E-NEWSLETTER
RIVERVIEWS The Uniworld River Heritage Club
TOP 3 MOST ROMANTIC CITIES pg 3
5 REASONS TO VISIT INDIA THIS YEAR pg 5 FROM THE KITCHEN OF BEA TOLLMAN pg 11
February 2018
IN THIS ISSUE
1 ELLEN,S 360° 2 UNIQUELY UNIWORLD 3 TOP 3 MOST ROMANTIC CITIES REASONS TO VISIT 5 5INDIA THIS YEAR
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GUEST SPOTLIGHT UNIWORLD Q&A
FROM THE KITCHEN 11 OF BEA TOLLMAN 12 2018 WORLD’S BEST AWARDS
#ExploreUniworld
February 2018
Ellen’s 360° 2018 has already been an especially exciting year, filled with moments and experiences we’ve fallen in love with. We celebrated The B’s appearance on “The Bachelor” with an office watch party as we excitedly cheered on U by Uniworld’s television debut, which marked the first time a cruise line has been featured on the show. With that, came another wave of excitement for U by Uniworld with our much-anticipated first public cruise on The A. She’ll be Rolling on the Rhine in April, sharing the joys of river cruising with a whole new generation. Earlier that same month, The S.S Beatrice, our stunning new Super Ship, will set sail on her inaugural cruise. And we recently unveiled our newest offer, the Inspirational India Sale, boasting tremendous savings on select departures of India’s Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges. This sale enables guests to experience India’s fascinating culture in vivid detail, with opportunities to visit legendary landmarks and small villages lining the Ganges River that only 900 people get to travel to each year. In this edition of RiverViews, you’ll discover how this colorful country inspired us to share 5 Reasons to Visit India This Year–in hopes that India will inspire you, too. And since this time of year has us fantasizing about romantic getaways, we’re sharing our picks for the Top 3 Most Romantic Cities, featuring several enchanting and picture-perfect European destinations. The next few months will be some of the most momentous in
Ellen Bettridge
Uniworld history and we’re thrilled you’ve chosen to be a part of
PRESIDENT & CEO Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
our journey.
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Uniquely
UNIWORLD
Our passion for delivering the best luxury river cruise experience runs in the family. We treat our treasured guests and staff like family–a philosophy instilled in our company culture as a familyowned business. This philosophy, rooted in the Tollman family’s long-standing involvement in the hospitality industry, is the driving force behind our guest-centric atmosphere. And it’s the reason you leave your cruise feeling like part of the family. It’s also why every detail, both large and small, carries the same weight. From our incredible chefs and bartenders who prepare each dish and drink exactly the way you want it, to making sure every single ship is truly a one-of-a-kind work of art, creating an exceptional experience is at the forefront of everything we do. We constantly strive to do just that, even investing 35% more dollars in new ship builds compared to our competitors. The ships in our fleet are passion projects through and through. Every unique design scheme and piece of art, the structure, the handcrafted items, and the intricacy are lovingly assembled by our enthusiastic team. The latest examples? Our newest masterpiece, S.S. Beatrice, sets sail this April after undergoing an extensive bow-to-stern renovation. The River Royale will follow suit and be newly renovated for 2019.
Our Top 3
MOST ROMANTIC CITIES We’ve been dreaming of the destinations we’d love to be swept away to, which is why we’re sharing our picks for the top three most romantic cities perfect for your next getaway.
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1. BORDEAUX, FRANCE They say Paris is for lovers, but we’d like to think Bordeaux is too. With its idyllic location on the banks of the Garonne River, Bordeaux is an oenophile’s paradise and every traveler’s dream not to mention, it’s located in the heart of one of the world’s most celebrated wine regions. On our Bordeaux, Vineyards & Châteaux itinerary, you’ll discover the douceur de vivre (sweet life) the region is known for, and the seamless blend of architectural styles that led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. VENICE, ITALY There’s a certain magic surrounding Venice that’s apparent from your very first visit. Perhaps it’s the sparkling waterways adorned with charming gondolas, beautiful Venetian Gothic-style buildings and delectable cuisine that make “The City of Water” so intoxicating. Our Gems of Northern Italy itinerary enables you to uncover Venice’s hidden treasures and iconic sites in the most special of ways, including intimate gondola rides on picturesque canals and an exclusive evening opening of St. Mark’s Basilica. It doesn’t get any more romantic than this breathtaking Italian voyage.
3. AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS Between the dazzling waters of the Rhine River, charming cobblestone streets, stunning landscapes and picture-perfect canals, Amsterdam is as enchanting as they come. The gorgeous “Venice of the North” is famous for its canal-lined streets, collection of world-class art and myriad of scenic bike paths, and the artistic legacy of Vincent van Gogh, and these are just some of the countless reasons people have been flocking here for centuries. The allure of Amsterdam beckons on our European Jewels itinerary.
5 Reasons to
VISIT INDIA THIS YEAR
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Our unique combination of land and river itinerary
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Transformative encounters with ME to WE
With Uniworld, there will be no shortage of experiencing India’s
Our partner, ME to WE, provides guests the incredible opportunity to
highlights–onboard and off. On our India’s Golden Triangle & the Sacred
dive deep into local culture by arriving in India five days early for a
Ganges cruise, you’ll discover a unique combination of land and river,
transformative pre-cruise/tour extension. This extension provides you
allowing you to experience this peaceful, democratic and wildly
the chance to connect with community members in rural Rajasthan by
fascinating country’s vibrant culture in full. Effortlessly explore the vast
hearing about their daily lives, working with locals on a community
expanses of India, both the country’s top sites and hard-to-reach places,
development project, exploring the countryside’s natural wonders and
while you travel in unsurpassed luxury.
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experiencing many of India’s traditions with a local as your guide. From the
You’ll have the distinct pleasure of traveling to small villages lining the
Plus, with our brand-new Inspirational India Sale, you can save on select
Ganges River–locations only a few hundred people have the opportunity
departures of our India’s Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges. There’s
to travel to each year. The country’s varied infrastructure makes it
never been a better time to say “yes” to an unforgettable and ultra-
extremely difficult to reach both landmark sites and remote villages in a
luxurious Indian adventure along the Ganges and beyond.
Visits to places few get to travel to each year
shorter period of time, and find accommodations along the way. Via the Ganges Voyager II, you’ll conveniently journey to a collection of India’s most intriguing spots, without the added stress. This is a feat nearly impossible by any way other than a Uniworld cruise/tour.
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Immersive, authentic and one-of-a-kind experiences
Immerse yourself into the Indian way of life with a collection of one-of-akind excursions across this breathtaking country. In Agra, you’ll revel in two visits to the wondrous Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful monuments ever constructed, once at sunrise and once at sunset, where the glow of the rising and setting sun illuminates the wonder of the world in an array of colors. A visit to Kolkata enables you to explore Mother Teresa’s legacy with a tour of her former home and the spot where she was laid to rest. As the ship docks in Matiari, you can visit an authentic artisan village where craftsmen use age-old materials and techniques to create their brass art. When you return to the ship, a skilled mehndi artist will demonstrate how the intricate henna patterns are created.
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Blissful nights at Oberoi Hotels and on the Ganges Voyager II
You’ll be treated to the rare opportunity to spend multiple nights at several stunning, internationally-acclaimed Oberoi Hotels during your first five days: Oberoi New Delhi, Agra’s Oberoi Amarvilas and Jaipur’s Oberoi Rajvilas. In 2015 and 2016, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts were voted “World’s Best Hotel Brand” by Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. In 2017, they made the World’s Best Awards list of Top Five Resort Hotels in India. For the second part of your journey, you’ll stay onboard the beautiful Ganges Voyager II. Her lavishly appointed riverview staterooms feature spectacular hand-painted murals, high ceilings, rainfall showers, private French balconies with floor-to-ceiling glass doors and more.
comfort of the bespoke Araveli Cottages and Tented Camp, you’ll find opportunities for sunrise yoga, guided hikes in the Mewar region, trips to authentic Indian markets and shared meals with your new friends.
Guest SPOTLIGHT Butterfield & Robinson caught up with traveler Thomas Owens from Savannah, Georgia, to learn about his Danube River Cruise Biking trip with Uniworld. Thomas and his wife Katherine have completed three trips with Butterfield & Robinson (B&R) and are scheduled for another this summer. Uniworld is thrilled to offer unique opportunities to explore Europe by river and by bike via our exclusive partnership with award-winning tour operator B&R. You’ve completed three trips with Butterfield & Robinson. What is it you love most about active travel and the B&R style of travel? B&R offers a style of travel that is all-inclusive. From start to finish, each day is filled with wonderful surprises and culminates in fantastic accommodations, delicious food and plenty of adult libations to go around. We love the opportunity to be active during our holiday; it allows us to really get deep into a region and enjoy the food and wine, guilt-free! One of our favorite parts of a B&R trip is when our guides share a presentation of photos from throughout the week on our final night–it is a special way to recap an incredible trip together. How did you decide to embark on a river cruise with B&R? Years ago, I was interested in exploring opportunities that combined world-class biking with river cruising. The advantages? Enjoy days filled with riding, explore the countryside, experience wonderful food, and my favorite part–only unpack once during the duration of your trip! I reached out to Butterfield & Robinson to discuss and they were enthusiastic about the idea. Several months later I
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received a call from B&R inviting me on their first river cruise in partnership with Uniworld! Katherine and I cruised the Danube River and it was an experience we will never forget. During our stay we were so glad we opted for a suite; we feel they added to the truly outstanding experience! Can you tell us about your experience river cruising with Butterfield & Robinson? Biking on a river cruise allows you to enjoy flat and scenic routes. We were never in a hurry, and were truly able to enjoy the pace of the riding. We especially appreciated the short stops prepared by B&R along the way: mid-morning coffee in a local café, or lunch along the banks of the Danube. Traveling with B&R meant we didn’t have to worry about the small stuff, like tipping the boat staff. B&R handles all aspects of the trip, down to the tipping, meaning we have one less thing to worry about, so we can truly relax on our vacation. Uniworld River Cruises is an incredible partner for B&R; we’re so thrilled they have collaborated on these trips. The ships are extremely comfortable, the food is fantastic, and although we ate an abundance of food, the activity and biking provided by B&R kept us feeling fit and healthy each day.
I also want to give a special mention to the Uniworld staff–from the dock handlers to the maître d’, everyone was lovely and helpful, and made our experience one we will never forget. Was there anything that surprised you about the river cruise? To our delight, we had two butlers who provided us with all the assistance we needed during our stay. Every morning they would ask if we needed anything and would provide a new tasting bottle of wine in our room. Having the option to eat breakfast in our room was a real treat too! Laundry was also included, a luxury when you’re biking during your travels. Do you have any upcoming trips planned? Yes, we do! We are traveling to Quebec with Butterfield & Robinson in August. As usual, we plan to arrive five days before our B&R trip begins to explore as much of our northern neighbor as possible. We’re very excited to explore this corner of the country!
Do you have anything else you’d like to share about your experiences with B&R? We have participated in biking trips with many companies, and have enjoyed every trip! However, we prefer Butterfield & Robinson because they pride themselves on being the best. We’ve had the same guide on multiple occasions, and they remember us just as we remember them. This demonstrates the low turnover of their employees, and I believe that says a lot about their management style: they see their employees as their most treasured assets. Butterfield & Robinson lives and breathes by the reviews they receive from their valued clients, and this is something I value in my company, and in the companies I choose to engage with. The bottom line is, they’re doing something right! I hope this provides you with an idea of my thoughts, and thanks again for the opportunity to share.
Butterfield & Robinson, the world’s premier luxury active travel company, partners with Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection to bring their shared philosophy of providing exceptional travel experiences to their guests. Visit uniworld.com/butterfield-and-robinson to learn more about a biking river cruise experience.
Do you have a story or photos to share from your Uniworld cruise?
Contact RHC@uniworld.com if you’re interested in being featured in a future Guest Spotlight.
UNIWORLD Q&A: Uniworld Senior Vice President of Global Sales Mr. Kristian Anderson
The Uniworld Senior Vice President of Global Sales, Kristian Anderson, has had a penchant for travel for as long as he can remember. Recently, we had the pleasure of chatting with Kristian and getting a glimpse into his fast-paced life as head of sales.
Hi, Kristian! Can you tell me your title and what your role is at Uniworld? My title is Senior Vice President of Global Sales. I’m essentially the head of sales for Uniworld, with the exception of Australia, and the UK, although we provide support and direction for those folks as well. My role, primarily, is to develop, manage, and organize sales teams to generate the necessary sales for the company. And to provide direction on how we will accomplish that.
What do you look for in the recruits you bring into the sales force? I can start with some of the clichéd terms like intelligence, a sense of presence and style. I’m looking for a person that takes pride in themself and what they do. But more importantly, as it reflects the Uniworld brand, we are looking for people who take passionate ownership of this experience, the value and beauty we provide our guests. We’re looking for individuals who are very effective in communicating that and making it resonate with our guests and travel partners.
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Is there anything you do sales-wise that is different from some of your competitors? I think one of the things we definitely do differently is how we present our sales narrative and how we engage in that every day with our partners. We are not bashful or shy when talking about the look of our ships, the décor, the cuisine, the overall aesthetic of the experience. And we are passionately committed to highlighting what this unique experience is all about–and how that nucleus spreads into every aspect. I want the team to talk about those layers of inspiration and design, like how Suite 401 on the S.S. Joie de Vivre has an original Picasso hanging in the bedroom. And I think the team has embraced that.
I know you’ve been in the industry for some time now. How did you arrive at Uniworld initially? I’ll go way back. I’ve been in the industry since I was 18, and that was immediately after high school. I was sitting around for two weeks and my mother said,
“you’re not going to sit around, you’re going to go work” because school didn’t start until September. I got a job on the airport ramp throwing bags for $4.77 an hour. It really developed early on–an appreciation for going somewhere. Not necessarily how you got there or what you did, but getting out there and experiencing something. I was in airlines forever rising to VP of the U.S. for Qatar Airways from 2008-2012. And one day, sitting at my desk, I got a phone call from Ellen Bettridge, (Uniworld President & CEO), who I had known as a good friend for several years. She said she was leaving her current position and asked if I would join. I said, “Where are you going?” She said “Silverseas.” Long story short, I ended up there. She left about a year and a half later, and I took on her role for another two and a half years. After I left there, Ellen reached out to me and said she was considering a move to Uniworld. Within a matter of weeks, I found myself relocating to Los Angeles to work at Uniworld.
So far in your time with Uniworld, what has been your favorite memory? That’s easy: the launch of the S.S. Joie de Vivre. I say “easy” because it’s so ridiculously gorgeous and it was done so incredibly well. My favorite memory was when we had just concluded the ceremony and started sailing along the Seine. I had gone down below the deck for a moment and as I came back up to the top, I heard what sounded like a jazz quartet playing, and sure enough, there was. Everyone had a glass of champagne, the sun was out, there was a gorgeous breeze and it was a beautiful day in Paris with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Knowing the amount of work, dedication and effort that went
into not only that particular ceremony and planning, but the actual construction, décor, training and everything that is involved in that process from beginning to end; when you realize all that goes into it, you get a real sense of accomplishment–that you are contributing in your own way to doing something that’s pretty remarkable.
If the S.S. Joie de Vivre was your highlight so far, what are you looking forward to in 2018? I’m very keen to see what the S.S. Beatrice is going to look like. We get small, subtle hints from time to time, and I am developing the impression it will rival the S.S. Joie de Vivre. I think it’s the most beautiful ship in the river cruise industry today, so I’m keen to see that. We’re also partnering in a really big way with Virtuoso, the largest luxury travel consortium. We’re partnering with them in a way we’ve never done before, so much so that we’ll be hosting two ships at the Virtuoso Symposium in Amsterdam. It will highlight our classical experience on the S.S. Antoinette and the new U by Uniworld experience on The A.
We know travel is a passion of yours, but what are some things you like doing outside of work? I work out fairly religiously, mostly because it clears my head and it helps me out a great deal. Other than that, I am really family-oriented, so any time I get to head back to see my folks in Louisiana is pretty important.
FROMof Bea THETollman KITCHEN PASTA PRIMAVERA
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Savor a delicious romantic meal for two with Bea Tollman’s beloved pasta primavera recipe, featuring fresh vegetables fused with pasta and a healthy dose of delicious Parmesan cheese. This is another dish that I’ve ‘reverse engineered’ from meals enjoyed while dining out. Primavera was ubiquitous in a New York restaurant called Le Cirque, where we used to dine often some years ago. We kept going back because of its perfect balance between the earthiness of the fresh vegetables and the creamy lightness of the sauce. My experiments soon revealed that the secret success is the quantity of Parmesan–the best you can afford–you bring to the party. Get that right, and you’re well on the way to one of the most healthily delicious dishes on our menus.”
–Bea Tollman INGREDIENTS:
Florets from 1 small bunch of broccoli 4 small asparagus spears 4 baby carrots, cut into 3 cm pieces 125 g frozen peas 8 baby onions 230 g linguine 4 tablespoons butter 1 small zucchini (courgette), sliced thinly 6 baby mushrooms, halved 3 minced garlic cloves or garlic to taste 125 ml chicken stock (use vegetable stock for a vegetarian option) 125 ml double cream 125 g grated Parmesan cheese 8 cherry tomatoes, cut in half 12 basil leaves, chopped TOMATO SAUCE 1 small onion, diced 1 clove garlic, chopped 1 400 g tin chopped plum tomatoes 1 bay leaf
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PREPARATION Fill a large bowl with iced water. Boil the broccoli and asparagus in water for 1 minute, drain, then plunge the vegetables into the iced water; once cool, drain in a colander. Do the same with the carrots, peas, and baby onions. Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Salt it well – it should taste like the sea – and cook the linguine al dente according to the instructions on the packet. In a large sauté pan, heat the butter over a medium-high heat. When the butter has melted add the zucchini and mushrooms and sauté for another minute, stirring regularly. Pour in the stock and turn the heat to high to bring it to the boil. Add the cream and half a cup of tomato sauce, and toss in the boiled and drained vegetables and add the linguini. Turn down the heat until the mixture is just simmering, not boiling. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir to combine. If the sauce seems to thick (it should be quite thick but not gloopy) add some more stock or cream, then toss in the cherry tomatoes and shredded basil. Serve in a large pasta bowl and garnish with a sprig of basil. To make the tomato sauce, brown the onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, add a few peppercorns and one bay leaf, and cook until well reduced and quite thick.
IT WOULD BE AN HONOR to have your vote. We truly enjoy making our guests’ experiences one of a kind and unforgettable and we know that we wouldn’t be who we are today without all of you by our side. From our team to you, it would be an honor to have your vote in the Travel + Leisure 2018 World’s Best Awards.
As a token of our appreciation for your support, our crew put together a special video to say “thank you” for being a part of our journey. watch video >
Uniworld’s River Heritage Club A N E X C L U S I V E C L U B F O R U N I W O R L D L OYA L G U E S T S
Once you’ve cruised with Uniworld, you automatically become an esteemed member of our River Heritage Club, and are eligible for an array of members-only savings and onboard benefits that we offer in sincere gratitude for your loyalty. We look forward to welcoming you aboard as a returning friend on your next Uniworld river cruise!
RIVER HERITAGE CLUB REWARDS INCLUDE:
EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS & ON ANY UNIWORLD CRUISE AROUND THE GLOBE*
• Join the Captain for a members-only cocktail party onboard • Complimentary onboard laundry service weekly on ships in Europe and Russia, and once per cruise on ships in India, Vietnam and Cambodia • Complimentary in-room fruit platter waiting for you upon arrival • Exclusive e-magazine • Milestone gifts to celebrate guests who have joined us for multiple cruises Note: Benefits may not apply on cruises to China, Vietnam & Cambodia, India and Egypt.
But even more value comes to those who plan ahead.
It’s never too early to begin thinking about your next adventure, and if you do, you’ll enjoy added savings. When you book your next voyage while onboard, you’ll save an additional 5% on top of your exclusive savings for River Heritage Club members.
WHERE IN THE WORLD….??? Perhaps one of Italy’s most iconic spots, this location is said to have inspired a certain literary genius’s most famous works. Now, though mostly empty, the building remains a popular tourist attraction, where visitors pay homage to one of the greatest love stories of all time. If you can name where in the world this place is, email us at RHC@uniworld.com. The first to answer correctly will be featured in our next issue of RiverViews.
LAST MONTH’S VICTOR Congratulations to Kevin Hayes for being the first to correctly identify Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse, Netherlands, as December’s mystery destination. It’s Kevin’s second time being the first to correctly guess our “Where in the World?” destination. Experience the beautiful Keukenhof Gardens and the best of the Netherlands and Belgium for yourself on our 10-day Tulips & Windmills itinerary from Amsterdam to Antwerp.
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. † 10% discount represents 5% onboard booking savings + River Heritage Club exclusive savings. This offer is combinable with all other promotions and savings programs. Onboard savings are calculated on the cruise-tour price (including any upgrades and single supplements), after all applicable flat rate discounts are applied. Bookings must be created and full deposit processed while onboard to qualify for 5% onboard savings. Other restrictions apply. See Uniworld.com for complete terms and conditions.