RiverViews Newsletter June 2018

E-NEWSLETTER

RIVERVIEWS The Uniworld River Heritage Club

WANDERLUST MEETS WELLNESS pg 02 DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD pg 03 2019’S MOST COLORFUL DESTINATION pg 05

June 2018

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ELLEN'S 360°

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GUEST SPOTLIGHT

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UNIQUELY UNIWORLD

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UNIWORLD Q&A

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DISHES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

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FROM THE KITCHEN OF BEA TOLLMAN

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2019'S MOST COLORFUL DESTINATION

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WHERE IN THE WORLD?

#ExploreUniworld

June 2018

Ellen’s 360° In this issue of RiverViews, I’m delighted to share with you the details of our new wellness program in India, festivals you can attend in India during some of our upcoming 2019 sailings, popular dishes from around the world, a delicious Bea Tollman recipe and much more.

This month we had the pleasure of speaking to TTC Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Adeboye Oyegunle, about our partner, TreadRight. He provided amazing insight on our joint sustainability initiative to eliminate single-use plastics in our offices and onboard our ships, as well as other environmentally conscious strides we’re making.

Additionally, I'm excited to share that our first ever River Heritage Club Reunion Cruise is taking place this December and I look forward to joining our cherished River Heritage Club members onboard the S.S. Joie de Vivre for our December 6 sailing of Parisian Royal Holiday.

I’ll be hosting a special community service event, onboard activities, a Q&A and other activities as we cruise along the Seine River. We’ll get into the holiday spirit with a visit to the Christmas Markets, Sunday Mass in Collégiale Notre Dame, a private reception at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte with

Warm regards,

owner, Jean-Charles de Voguë, and more.

I invite you to join us onboard to experience the ““joy of living”

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during the holiday season and reunite with fellow River

Ellen Bettridge

Heritage members on this exclusive cruise!

PRESIDENT & CEO, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

WANDERLUST MEETS WELLNESS on a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise.

Wherever your journey takes you, there will be many opportunities to relax and unwind. When in India, you can take advantage of our brand-new onboard Wellness Program available on India’s Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges and ME to WE & the Sacred Ganges. This unique new program includes a variety of onboard yoga classes for every level and features different styles and meditation sessions led by a certified yoga teacher guru. Plus, you’ll enjoy enhanced food menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, with new dishes made with organic ingredients.

Each day, our yoga teachers will be available for you to have personal discussions regarding which yoga practices would be best suited for you. Take your pick of sunrise yoga classes on the top deck, evening meditation sessions and insightful yoga-themed lectures and documentaries.

It’s travel for the mind, body and soul.

AVAILABLE ON INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE & THE SACRED GANGES New Delhi to Kolkata | 13 days | Ganges Voyager II

ME TO WE & THE SACRED GANGES

New Delhi to Kolkata | 12 days | Ganges Voyager II

Yoga does not change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees.

- B.K.S. IYENGAR -

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SAVOR THE MANY FLAVORS the world has to offer.

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As you roam through faraway destinations, your taste buds will too. When you set sail with Uniworld, you’ll be introduced to exhilarating new places, experiences and foods—all around the world. Savor a true taste of your destinations, and perhaps something a little more adventurous, by sampling exotic dishes in Egypt, China, Vietnam and Cambodia and India.

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Egypt

The pyramids aren’t the only thing that’s famous here. Egyptian fare fuses together foods and ingredients from dozens of civilizations that once ventured to Egypt. There’s nowhere else in the world where you’d be able to taste so many different cultures on one plate.

1. FITEER

featured dish: FITEER This unique Egyptian pastry can take on many forms. Typically, this flaky pastry is brushed with a light coating of clarified butter and your choice of filling and toppings. Go savory and add cheese, ground meat and vegetables. Or opt for sweet and load it up with raisins, coconut flakes, pistachios, jam and a dusting of icing sugar. Try out fiteer or any number of delicious Egyptian dishes onboard the River Tosca on Splendors of Egypt & the Nile.

Nile

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3 . CRISPY STICKY RICE

Vietnam and Cambodia

Vietnamese and Cambodian cuisines are known for their noodle soups, each type brimming with distinct flavors and influences, and often relying on fresh herbs, vegetables and rice. Cambodian cuisine is traditionally referred to as Khmer cuisine and relies more heavily on rice than Vietnamese cuisine does.

featured dish: CRISPY STICKY RICE WITH NATANG SAUCE

China

The history of Chinese cuisine dates back to the earliest dynasties, and much of it remains popular today. Thanks to China’s vast and diverse landscape, different provinces have developed their own unique yet equally delicious types of cuisine.

featured dish: ZHANGCHA DUCK (TEA-SMOKED DUCK) Zhangcha duck, or tea-smoked duck, is a famous Sichuan dish that’s soaked in tea. It’s prepared by smoking a marinated duck over cha (tea) leaves and twigs of the Zhang plant. Due to its complex preparation, this meal is usually eaten at banquets, celebrations or events instead of as a daily meal. Sample Zhangcha duck and many other fantastic dishes on our itineraries in China, such as Grand China and the Yangtze.

This delectable meal was originally created by a group of royal chefs hundreds of years ago. Today, it remains Siem Reap’s most popular dish.

Consisting of mince pork, shrimp, coconut milk and peanuts, it’s mixed, cooked and served with sticky rice, frangipani flowers and vegetable tempura. For a delicious twist, chefs have begun adding natang sauce to the shrimp and vegetable tempura for an added kick. Savor this dish during your time exploring Vietnam and Cambodia on Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong.

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India

Bengali cuisine is a culinary style originating in the West Bengal state of India and is known for its baked goods and desserts as well as multicourse dishes consisting of fish, vegetables, lentils and rice.

featured dish: BHETKI MACHER PATURI

2. ZHANG CHA DUCK

4. BHETKI MACHER PATURI

Bhetki macher paturi is a barramundi (Asian sea bass) seasoned with mustard, various spices and wrapped in banana leaves. The barramundi is then steamed, smoked or baked over a fire and accompanied by rice.

Although the dish has origins in Kolkata, it quickly became the signature dish of West Bengal. Using banana leaves to cook is very common in Asian culture, especially in Thailand, where chicken is often wrapped in banana leaves. Sample Bhetki macher paturi while cruising onboard the Ganges Voyager II on India’s Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges.

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2019’S MOST COLORFUL DESTINATION MAY VERY WELL BE INDIA.

Perhaps the most colorful country in the world, India becomes even more vibrant during its many annual festivals. These extravagant annual spectacles draw locals and tourists alike, filling all who attend with endless wonder. India’s liveliest gatherings coincide with many of our sailings in India, and in 2019 you’ll have the extraordinary opportunity to see this country from an unforgettable perspective— both onboard and onshore.

01. MAKAR SANKRANTI JANUARY 15, 2019 • JAIPUR Celebrate the solar cycle in colorful fashion with this ancient Hindu festival teeming with bold decorations, mouthwatering food, handcrafted kites and traditional dances. While in Jaipur on January 15, 2019, we’ll be taking you to the extraordinary kite bazaars to see kites of all shapes and sizes getting decked out for the festival, before venturing to locations where you can witness these kites flying high.

Experience it on these sailings: INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE & THE SACRED GANGES January 11, 2019 | New Delhi to Kolkata | Ganges Voyager II ME TO WE & THE SACRED GANGES January 12, 2019 | New Delhi to Kolkata | Ganges Voyager II

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02. MAHASHIVRATRI

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MARCH 4, 2019 • JAIPUR This festival commemorates the marriage of Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati and is celebrated with great enthusiasm throughout the country.

Shiva devotees flock to temples, fast and perform various rituals. On March 4, 2019, you’ll have the opportunity to witness Hindu puja (rituals) at a lavishly decorated temple. Marvel as devotees pay homage to this occasion by pouring water, milk and honey over the Shiva Lingam and leaving flowers and leaves.

Experience it on these sailings: INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE & THE SACRED GANGES February 28, 2019 | New Delhi to Kolkata | Ganges Voyager II ME TO WE & THE SACRED GANGES March 1, 2019 | New Delhi to Kolkata | Ganges Voyager II

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03. HOLI MARCH 21, 2019 • MURSHIDABAD/MAYAPUR Named for the legend of Holika, this colorful extravaganza pays tribute to the killing of Holika by Vishnu. The night before the festival, people make and burn bonfires in a ceremony called Holika Dahan. People gather near these bonfires to sing, dance and remember Holika’s defeat. On the day of Holi, colorful powders (abir) and solutions (gulal) are thrown everywhere, blanketing villages and those participating, symbolizing friendship and goodwill. On March 21, you can celebrate on the Sun Deck, where we’ll throw a Holi party filled with a kaleidoscope of colors.

Experience it on these sailings: INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE & THE SACRED GANGES March 11, 2019 | New Delhi to Kolkata | Ganges Voyager II ME TO WE & THE SACRED GANGES March 12, 2019 | New Delhi to Kolkata | Ganges Voyager II

04. CHHATH PUJA

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NOVEMBER 2, 2019 • MATIARI/KHUSBAGH This four-day spectacle is devoted to the sun. It is believed that if you make an offering with dedication and devotion, the Sun God will fulfill your wishes. The festival gives thanks to the Sun God for offering energy to the earth and for providing an environment suitable for people to live in. On this day, devotees flock to the river’s ghats and take a holy dip before making an offering. As you sail along the Ganges on November 2, 2019, you’ll see many Hindus offering prasads consisting of a variety of authentic Indian foods at the banks of the Ganges during sunset.

Experience it on these sailings: INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE & THE SACRED GANGES October 25, 2019 | New Delhi to Kolkata | Ganges Voyager II ME TO WE & THE SACRED GANGES October 26, 2019 | New Delhi to Kolkata | Ganges Voyager II UNIWORLD.COM 6

We enjoyed our time catching up with world traveler Pam Clem, who has joined the legions of river cruise enthusiasts after recently cruising with us on Rhine Holiday Markets, Markets Burgundy & Provence and Bordeaux Bordeaux, Vineyards & Chateaux.

Chateaux Hi, Pam. How did you initially hear about Uniworld?

My mother had always wanted to take a river cruise, so I knew it was something we were going to do. I read reviews in Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler and did a lot of research. When I took a look online, I saw Uniworld’s ships and compared them to other river cruise lines and said, “This is it.

Uniworld is the one.” When you walk onboard, it’s like you’re walking into the finest hotel. All we want to do now is river cruise.

What aspects of a Uniworld cruise did you find most interesting?

I think Uniworld is a step above the other river cruise lines I have been on. I was fond of the décor.

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perfection. I have fond memories of how well we were treated.

Any particular moments you’d like to reflect on?

I took my mother and my niece on Rhine Holiday Markets. My mother was 86 at the time and still Markets mobile, but definitely a little slower than the rest.

She was treated like a queen. We were in Strasbourg one day and went into the Christmas Market. She was having trouble getting back to the bus. The tour director took her in his arm and said, “Don’t worry, it doesn’t matter how long it takes to get back to the bus.” She talks about that cruise all the time.

Looking back on your cruises, do you have a favorite city that you’ve visited?

I admired the fact that there is original artwork. It’s

It’s hard to pick. We adored Lyon and Bordeaux; the

much more comfortable. The lounges are lovely

scenery and the wine were fabulous. I enjoyed Arles

and it’s just luxurious. I also appreciated the all-

on Burgundy & Provence because of its Roman

inclusive nature of Uniworld. You step onboard and

influence and architecture. I also loved Strasbourg

you’re greeted like royalty and just everything is to

because the cathedral there is just so magnificent.

Do you have a favorite memory from your experiences with Uniworld?

On the cruise with my mother, she mentioned something that wasn’t on the menu. The chef made it for her right on the spot. Nothing was

We met some really nice people that we’re still in

too much to ask. The servers were wonderful.

touch with, especially on our latest cruise in

We were made to feel so special.

Bordeaux. It’s been really delightful to see where their travels have taken them. We all share our

Any plans for a future Uniworld cruise?

experiences with each other and they’ve been great sources of inspiration for places we want to

We want to do Highlights of Eastern Europe and

travel to next.

Imperial Waterways of Russia.

Russia We’re just deciding right now which one to do in the fall.

We were pleased with the “Gentle Walking” program too, especially the fact that you are

Safe travels, Pam!

given the choice whether you want to be in the active group or the slower-paced group.

There were so many different things to do, that we want to do the Rhône cruise again. That was such an enjoyable cruise.

Are there any meals that you had onboard you particularly enjoyed?

Oh gosh, there were so many. There was duck one night and my husband loved it! I love soup and the waiters got to know that. I would rather have soup as the entrée and they would always bring me another bowl of soup. It was spectacular.

There was such a great selection that I can’t even remember a particular meal because they were all so good. Everything was delicious and made to perfection.

DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE FROM YOUR UNIWORLD CRUISE? Contact RHC@uniworld.com if you’re interested in being featured in a future Guest Spotlight.

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UNIWORLD Q&A: TTC Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Adeboye Oyegunle

As an environmentally conscious river cruise line, we are continually working to ensure the future of travel remains bright. We’re furthering our dedication to helping our planet by committing to banish all avoidable single-use plastics in our offices and onboard our ships by 2022.

So far, our efforts have already reduced plastic waste by 60,349 pounds. Over the last couple of years we’ve eliminated most single-use plastics onboard our ships, including plastic bottles, single-use bath amenities, to-go cups and more. We’re continuing this push this season and have removed plastic straws and stirrers from our ships. Plus, we are working closely with our suppliers to avoid plastic wrapping on goods being delivered.

We had the pleasure of speaking with ADEBOYE OYEGUNLE about this topic, and he provided wonderful insight into this initiative.

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Hi, Ade! Can you give us an overview of what the TreadRight Foundation is?

Why is it so important to get rid of single-use plastics?

The TreadRight Foundation a joint initiative between The Travel

currently. Across our oceans, rivers and even landfills, plastics have

Corporation’s (TTC) family of brands. It is a not-for-profit foundation

become a menace. Every single plastic that has ever been produced

working to ensure that the environment and communities we visit

still exists in our environment, in one form or another. Beyond this is

remain vibrant for generations to come. The foundation encourages

the health implication. When plastic gets into the ocean or a body of

sustainable tourism and has completed dozens of projects through

water, it doesn’t break down. It just breaks into micro-plastics. This

partnerships and initiatives that have benefited the environment as

then gets into the bodies of animals and the fish and comes back into

well as local culture and heritage.

our food, thus impacting our health. Being in the business of traveling

This is one of the biggest environmental issues around the world

on the water, we want to make these changes.

What is your role within the TreadRight team?

the integration of sustainability into TTC’s offices, business and

This initiative, in part, has already been going on in certain offices and on our ships. What results have you seen thus far?

operations across the world. I also work closely with TreadRight

We’ve seen fantastic results. We have started by removing single-use

by providing support for their initiatives, engagements and

plastic plates and cutleries from our offices and replaced them with

partnerships. Through this, I help drive and integrate social

biodegradables and other alternatives. In December of last year, we

responsibility, strategy and processes across the board.

decided to get rid of plastic straws. Immediately, Uniworld got rid of

I am the Social Responsibility Manager for The Travel Corporation (TTC), which includes Uniworld and our other brands. I oversee

them on their ships. We have been able to completely remove coffee

Can you give us an overview of TreadRight’s initiative with Uniworld and TTC to eliminate single-use plastics in their offices and on their ships?

capsules, takeaway cups, plastic stirrers and styrofoam cups. We are currently working on removing plastic water bottles. On U by Uniworld, The A, we are currently testing out edible straws to replace plastic straws on the ship.

Across all our brands, we have about 1.9 million people that come through our doors every year and we realize we need to act and do

How has this initiative affected our rivers and oceans?

something meaningful. One of the key things we have done is that

Our efforts have already reduced plastic waste by 60,349 pounds,

we decided to stop using single-use plastics in all our offices

which means we’ve already made a sizeable impact in the few short

starting July 1, 2018. We also committed to banish all avoidable

months since this initiative was started. We believe that as we

single-use plastics from our businesses and organizations by year

continue to move forward in protecting our planet, we will preserve

2022. So far, we’ve removed plastic cutleries, coffee pods, coffee

our shrinking natural resources for generations to come and see

stirrers and plastic straws.

marine life flourish once again.

How did this initiative come about?

It started with the TTC CSR strategy in 2013 through which we have

How can Uniworld guests play a part in these efforts while onboard?

made commendable gains in reducing our impact on the environment,

It starts with baby steps. We always encourage our guests to start by

communities and places where we work and travel. It then grew into

joining us and understanding why we do this. As much as they can,

plastics in 2017. We wanted to make sure that the places we travel to

they should try to refuse plastic bags and use reusable bags. We want

remain vibrant. This initiative wouldn’t have seen the light of day if it

them to understand that we’re trying to make this world better and

weren’t for the commitment of management, which has been very

encourage them to join us in making our environment healthier.

supportive and dedicated to this.

What is the most astounding statistic you’ve uncovered while educating Uniworld, TTC and the public on the importance of sustainability?

Do you have any additional environmentally conscious tips you’d like to share?

One thing I will say is that we only have one world. We want people to think twice before they make purchases and before they throw

Each year, over 17 billion pounds of plastics are dumped into our

things out. Always try to reuse whatever you have. It’s all about the

oceans and this is expected to double by 2030. In fact, it is projected

mindset. We need to lead by example.

that there could be more plastics than fish by weight in our oceans by 2050.

Thank you, Ade!

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from the kitchen of Bea Tollman

Lengthy Mediterranean-style lunches were a regular feature of life at our farm in Connecticut, leisurely gatherings of family and friends on the veranda where news and views would be exchanged and new acquaintances made.�

–Bea Tollman

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LEMON CHICKEN Bring your loved ones together with a delicious Tollman family favorite—perfect for summer gatherings.

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

2 poussins Split in half and remove backbones.

Preheat the oven grill for 15 minutes before

LEMON SAUCE 500 ml fresh lemon juice 250 ml olive oil 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1½ teaspoons minced garlic ½ teaspoon dried oregano

using. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then grill, turning once, for 20–30 minutes or until the skin is golden brown and the juices run clear when the bird is pierced with a fork.

Remove from the grill and, using a very sharp knife, cut each half into 4 pieces.

Make the sauce by whisking together the lemon juice, oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano and seasoning with salt and pepper. Pour over the chicken and leave to marinate for 1 hour.

Place the chicken on a grill pan and return to the grill for 5 minutes or until very brown. Turn each piece, basting with the liquid, and grill for a further minute. You may need to add a little more oil and lemon to taste.

Remove from the grill and place chicken onto a warm serving dish.

This dish is also delicious served cold or at room temperature.

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UNIWORLD’S RIVER HERITAGE CLUB AN EXCLUSIVE CLUB FOR UNIWORLD LOYAL GUESTS

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*

• An onboard members-only cocktail party with the Captain • 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 • An exclusive e-magazine • Milestone gifts to celebrate guests who have joined us for multiple cruises

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.†

PLUS NEW! As a loyal River Heritage Club member, enjoy exclusive access to our members-only reservations line: 1-800-307-4699 NOTE: Benefits may not apply on cruises to China, Vietnam & Cambodia, India and Egypt.

WHERE IN THE WORLD….???

This colonial-era Egyptian landmark is depicted in Agatha Christie’s famous 1937 novel Death on the Nile. Here you can enjoy afternoon tea in the same rooms that have welcomed guests from the likes of Winston Churchill and Princess Diana.

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, Robin Warner, for being the first to correctly identify Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, Austria, as April’s mystery destination.

Gaze in awe of this architectural wonder for yourself and experience Austria’s incomparable beauty on Alluring Amsterdam & Vienna and Authentic Danube & Prague.

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.†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.