Highlights were plentiful from the grandest of temples to the sun setting along the Mekong Delta to a traditional water blessing by Monks. Each of the 13 included excursions were led by professionally trained local experts, who guided groups of no more than 20 people on a journey of discovery. All excursions were carefully crafted in order to provide as much insight into the culture, so guests could really appreciate the sites they would visit, such as witnessing the skilled craftsmanship of stone carvers before visiting the temples of Angkor Wat. Visits to local schools to learn and observe more about the ancient customs such as Apsara dancing— the time-honored Khmer dancing that tells stories and conveys messages using graceful movements, distinctive hand and foot positions, and ornate costumes—were followed by an evening of traditional dining and a full pageantry of an Apsara dance show in a local restaurant. Both on and off the ship, Uniworld complemented excursions with several authentic dinners and shows, such as the farewell dinner on the ship, where the staff donned authentic Khmer attire while serving a Royal Cambodian themed dinner, and in Hanoi, where guests were treated to a special dinner featuring live traditional music along with an authentic northern Vietnamese dining experience.

Throughout the journey, guests were amazed at the resiliency and friendship of these extraordinary people who have endured a history of hardship, yet through it all, they remain happy, smiling, and warm. While Uniworld guests saw some of tragic reminders from Vietnam and Cambodia’s past, the guests seemed to come away from the experience with a sense of peace and renewed spirit as these countries develop and grow into more prosperous and flourishing nations.

“The success of this program has been overwhelming, and we are so proud to be able to bring people to these amazing countries,” states Guy Young, President of Uniworld. “Because of the demand for travelers to want to experience these regions, we are going to launch another new ship, the River Orchid, in 2013,” furthers Young.

This program leaves an undeniable imprint on travelers as many of the guests as well as Uniworld wanted to give something back to the communities before bidding adieu to the countries they visited, and as such donated clean-drinking wells for some of the outlying villages of Cambodia’s Siem Reap. “It is very important Uniworld gives back to the communities where we operate. It is very humbling that our guests feel the same way,” states Young. “Travel is the greatest classroom in the world, and I feel very fortunate we are able to bring people to places that will touch their hearts forever,” adds Young.

Uniworld’s new Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong itinerary takes travelers on a 14-night cruise and tour that operates between Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi, Vietnam, and includes Cambodia’s Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Angkor Wat. The 7-night cruise runs between Kampong Cham in Cambodia and My Tho in Vietnam. For the land portion of the program, guests spend seven nights in deluxe, five-star hotels with luxurious accommodations, including buffet breakfast, service charges, and porterage. Uniworld’s guests also receive exclusive VIP treatment at each hotel, including private check-in with welcome drinks, in-room welcome flowers and fruit platter, and at the Victoria Angkor Hotel & Spa, each guest receives their own personalized monogrammed bathrobe to keep.

About Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line™, is recognized among the “World’s Best River Cruises” by Travel + Leisure. Uniworld was voted the“#1 River Cruise Line in the World” in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, was named to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List and their Platinum Circle for having made the list consistently for the past five years, and won “Best River Ships” in their Readers’ Poll, which ranked River Queen and River Beatrice #1 and #2 respectively, along with eight other highly ranked ships in the top 40. Uniworld’s cabins and dining are also ranked among the top three in the world by Zagat Survey®, with Uniworld being the only river cruise line named in the Zagat Survey® amongst the best of the best in the cruise industry. Uniworld features luxurious boutique ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, included shore excursions fully hosted by local experts, world-class gourmet cuisine, and award-winning, personalized hospitality. Uniworld offers over 500 departures sailing on over 13 rivers in more than 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

For more details, please visit uniworld.com or connect with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises at facebook.com/uniworldrivercruises or twitter.com/UniworldCruises.

Uniworld is a member of CLIA, Cruise Lines International Association.

The S.S. Antoinette sails on Uniworld’s extremely popular “Castles along the Rhine” itinerary from Basel to Amsterdam for eight days.

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Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line™, is recognized among the “World’s Best River Cruises” by Travel + Leisure. In Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, consumers voted Uniworld “#1 River Cruise Line in the World” and was named to their prestigious Gold List, and won “Best River Ships” in their Readers’ Poll, which ranked River Beatrice and River Duchess the #1 and #2 river ships. Uniworld’s cabins and dining are also ranked among the top three in the world by Zagat Survey®; Uniworld is the only river cruise line named in the Zagat Survey® amongst the best of the best in the cruise industry. Uniworld features luxurious boutique ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, included shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, and award-winning hospitality. Uniworld offers over 500 departures sailing on over 13 rivers in more than 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

For more details, please visit uniworld.com or connect with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises at facebook.com/uniworldrivercruises or twitter.com/UniworldCruises.

“We are extraordinarily proud of this accomplishment as Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award is one of the most prestigious honors recognizing the best-of-the-best in the travel industry,” said Guy Young, President of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. “We work very hard to give our guests the best possible vacation experience on our beautifully and uniquely designed ships, and it is gratifying to know that our efforts have been recognized by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler.”

This latest award comes just weeks after Uniworld received multiple awards in the UK to include the “Best Dining” award from readers of Cruise International magazine and “Best Cruise Line” at the Guardian and Observer Readers Travel Awards 2011. 

“Our ships are beautiful but, in my view, these accolades are achieved on the back of the fantastic service delivered on board our ships.  And for this I am truly grateful to our highly trained staff in Europe and other destinations where we operate who work so hard to meet or exceed the high expectations of our guests, “ said Young. 

Uniworld has and will continue to invest heavily in its ships and in its service infrastructure.  On the horizon, Uniworld will launch the new 30 stateroom River Saigon in January 2012 on Vietnam and Cambodia’s Mekong River. Then in 2013, they will launch another luxury ship, River Orchid, on the Mekong, and the S.S. Alexandra on the Danube. 

About Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line™,  is recognized among the “World’s Best River Cruises” by Travel + Leisure. It is the only luxury river cruise line named to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List, and has received the number one spot in their Readers’ Choice Award for “World’s Top Small Ship Line” and won “Best River Ships” in their Readers’ Poll, which ranked River Beatrice and River Duchess the #1 and #2 river ships in the world. Uniworld’s cabins and dining are also ranked among the top three in the world by Zagat Survey®; Uniworld is the only river cruise line named in the Zagat Survey® amongst the best of the best in the cruise industry. Uniworld features luxurious boutique ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, included shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, and award-winning hospitality. Uniworld offers over 500 departures sailing on over 13 rivers in more than 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Uniworld also recognized their Sales Manager of the Year, John Lovell, who is based in Vancouver, BC.  “We are very proud of John and the fine job he and all our sales managers do for Uniworld," said Guy Young, President of Uniworld. “They are passionate about the high quality product we offer, and that enthusiasm overflows into the excellent service they offer to the agent community.”

Commenting on Uniworld’s plans for 2012 and beyond, Maria Grimardi, VP of Marketing added, “We are very excited about the new itineraries and product upgrades. Russia and Asia are rapidly expanding markets and the Uniworld ships are the finest on the rivers.  In 2012, Uniworld will launch a new ship, the River Saigon, in Vietnam and Cambodia on the Mekong River, and then in 2013, we will introduce another ship, the River Orchid, here.” Uniworld will also expand their luxury, boutique fleet in Europe in 2013. “We are proud to announce that we will be launching another super ship, S.S. Alexandra, in Europe on the Danube, and like her sister ship, S.S. Antoinette, she is certain to be spectacular,“ furthers Grimardi. 

The meeting included the entire Uniworld sales team, including Uniworld President Guy Young; VP of Marketing, Maria Grimardi; Director of Field Sales, Jennifer McLeod; executives from Uniworld’s Basel, Switzerland office; and Sales Managers from the USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

About Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line™, is recognized among the “World’s Best River Cruises” by Travel + Leisure. It is the only luxury river cruise line named to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List, and has received the number one spot in their Readers’ Choice Award for “World’s Top Small Ship Line” and won “Best River Ships” in their Readers’ Poll, which ranked River Beatrice and River Duchess the #1 and #2 river ships in the world. Uniworld’s cabins and dining are also ranked among the top three in the world by Zagat Survey®; Uniworld is the only river cruise line named in the Zagat Survey® amongst the best of the best in the cruise industry. Uniworld features luxurious boutique ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, included shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, and award-winning hospitality. Uniworld offers over 500 departures sailing on over 13 rivers in more than 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Floriade 2012 is only open from April 5 to October 7, 2012, so booking early to secure the best available riverview staterooms and savings is recommended. Couples can take advantage of Uniworld’s savings program of up to $2,000 by paying in full at time of booking. This offer expires on September 30, 2011.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line™, is recognized among the “World’s Best River Cruises” by Travel + Leisure. It is the only luxury river cruise line named to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List, and has received their Readers’ Choice Award for “World’s Top Small Ship Line” and won “Best River Ships” in their Readers’ Poll, which ranked River Beatrice and River Duchess the #1 and #2 river ships in the world. Uniworld’s cabins and dining are also ranked among the top three in the world by Zagat Survey®; Uniworld is the only river cruise line named in the Zagat Survey® amongst the best of the best in the cruise industry. Uniworld features luxurious boutique ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, included shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, and award-winning hospitality. Uniworld offers over 500 departures sailing on over 13 rivers in more than 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

“Each year, Uniworld actively looks for ways in which to enhance our guests’ experience. With the introduction of these new programs, such as ‘Choice is Yours,’ we are able to deliver a more customized experience to our guest,” states Guy Young, President of Uniworld.

Also in 2012, Uniworld will completely remodel three of their boutique cruise ships, the River Countess, the River Duchess, and the River Royale. “Uniworld continues to invest heavily in the maintenance of our fleet to ensure we are delivering a five-star product to our guests. In 2011, we remodeled three ships completely, River Ambassador, River Baroness, and River Princess, as well as introduced three new ships, including the stunning S.S. Antoinette,” adds Young.

Uniworld ships offer unparalleled luxury in the river cruise arena with the finest of furnishings, inspiring original art, and modern luxuries. Over the years, Uniworld has worked tirelessly with their sister company, the award-winning Red Carnation Hotels, to elevate the standard in river cruising with an unyielding commitment to quality and service. “Be assured that when you sail with Uniworld, you will have an unrivaled cruise experience, because no other cruise line in the world has a sister company with over 50 years of expertise in running a collection of five-star luxury hotels,” furthers Young. 

Uniworld’s luxury value-packed cruises include the Zagat®-rated staterooms on the river; all meals onboard with complimentary fine wines, choice of beer, and soft drinks served during lunch and dinner onboard Europe company-owned ships; captivating included excursions; Signature Lectures and entertainment onboard; and complimentary transfers on arrival and departure days.

Couples can save up to $2,400 on Uniworld’s 2012 boutique river cruises by paying in full at time of booking by September 30, 2011. “Our goal is to deliver unparalleled luxury at an uncompromising value, so we want to reward those who book early with the greatest possible savings, states Young.

Los Angeles-based Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world’s only authentic boutique cruise line, is recognized among the “World’s Best River Cruises” by Travel + Leisure. It is the only river cruise line named to Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious Gold List, and has received their Readers’ Choice Award for “World’s Top Small-Ship Line” and won “Best River Ships” in their Readers’ Poll, which ranked River Beatrice and River Duchess the #1 and #2 river ships in the world. Cruise Critic named River Beatrice the “Best New River Ship” and awarded Uniworld their Editors’ Pick for “Best Cruise Line.” Uniworld’s cabins and dining are also ranked among the top three in the world by Zagat Survey®; and is the only river cruise line named in the Zagat Survey® among the best of the best in the cruise industry. Uniworld features luxurious boutique cruise ships with an average capacity of 130 guests; expertly planned itineraries with included shore excursions; world-class gourmet cuisine; and award-winning hospitality by an English-speaking staff.  Uniworld offers over 500 departures on 40 itineraries sailing on over 13 rivers in over 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.