Happy (early) Halloween! I don’t have any tricks for you this month, but I do have a special treat just for our past guests. Can you guess what it is? If you’ve been keeping an eye on your inboxes, you might already know. If not, I’m pleased to announce that we’ve launched River Heritage Club Exclusive Savings of up to $2,000 per person on select 2026 itineraries! And that’s in addition to Early Booking Savings of up to 25% and your other past guest perks, like your regular member benefit of up to $500 and Referral Program credits.
I also wanted to give you a sneak peek at some of the exciting new itineraries coming in 2027. Learn more on the next page, then keep flipping for more travel inspiration. In this issue, we’ll take you through some of our favorite colorful towns, let you in on our top suggestion for a last-minute trip, and more.
Until we sail again,
ELLEN BETTRIDGE CEO, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
COMING IN 2027
We have so many new itineraries coming in 2027—not to mention three new ships—and we just couldn’t wait to share them with you all. From new twists on tried-and-true destinations to places we’ve never ventured before, this list has something to wow every kind of traveler.
BALI, SINGAPORE & INDONESIA EXPEDITION
14 Days • Bali to Singapore
Sail the pristine waters of Indonesia’s coastline on a luxurious expedition yacht. Complete your adventure with three nights each in Bali and Singapore
SCENIC RHINE, PARIS & THE SWISS ALPS
12 Days • Zurich to Paris
Discover the best kept secrets in Europe on a journey that highlights the cuisine, wines, and landscapes of France, Germany, and Switzerland.
EUROPEAN GEMS
15 Days • Amsterdam to Vienna
Join us for a special, one-sailing-only cruise through Central Europe filled with guest-favorite excursions and newly curated experiences.
PARIS, PRAGUE & GERMANY’S HIDDEN GEMS
12 Days • Paris to Prague
Enjoy five-star hotel stays in Paris and Prague, juxtaposing the bustle of these must-see cities with the secret joys of tucked-away towns along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers.
GRAND HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DANUBE
17 Days • Passau to Bucharest
The diverse wonders of the Danube River unfold on this journey from west to east, a brand-new combination of our Enchanting Danube + Highlights of Eastern Europe cruises.
THE WORLD’S PALETTE
EXPLORING COLORFUL DESTINATIONS WITH UNIWORLD
There's something about a row of rainbow-hued houses that just begs to be featured on a postcard. But the colorful towns on this list don't just make for a pretty picture. From the bold shades of Burano to the appealing terra-cotta pinks of Jaipur, color tells a tale unique to the history and culture of the place you are visiting.
BURANO
One version of local history tells us that, centuries ago, the brightly colored buildings of Burano helped fisherman who resided on island find their way home in the foggy Venetian lagoon. Residents today must keep up the tradition according to local government regulations, which ensure that the vibrant palette of Burano lives on to delight visitors from around the world.
Available on Slovenia, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto (new for 2026)
COCHEM
A shining jewel along the Moselle River, Cochem is a fairytale brought to life on the river. Multicolored buildings line the riverbank under the Cochem Castle. For wine lovers, the green grapes of the vineyards and golden Rieslings they produce might just be your favorite pops of color in town. Additional flourishes of yellow, orange, and red arrive in autumn.
Available on Rhine, Moselle, and Belgium Grand Discovery
ISTANBUL
Step into a world of color in Istanbul’s famous Grand Bazaar, where you can browse seemingly endless rows of products in varying shades and patterns. The Balat neighborhood is rich in cultural heritage and colorful buildings. While you're in town, don't forget to visit the famous Blue Mosque and take in the iznik tilework that awes visitors from around the world.
Available on Cruise & Rail: Istanbul to Paris
LISBON
Welcome to Lisbon, where pastel-colored homes line sloping streets, walls around town double as a canvas for street art, and fantastic azulejos tile work honors centuries of artistic tradition. Even the pavement of Lisbon is a work of art, from a popular pedestrian street painted pink to the Calçada pavement designs where stone cubes are arranged in mosaic patterns.
Available on Portugal, Spain & the Douro River Valley
PRAGUE
With so many picturesque streets and intriguing histories, it is difficult to narrow down a favorite place to enjoy the pastel shades of Prague. One of our favorite displays of color is Golden Lane, a narrow alleyway in the Prague Castle complex. The cobblestone path once housed goldsmiths, and features facades in varying bright colors that serve a fairytale aesthetic.
Available on Danube Grandeur & Prague (new for 2026)
JAIPUR
It isn’t just the architecture that stands out in Jaipur, it’s the color of the structures that gives the city distinction. In 1876, the buildings in the city of Jaipur were painted pink in preparation for the arrival of Prince Albert, the Prince of Wales. The rosy hue was selected as a symbol of hospitality and “The Pink City” was dubbed.
Available on India's Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges
PACKING GUIDE
INDIA’S GOLDEN TRIANGLE & THE SACRED GANGES
This trip to India is one of the most exciting adventures we offer—but don’t let it intimidate you. We take care of you from first to last, helping you explore off-the-beaten track destinations in the height of comfort and style. From temple visits to feasting on all the naan and curry you can dream of, this helpful packing guide has you covered.
Loose-fitting, warm-weather clothing for off-ship activities (natural fibers such as linen are recommended)
Modest attire for temple visits (shoulders and legs covered)
A light scarf to use as a head covering in temples—they also help protect you from the sun!
Casual attire for your time aboard the ship
A swimsuit for the hotel pools
Comfortable walking shoes with good ankle support
Sandals
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Mosquito repellent
Sun hat
Lightweight raincoat
Tums, electrolytes, or other stomach-soothing treatments
A camera—or your phone— to capture all the incredible architecture and landscapes
If you’re a birdwatcher, bring your binoculars for a chance to observe the diverse species of the Ganges region
Rupees for shopping at the markets
A single-entry visa, which you can apply for online
Our recommendation for a last-minute vacation:
A CHRISTMAS MARKET
Go ahead, treat yourself. If you’re looking to get away soon or wondering what to do for the holidays, we can’t recommend a Classic Christmas Markets cruise enough. For those of you who have experienced the advent season in Europe before, you know that few things match the joyful atmosphere of the Christmas markets. And for those who haven’t, what are you waiting for? Once you take your first glühwein-fueled stroll through aisles of festively decorated wooden huts, where everything from handmade ornaments to hot potato pancakes are sold, you’ll be hooked.
Not sure where to start? Any of our HOLIDAY SEASON CRUISES is sure to impress, particularly because you can explore the unique festivities of multiple towns in one trip!
For holiday elegance: MAGICAL PARISIAN HOLIDAY
See a glamorous side of the season with a trip to Paris and the Normandy countryside. Though you’ll have the opportunity to visit Christmas markets in Paris and Rouen, the stars of this journey are the decked-out chateaux and other fascinating excursions not offered on our regular season sailings in this region—like a distillery tour and tasting at Bénédictine Palais and a visit to a collector's eclectic mansion. Back onboard, the charming S.S. Joie de Vivre will keep the Christmas spirit alive with seasonal decorations, joyful music, and holiday-inspired menus.
MARKET CRUISE
For something unique:
BELGIAN HOLIDAY MARKETS
Belgium—and the Netherlands, since we go as far as Maastricht on this itinerary—has a special take on Christmas markets, turning the event into a festival complete with ice rinks, international fare, and Belgian specialties like waffles and chocolate.
For the most traditional experience:
CLASSIC CHRISTMAS MARKETS
This trip focuses on Germany, where the Christmas markets were born. From Nuremberg to Frankfurt, we highlight some of the best markets in Europe while also visiting a few of the most charming towns you’ll ever see!
Chef Robert’s Corner: CALAMARI FRITTI
Crispy rings of tender, fried calamari are easily devoured—yet difficult for chefs to perfect. No need to wait for your next trip to Italy to indulge in this delicious dish, however, because Chef Robert shared his tips for making the ultimate calamari fritti! In addition to following the steps below, he recommends pairing your calamari with fresh cut lemon and a crisp glass of Soave or pinot grigio.
INGREDIENTS
2 lbs squid
1 cup flour
1 cup cornmeal
Vegetable oil for frying
Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Clean the squid: While you can typically buy your squid pre-cleaned, buying it whole and cleaning the squid yourself is not as hard as it might seem! Start by grabbing the tail in one hand and the body tube in the other, then pull in opposite directions. This should cleanly pull out all the innards. Set aside.
2. Cut off the tentacles just below the eyes, then squeeze the top to remove the beak. Set aside the tentacles and discard the beak, head, and innards.
3. Pull the cartilage from the body tube and discard. Peel off the wings and skin.
4. Thoroughly rinse the body tube and tentacles with cold water. Pat dry and freeze for 5 minutes.
5. Slice the cleaned tube into 1-inch rings.
6. Bring a pot with a few inches of vegetable oil to 375° F.
7. Mix the flour, cornmeal, and seasonings in a bowl, then toss with the calamari.
8. Carefully drop the calamari into the oil (a spider strainer is ideal for this) and cook until they are golden brown (about one minute or less). Upon removing, immediately place on paper towels to drain the excess oil.
Serve hot with lemon wedges.
WINE PAIRING RECOMMENDATION
SOAVE CLASSICO DOP MONTRESOR VENETO
Brilliant straw with green reflection, this Garganega has an impressively crisp and refreshing palate with good depth of fruit, lively acidity, and almondy finish.
AN OUTSTANDING LOYALTY PROGRAM FOR OUR EXCEPTIONAL GUESTS
To show our appreciation for our past guests, we automatically enroll you in our River Heritage Club loyalty program, so you can begin receiving exclusive benefits, savings, and rewards reserved exclusively for our loyal guests.
EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS ON ALL CRUISES, COMBINABLE WITH ALL PROMOTIONS
An exclusive WELCOME GIFT to commemorate your membership
Complimentary IN-ROOM TREAT waiting onboard upon arrival
Complimentary LAUNDRY service
Visit UNIWORLD.COM/RIVER-HERITAGE-CLUB for more information. plus
Members-only onboard COCKTAIL PARTY
PRIORITY NOTIFICATION on new cruises and programs
Dedicated PHONE NUMBER
Exclusive RiverViews E-NEWSLETTER
Special MEMBERS-ONLY OFFERS
Additional savings when you REFER FRIENDS OR FAMILY
*River Heritage Club savings and amenities are available to guests after completing their first Uniworld cruise. Exclusive savings are based on the cruise or cruise/tour-only price (including any upgrades and single supplement) after other cash discounts are applied. Savings are combinable with all current Uniworld promotions. Restrictions may apply.
CAN YOU GUESS THE UNI WORD?
Have you tried your hand at our new game for River Heritage Club readers? The rules are simple: We’ve picked a word from each article in this issue of RiverViews, in order, and arranged them vertically below. Complete all of the vertical words to guess the horizontal theme word in blue (hint: it will relate to our September theme, Travel). The first reader to submit the correct theme word to rhc@uniworld.com will be featured in our next issue!
LAST ISSUE’S VICTOR
Congratulations to Sandra B. for being the first to solve the June 2025 UNIWORD: SARDINES