always had a smile on their faces, making us feel welcome and making the kids comfortable. Although I checked that my kids were on their “best behavior,” the waiters kindly joked with me that it was okay to let them be kids. The children sat together for dinners in a table next to the adults.

They thought it was a special touch that at subsequent meals, the waiter remembered their typical drink orders (Shirley Temples!) without their asking.

My son is allergic to peanuts and tree nuts and the staff was careful and thoughtful to ensure that he would stay safe. They checked to see if the nut-free bread in the breadbasket could be placed next to the loaves of bread containing nuts and they even baked him his own mini loaf of bread at dinner. We so appreciated this extra care from the staff.

The layout of the ship allowed us to feel that our kids were safe, whether they were on the deck or sitting in the café area upstairs in the evening. Each evening, as the adults had a drink or tea, the kids were delighted to have hot chocolate or tea with cookies from the servers—who were consistently good-natured.

We hope we can take another trip in the future!

Do you have a story or photos to share from your Uniworld cruise?

Email RHC@uniworld.com if you’re interested in being featured in a future Guest Spotlight.

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A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE. A couple weeks ago, we asked you to share your favorite Uniworld travel memories with us. Ever since then, we’ve loved reminiscing over the wonderful photos and stories in your responses. Now, we’re sharing them back with you so you can travel through the eyes of your fellow River Heritage Club Members —and maybe see your own response featured below!

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Enjoying a private limousine ride during our fabulous Vietnam and Cambodia trip in February 2018.

–Adrienne Forst and Barbara Herman 2.

During our Bordeaux river boat trip in November 2015 we were in St. Émilion and early that morning our ship’s tour director announced that several passengers had requested to attend the memorial service being held for the soldiers killed during World War One. It was very impromptu but she arranged for us to attend and graciously purchased a huge bouquet of roses of which she gave each of us one. We each in turn placed our tribute rose at the base of the memorial statue. It was an honor to be included and one I’ll never forget!!

3.

The food was fabulous on our Rhine and Moselle River cruise.

And the elegant packet of recipes from the chef was greatly appreciated when parting the ship. However, how can we forget the Apple Strudel baking demonstration given by the chef and staff.

And, the strudel was delicious. So many wonderful memories, but this was one of my favorites.

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My last voyage on the S.S. Antoinette, Amsterdam to Basel.

The beautiful Strasbourg.

–Merrill Pearson-Bloor 5. I was so impressed by the concierge on the Burgundy and Provence River cruise 22nd September 2019. He knew our names by the second day and was always smiling and helpful. A wonderful schedule and lovely boat.

–Susan Richardson

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Because of Uniworld we have explored many museums and historical sites featured on the China, Tibet and the Yangtze cruise as well as the Castles Along the Rhine Cruise. My son Hunter and I are supposed to be going on the Uniworld Splendors of Egypt and the Nile next month but we’re anticipating that one being canceled due to the virus, but it’s okay, we’ll just go next year!!! Love Uniworld!!! What wonderful experiences my son has been able to experience! Looking forward to many more...his absolute dream is to someday go on the new Amazon Cruise. Going to have to save a while for that one.

–Michelle and Hunter Nettles 7.

On our last Uniworld River cruise to France in 2019 we stopped at Lyon.

Lyon has many historical places to visit, however, there is one building with unique modern architecture rarely seen anywhere else in the world other than possibly in China, Dubai or in Valencia, Spain. This building is the Confluence Museum. The exterior of the building, with the various angular sides, gives the building an almost alien spacecraft appearance.

The interior, with the many flowing lines and metal struts supporting many glass surfaces produces an almost industrial but still captivating experience.

–Paul Bild 8.

It was a year tomorrow that my mother, Dorothy Mitchell, and I boarded the ship to enjoy 8 glorious days filled with interesting and exciting new and old world experiences!

Here we are on the final day, enjoying the walking tour of Bordeaux!

What great memories, especially now as she and I are thousands of miles apart! Truly, there is no time like the present to enjoy each other, and the world! Thank you Uniworld, for making her birthday an extraordinary one! We lived it, and hope for another opportunity— at some point—in the future!!

–Teresa Flanagan 9.

We have many happy memories of our cruises with Uniworld in 2017 and 2018, but one of the most memorable excursions we took was the trip to Claude Monet’s house and garden at Giverny. It was a perfect day, with brilliant sunlight that brought out all the amazing colours in the garden and the lily pond. We had seen Monet’s paintings in the Musée de l’Orangerie a few days before; now we could see what had inspired him to produce such marvelous art.

Another favourite moment was our ride along the Champs Elysée on a Retro motorbike. Thanks, Uniworld, for helping us to see Paris in such a unique way!

–Herbert Rosengarten and Amanda Goldrick-Jones

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GOOD NEWS from TreadRight.

Founded in 2008 by Uniworld’s parent company, The Travel Corporation, The TreadRight Foundation’s mission is to safeguard people, the planet and wildlife for generations to come and to #MakeTravelMatter. TreadRight has rounded up some good news stories about sustainability initiatives around the world to help brighten our perspective.

1. Saying goodbye to SUPs. More than 90 countries worldwide have instituted a single-use plastic ban, with several others committed to following suit—including the European Union. By 2021, we shouldn’t be seeing any plastic cutlery, plates, straws, food containers, polystyrene cups or even balloons in Europe!

2. Reforestation is on the rise. Forest areas have increased by substantial amounts in France, Nepal and Costa Rica, which has doubled in its forest cover over the last 30 years. In July of last year, Ethiopia broke the world record for tree planting by planting 353 million trees in a day, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

3. A nd protected marine areas too! In 2019, Belize more than doubled its protected marine areas, including the world’s second-largest barrier reef. South Africa nearly doubled its number of protected marine areas by adding 20 to its list and Argentina protected two new large areas in the South Atlantic.

4. S aving the bees. Last year, the US Environmental Protection Agency banned 12 pesticides that have been linked to considerable threats to the bee population, which is critical to the world’s crop production.

5. Improving air quality. In many of the world’s most highly polluted cities, air quality is starting to improve! Within just four years of being named the world’s most polluted city by the World Health Organization, Delhi managed to cut air pollution by an impressive 25%. Madrid banned vehicles in the city center, leading to a 38% drop in nitric oxide levels and a 14.2% drop in carbon dioxide. Beijing recorded its lowest ever air pollution last year, and London saw pollution fall by over a third in the new low emission zones launched in 2019!

6. The fight against fossil fuels. The world’s largest public bank, the EU Investment Bank, committed to ending all fossil fuel financing by 2021 and will align all funding decisions with the Paris climate accord, becoming the world’s first “climate bank”.

As of 2019, 17 of the top 35 insurance companies have withdrawn their cover for coal projects, and the US generated more electricity from wind, sun and water than from coal for the first time in history.

For more information, visit Treadright.org/pledge

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From the Kitchen of Bea Tollman

MAC AND CHEESE When you’re craving comfort, there’s no dish that does the job better than mac and cheese.

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

1 cup penne pasta

Melt the butter in a heavy-based saucepan over medium heat, add in the flour and mix with a wooden spoon until well combined. Cook the roux for a few minutes, then whisk in the milk slowly to avoid the sauce going lumpy. Continue whisking and add in the evaporated milk and cream. Bring the sauce to a boil, then turn the heat down and simmer for about 3 minutes. Take off the heat and stir in the cheeses.

Season well with salt and pepper, and add tabasco and Worcestershire sauces to taste.

2 cups milk 6 oz (or 1 can) evaporated milk 6 oz double cream 5 tablespoons butter 5 tablespoons flour 12 oz grated mature cheddar 2 tablespoons grated parmesan dash of Worcestershire sauce few drops tabasco salt and pepper 4 large ripe tomatoes cut into thin slices Topping 3 tablespoons coarse breadcrumbs made from rustic loaf or panko 1 ½ tablespoons butter 2 ½ tablespoons grated parmesan 3 tablespoons grated mature cheddar

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente.

Drain, transfer to a bowl, and stir in the sauce. Butter an 8X10-inch shallow baking dish and pour in half the macaroni mixture. Place a layer of sliced tomatoes on top of the macaroni, then repeat the layers.

To make the topping melt the butter in a sauté pan then add in the breadcrumbs. Toss until the crumbs are well coated in the butter and cook until golden brown. Place in a bowl and toss with the cheeses, then sprinkle the crumble on top of the macaroni.

Bake at 400˚F for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Super mac and cheese mix-ins Shavings of fragrant black truffle, and a few drops of truffle oil Chopped, steamed lobster A few slices of crispy bacon centered on top

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AN OUTSTANDING LOYALTY PROGRAM FOR OUR EXCEPTIONAL GUESTS. After your first Uniworld cruise, you will be automatically enrolled in our River Heritage Club loyalty program and begin receiving benefits, savings and rewards reserved exclusively for our loyal guests.

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS ON ALL CRUISES, COMBINABLE WITH ALL PROMOTIONS.* plus

An exclusive WELCOME GIFT to commemorate your membership.

Exclusive RIVERVIEWS E-MAGAZINE.

Join the captain for a members-only COCKTAIL PARTY onboard.

Complimentary LAUNDRY service.

Special MEMBERS-ONLY OFFERS. PRIORITY NOTIFICATION on new cruises and programs.

Enjoy exclusive access to our dedicated, members-only reservations line: 1-800-307-4699.

Complimentary IN-ROOM FRUIT PLATTER waiting onboard for you upon arrival.

Earn credit toward your next cruise with our REFERRAL PROGRAM.

NOTE: Benefits in China may vary.

THE UNIWORLD REFERRAL PROGRAM As a loyal River Heritage Club member, now you can share your love of Uniworld with your friends and family and all get rewarded with our new Uniworld Referral Program. Now when you refer friends and family who haven’t traveled with Uniworld before, they’ll save on their first cruise, and you’ll earn credit towards your next cruise.† LEARN MORE HERE >

CAN YOU NAME THIS SHIP? Each ship in our fleet is a one-of-a-kind floating boutique hotel, designed to be an extension of the destinations it sails through. If you can name which Uniworld ship this is, email us at RHC@Uniworld.com.

The first to answer correctly will be featured in our next issue of RiverViews.

LAST ISSUE’S VICTOR Congratulations, Juan Lopez-Campillo, for being the first to correctly identify the February Mystery Photo, the main lounge of the River Empress.

Visit Uniworld.com/River-Heritage-Club for more information. * River Heritage Club savings and amenities are available to guests after completing their first Uniworld cruise. † The Uniworld Referral Program benefit is available to River Heritage Club members who have completed at least one Uniworld cruise. Other restrictions apply. See Uniworld.com for complete terms and conditions.