Welcome to The Art of River Cruising, my blog highlighting all the exciting things
happening at Uniworld. I hope you enjoy reading!
Uniworld President & CEO
April 3, 2020
We Will Navigate Through this Together
2020 Uniworld Gala
How quickly things change.
Just over a month ago, I was in Düsseldorf aboard the S.S. Antoinette with our sales
team and crew members for Uniworld’s annual kick-off event. We worked hard all week
preparing for the 2020 season and ended the event on a high note, celebrating the team’s
success and anticipating a year of adventure.
As the entire world is now aware, travel plans have been put on hold for the immediate
future. Nevertheless, the progress that Uniworld has been able to make up until this point
has me very excited for the season ahead, whenever it will commence. Our fleet stands ready
to sail along with our wonderful onboard crew, who I’m happy to report we will be able to
retain.
In the meantime, here are some of the many exciting things you can look forward to:
S.S. São Gabriel is getting its finishing touches and will be the most luxurious ship
on Portugal’s Douro River. The ship’s entire top deck is fitted with suites and we have
created additional dining venues giving guests options which enhance the experience. The
incredible essence of Portugal has been brought to life onboard with bright Portuguese
tiles and local art. I look forward to sailing on the Douro in the near future.
The S.S. Antoinette, which sails on the popular Castles along the Rhine itinerary, was
the first Super Ship in the Uniworld fleet and this past winter she was refreshed to
ensure she continues to delight guests for years to come. Three of her suites were
completely transformed and all her staterooms rejuvenated. The S.S. Antionette is ready
to go!
Our new Peruvian experiences will launch September 23, 2020. With most of Peru covered
in jungle, river cruising is one of the best, and sometimes only, ways to explore the
dense Amazon. We have two immersive itineraries to offer, both based out of the port of
Iquitos. For both the 11- and 15-day experiences we have partnered with Aqua
Expeditions. Guests will enjoy the all-suite Aria Amazon ship. The itineraries have been
on sale for only a few short months, and I am thrilled to see that 82% of the guests are
past passengers. Come join them!
New Crew CabinsOne enhancement you will not be able to see, but we are still very proud of, is
the new living spaces our crew will enjoy. Over the winter we also completed new crew
cabins on River Duchess, S.S. La Venezia, S.S. Beatrice and River Princess. These new
crew cabins are well designed, bright and welcoming, because our wonderful crew deserves
the very best – just like our guests!
We have a lot to look forward to, and most of all—being together again. Most of our crew
are at home anxiously awaiting the first sailings of 2020. Each of our ship’s Hotel Managers
and Captains are in constant contact with them, keeping them informed and ensuring they have
what they need. All the ships are docked and manned with a Captain, an engineer and a few
sailors to ensure they continue to be properly maintained and secure.
I am at my home in Westlake Village, CA and spending my days in video meetings with my
employees in the US, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Singapore and Switzerland. All our
employees are safe at home, spending some extra time with loved ones and learning how to
maneuver through these times. I have tried to keep a regular routine of getting up early,
going on long walks (which includes a huge hill) and connecting with my team virtually. We
are busy finalizing Uniworld’s 2021 brochure and developing our 2022 itineraries, connecting
with partners and adjusting plans so we are ready to go when the time is right.
Today, I’m hosting a virtual happy hour with my teams and am looking forward to seeing all
their faces, making sure they are well, sharing stories of containment and reminding them
that we are very fortunate. Uniworld is a proud member of The Travel Corporation, a
fourth-generation, family-owned and passionately family-run company. We are completely
debt-free and financially very strong. I am confident that we will get through this crisis
and come out even stronger. We have the support, the team and the most beautiful floating
boutique hotels and we will be here for a long time to come, working together to deliver the
very best!
I am so honored to lead the dedicated and passionate Uniworld team and we all look forward
to welcoming you onboard very soon.
The Captains of Uniworld
February 14, 2020
All We Need is Love
Love for travel. Love for life. Love for good food. And most importantly, love for all
the people
we meet along the way. I am fortunate to have found the job I love in travel with
Uniworld and the
love of my
life over 27 years ago, my husband, Jack.
Something that’s always stood out to me working with Uniworld is how open and warm
the
environment is, both in our offices and on our ships. I see our teams forming lasting
connections all the time and it never fails to brighten my day, so I thought I’d
brighten yours too by sharing some of my favorite love stories from onboard our ships.
Enjoy!
Menno + Alexandra
During the winter season in 2005, I was working the bar onboard the River Queen on
embarkation
day when I noticed two ladies walking into the lounge. I pulled some funny faces at the
girls to
make them laugh, so they came to sit at the bar, and I learned that they were from
Uniworld’s LA
reservations team. I immediately liked Alex – her smile could light up the sky. They
ended
up
joining me and some colleagues for drinks at a local bar and she stole my heart. Alex says I
won
her over later that week during the Crew Show onboard, when I serenaded her with my
“Dutch
Elvis” impression, singing “It’s Now or Never”.
In my free time, when we were able to get off
the ship and wander the villages, we realized that this was more than just
friendship… but
the
week had to come to an end. Our last evening
together was so romantic – the moon was full, and the trees and paths were full of
snow. The
photo here is from that evening (we called it our ‘engagement photo’ because we
already
knew).
Henkjan + Anna
June 5, 2012. That was the day my future wife entered the gangway of the S.S.
Antoinette, when we
were docked in Speyer, Germany. Needing to know who this woman was, I did some investigating
and
discovered that her name was Anna and that she had come from Slovakia to work with us.
Working
together, we realized how much we enjoyed spending time together. We worked together for
many
more seasons and our relationship grew. Eventually she stopped working on the ships and is
now
working back in the Netherlands, where we live happily together with our two daughters.
Peter + Jana
This is the story of how I met my wife…
I had been working with Uniworld for 9 years as
a chef and one day, the Hotel manager
mentioned
that a new purser from Slovakia would be coming onboard. I’m not sure how, maybe
because I
am
also Slovakian, but I knew that we would be together. And I was right.
The next day, she was sitting in the office and I walked in, without any greeting, and said
only
that I would introduce myself later. She must have thought I was so lofty and arrogant for
not
talking to her…
Later that evening we had a crew party on the sundeck. I took a bottle of wine and two
glasses
and sat next to her. We had a very nice conversation over that bottle of wine, during which
she
told me that she had just gotten out of a long relationship and had come onboard to forget
him,
build a career and take a break from men.
Well, plans changed for her and one year later she was pregnant with our first child and we
are
now about to have our second. We are the happiest couple in the world, and I love her so
much.
Thank you, Uniworld, for introducing me to my wife!
P.S. If you haven’t already, it would be an honor if you shared your love for Uniworld
in
the
2020 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. Help us win “#1
River Cruise
Line” for the third year
in a row! Voting ends March 2, 2020. Vote Now >
January 7, 2020
Always Packed: My Top 10 Bucket List for 2020
President's Cruise onboard the S.S. Bon Voyage
It’s true what they say. Travel planning is one of the most satisfying and pleasurable
parts of
the travel process. It’s when the dream takes shape as plans of where to go (and what to
do,
see, eat, sip, learn and possibly acquire) are conjured up in my imagination. And at
each new year I take a moment to reflect on where I’ve been and even better, where in
the
world I intend to be.
Dune of Pilat
My travel wishes for 2019—the chance to explore more of the Europe I thought I knew so
well—came true. Best of all, I got to experience these fascinating places: beautiful
Bordeaux, charming Porto, and surprising Guernsey all for the first time. In addition, I made my
annual trip to visit with my team and partners in Sydney, Singapore and Malaysia.
During the annual President’s Cruise aboard the reimagined S.S. Bon Voyage I took
a
sunrise hike to the otherworldly Dune of Pilat, Europe’s highest sand dune. I met with
partners
to prepare for the S.S. São Gabriel in lovely Porto. I joined TTC colleagues at
Red
Carnation’s The Duke of Richmond Hotel on the English Channel island of Guernsey. It was
an
incredible escape to a place I had dreamed about after reading the bestselling novel, The
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. (All those hours on planes give me time to catch
up on my reading.) I also got to see some of the island’s 1,400 cows and beautiful
beaches. On a
more personal (and less far-flung) note, I also achieved one of my most important goals for
2019: getting my youngest daughter settled into her first year of college at Gonzaga University
in Spokane, Washington. It involved several treks to my hometown, including moving her in and
visiting parents weekend, and, I am happy to report, resulted in a great first semester for
someone I can’t stop thinking of as a toddler.
For 2020, I hope to travel to the rain forest of the Amazon to the deserts of Egypt and Jordan.
I’ll return to favorite cities Venice and Budapest and discover places I’ve only
dreamed about,
including Prague, Vietnam and Cambodia. And I’ll follow personal passions to explore Down
Under,
go wine tasting in nearby Napa and chase the royal lifestyle in the English countryside and
Scottish Highland.
Here then, my top ten list. Truly, my bucket runneth over…
1. Sydney – I have been to Sydney several times but always on business.
That
changes this
February, when I plan a “bleisure” trip, extending a work trip to play tourist for a
few days
with my husband Jack. We plan to hike up the Sydney Bridge, meet the local Kangaroos and of
course sample their famous wines. Thanks to AAT Kings’ easily consumed short breaks and
day
trips.
2. Jordan – The S.S. Sphinx sets sail in September and if
she’s not
sold out, I fully
intend to join a voyage in the fall. While I’ve been to Egypt, Uniworld offers the option
to
experience Jordan and I am very excited to visit the Iraq Al Amir Women’s Cooperative, the
organization funded by TreadRight that helps women gain and maintain their independence. This
experience brings to life The Pledge I took along with my colleges and customers to Make Travel
Matter.
3. Prague – The capital of the Czech Republic has been on my bucket list
for
much too long, and
2020 is the year I finally visit the “City of a Hundred Spires”, when I host our
annual
President’s Cruise along the Danube. I plan to finally get there when I take advantage of
Uniworld’s three-day Prague extension and finally experience the many cultural
attractions, many
of which survived the violence and destruction of 20th-century Europe. Main attractions include
Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square with the Prague astronomical clock. I
can’t wait to explore!
4. Napa – Apparently there is more to California than LA and the confines
of the
southern reaches
of the state. After living here for three years, I intend to discover Northern California with
my sister brand Trafalgar Tours. From sipping wine in the Napa valley to discovering the beauty
of Yosemite, it will be special to wander and wonder so close to home. I love the idea that it
will all be planned and curated for me.
5. New Zealand – This year, I purchased an electric car, added solar
panels to
my home and like
Uniworld, banished plastic water bottles and focused on reducing single-use plastic. So you can
see, my family and I are committed to environmental sustainability. In 2020, I will be turning
to Inspiring Journeys’ and New Zealand to strengthen that dedication. New Zealand not only
has a
reputation as one of the most beautiful places on earth, but also for its own commitment to
sustaining that environment. In discovering Inspired Journeys, which offers small-group,
immersive journeys to remote locations there. I can’t wait to enjoy an authentic encounter
with
choice scenery, the freshest food, great wines and the nicest people. Preserving what is best
for others to enjoy is a journey everyone needs to go on.
6. Great Britain – I have read every book by English historical novelist
Philippa Gregory, am
utterly obsessed with television’s The Crown and yes, have watched every Royal wedding
since
Charles married Diana. So I am very excited to live out some of my royal fantasies this summer
on Luxury Gold’s British Royal itinerary. The nine-day coach trip takes you beyond the
usual
London stops to explore inner Britain, visiting castles and countryside, through storied stops
like Stonehenge, Bath and the Lake District.
7. Peru – The Peruvian Amazon was on my bucket list long before it became
Uniworld’s newest
destination. I cannot wait to explore the rich culture and diversity of landscapes on this
amazing 15-day adventure. Uniworld has enhanced the traditional Peruvian Amazon Experience by
adding a pre-extension in Lima and post-extension to Machu Picchu. It’s an opportunity to
experience the region and its natural beauty, while being pampered.
8. Stonehenge – My passion for historical fiction is especially piqued
when the
story is
intertwined with romance, a literary feat that author Diana Galbadon of Outlander fame does so
well. Her series of novels kicks off when the heroine Claire Randall, a WWII combat nurse,
wanders into a passage that transports her in time. The scene takes place at a fictional
prehistoric stone circle, but it is certainly inspired by Stonehenge. Now, I’m bent on
finding
that time warp. To make it so, I plan to turn to our partner Evan Evans, which offers fantastic
day tours that cover the Royals and historical fiction. If I don’t come back, look for me
in the
18th century.
9. Vietnam and Cambodia – These countries have called out me for a long
time,
and I know they
would be equally intriguing to my family. In fact, I’m thinking of surprising them with a
trip
over Christmas 2020 on Uniworld’s new Mekong Jewel. Replacing the Mekong
Navigator, it
is an all-suite Super Ship, built with sustainable, eco-friendly materials, but comprising
Uniworld’s usual luxurious appointments. It will be a treat to celebrate the end of the
year and
a chance to connect with my adult daughters and my husband, a child of the ‘60s who finds
it
ironic that Vietnam is now on his bucket list.
10. Venice – Even while I’ve visited it many times, Italy holds a
permanent top
place on my
travel bucket list, with its richness of history and beauty. Now Uniworld provides another
irresistible reason to go back, the launch of the new S.S. La Venezia in one of my
favorite Italian cities: Venice. Our newest Super Ship will not disappoint. It will have more
suites and more dining venues, as well as authentic luxurious finishes that bring the essence of
Italy onboard. Another reason to say “si” to this incredible place of art, culture,
food and
life. Ciao, bello!
I hope you enjoyed reading and are inspired to pack up and go on an incredible adventure in 2020!
March 28, 2019
UNIWORLD 2019 GLOBAL KICK-OFF
I just returned from our Uniworld 2019 Kick-Off meeting in Düsseldorf, Germany—our
annual event
that jumpstarts the sailing season. Our staff and crew joined together onboard the River
Duchess, River Princess, River Queen, S.S. Antoinette and U
River Cruises’ The A for
teambuilding activities, training, a refresh on safety procedures and to help familiarize each
other with what’s new across the different departments. The latter is a particularly fun
day
which has been dubbed “FAM Rotation Day,” which is designed to showcase each
department and
learn what they have in store for the upcoming cruise season. We all make rounds, touring each
ship present at kick-off, sampling the kitchen’s newest dishes, hearing from the
housekeeping
team, learning about the new onboarding program for our crew from human resources and much more.
This year, we also placed a special focus on our Travel Advisors, taking time to work on how we
can best communicate with the people that work to continually deliver their clients the most
impressive experience on the rivers. We were fortunate to have Arnie Weissmann, Editor in Chief
of Travel Weekly with us to get a behind the scenes experience—check out his story here.
70s-themed party onboard the S.S. Antoinette
Aside from informative trainings and meetings, we managed to have a great deal of fun as well.
On one night, the Sales Team hosted a “Get Your Groove On” 70s-themed party onboard
the S.S.
Antoinette.
Beetroot and Apple Crumble
A few nights later, we enjoyed a Chef’s Party in the Leopard Lounge and a special dinner
to
sample all the latest creations from our team of Uniworld chefs. I am not a vegetarian but
always love our vegetarian dishes on board and now I have a new favorite, beetroot and apple
crumble–it’s delicious. Our culinary team is stronger than ever and ready to deliver
fantastic
local dishes sourced from the regions we sail in along with the best selection of recipes from
our founder Bea Tollman.
The week culminated with a wonderful Blue & White Ball in a beautiful botanical garden
nearby.
It was a spectacular evening that celebrated the hard work and dedication of our staff and crew.
You have never felt so much love and excitement in a room as when the winners were announced.
Our Uniworld family knows how to celebrate the successes of their fellow teammates and they are
all so proud. Throughout the evening we cheered and celebrated 41 individuals; and there might
even be a few names you recognize from our frontline crew:
Global Kick-Off Award Ceremony
Bartender of the Year: Violets Sarbu
Butler of the Year: Marko Medic
Waiter of the Year: Vladimir Radenkovic
Sommelier of the Year: Nedko Nikolaev Nikolov
Concierge of the Year: Martin Jancovic
Well Being Coach of the Year: Dusko Vujasin
Purser of the Year: Marija Traikovska
Hotel Manager of the Year: Romica Ruse
Cruise Manager of the Year: Adrian Leggatt
Captain of the Year: Janos Varga
This was my third kick off meeting since joining Uniworld and I am already looking forward to
next year since it is the one time of the year that I get the opportunity to see the majority of
our crew all together. I only wish there was a way to bottle up all the energy, passion and
enthusiasm our crew has; that would be worth a fortune!
I am looking forward to the 2019 sailing season knowing I have the best team on and off the
ships, the most stunning fleet of ships and the full support from our owners to deliver the very
best to you. We look forward to welcoming you onboard.
Uniworld's Blue & White Ball
February 11, 2019
HOW DO YOU ELEVATE THE “#1 RIVER CRUISE LINE”?
It's hard to believe it's 2019 already. A new year always comes with high hopes, and here at
Uniworld, we're already rolling out some of our resolutions. Thanks to my amazing Uniworld team,
we're on track to deliver a menu of exciting advancements that will unfold over the next two
years. Get ready for a steady stream of new ships, new routes and splendid refurbishments to
debut through 2021.
Dynasty Dining Room on the Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer
We’re elevating the brand by offering onboard and onshore experiences that can’t be
found
anywhere else—and we’re doing it by constantly evolving. Because your tastes and
preferences are
always changing, we’re never stagnant. We’ve pledged to grow and change with you. It
started in
2017 with the launch of the fantastically French ship S.S. Joie de Vivre. We followed
up in 2018 on the Danube with the Austrian-themed S.S. Beatrice.
At the beginning of this year, we introduced our guests on China’s Yangtze River to the
lavish
and spacious Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer. The ship boasts the largest cabins and
suites in the region as well as an unparalleled 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio. In April, we will
unveil the transformation of the River Royale into the S.S. Bon Voyage. Her
new design highlights the region’s world-renowned wine and gastronomy. I’m excited
to taste for
myself and look forward to meeting some of you when I host the 2019 River Heritage Club Reunion
Cruise on the June 30, 2019 sailing of Brilliant Bordeaux.
Grande Suite on the Mekong Jewel
Even more excitement is in store for 2020, when four new Super Ships will join our fleet on the
heels of the S.S. Bon Voyage. Now more than ever, we’re
emphasizing what’s onboard and designing the ships to reflect their destinations in a way
you’ve never seen. By 2020, 60% of our ships will be Super Ships, redefining luxury along
the
world’s most legendary waterways with their enhanced dining venues, additional suites,
grand
staircases and average capacity of 130 guests.
In Vietnam and Cambodia, guests will sail onboard the newest ship on the Mekong, the Mekong
Jewel. Launching January 3, 2020, this dazzling new all-suite vessel will allow you to
experience Southeast Asia’s beauty in stunning fashion. In Egypt, we’ll be
introducing guests
to the newest ship on the Nile, S.S. Sphinx. She’ll launch in 2020 and will
transport you in style to countless bucket-list destinations. Portugal’s Douro River will
be
the home of the new S.S. São Gabriel. Launching in April 2020, this new vessel
will
replace the Queen Isabel, with onboard butler service and a higher staff-to-guest
ratio. Plus, all top-deck accommodations will be suites. Launching March 27, 2020, Italy’s
River Countess will become S.S. La Venezia, boasting a transformation inspired
by “The City of Water.”
Caracalla Spa in Baden-Baden
Also for 2020, we’re adding a brand-new itinerary, Rhine, Moselle & Blissful
Baden-Baden, where
guests will enjoy a myriad of wellness opportunities along the Moselle. As I write this
I’m
nursing a sore back, and a trip to the world-famous spa town of Baden-Baden sure sounds
inviting.
Nestled in the beautiful Black Forest, Baden-Baden has long drawn tourists to its mineral-rich
thermal waters. Established over 2,000 years ago as a destination for relaxation, the
city’s
thermal waters are known for their healing powers, which you can experience for yourself with a
trip to the Caracalla Spa and Sea Salt Grotto. I wish I could sign up for a relaxing massage
right now.
I invite you to see how we’re continuing to offer the most impressive experience on the
rivers,
this year and beyond.
September 6, 2018
THERE’S SO MUCH TO BE PROUD OF
Summer went by with a flash and it’s back to school time for my youngest daughter Abigail.
It’s her senior year of high school and I swear she was just starting kindergarten. Makes
you feel old, but at the same time incredibly proud.
My two years at the helm of Uniworld have flown by as well, and recently we’ve also had a
lot of reasons to be proud. Over the past few weeks the awards and recognition for Uniworld
have been pouring in.
Top European River Cruise Line in Cruise Critic’s Cruisers’ Choice Destination
Awards: View on Cruise Critic
The A from the U by Uniworld Fleet named one of TIME Magazine’s
World’s Greatest Places in 2018: View on TIME
I am so thrilled for the entire team to receive this well-deserved praise. It’s amazing
to think that we would have such thrilling news so soon after the debut of our newest Super
Ship, S.S. Beatrice, and the launch of our new brand, U by Uniworld In fact, we were so
overjoyed to see the jaw-dropping
transformation of S.S. Beatrice and our guests’ reactions to her new look in
April that we couldn’t wait another second to get to work on renovating another vessel.
In the coming months The River Royale will undergo extensive renovations and reemerge
as S.S. Bon Voyage in spring 2019. She’ll still be cruising
through France’s incomparable Bordeaux region when she is relaunched. S.S. Bon
Voyage
will be reimagined to capture the wine-making and gastronomic expertise of the region. From the
design scheme to the enhanced culinary experiences onboard, it will be a unique, delightfully
French experience, through and through. The S.S. Bon Voyage will be a one of a kind
experience just like all of the other ships across our fleet.
She’ll boast a redesigned top deck, added swimming pool and lounge area, and two new
dining venues: Le Café du Soleil and La Brasserie. The
casual Le Café du Soleil, which opens up onto the new pool, will serve lighter French
fares with a local spin. In the evening, the venue will transform into a bar and the setting
for intimate French cooking classes with the chef. La Brasserie, a bistro inspired by Bouillon
Pigalle in Paris, will be serving up delicious sharing plates reflecting local cuisine. The
main dining room, Le Grand Fromage, will also have its enhancements, including a chef
demonstration area and a private dining and wine tasting venue.
Plus, S.S. Bon Voyage will include four new luxury suites, marble bathrooms throughout
and the gorgeous yacht-like finish that you may know from the S.S. Joie de Vivre and the
S.S.
Beatrice. The one thing that will not be changing is our amazing crew. Our onboard
team lives by the motto “no request too large, no detail too small,” and I am so
proud of each and everyone one of them. They make the difference every day!
I can’t wait to see her and experience this amazing wine region. To secure my spot
onboard, I’ve arranged to host the 2019 River Heritage Club Reunion
Cruise,
which will take place on the June 30, 2019 sailing of Brilliant Bordeaux. I invite you to
reserve your spot on this exclusive cruise and join me and my family along with fellow River
Heritage Club members next summer.
My final great news, in a few days Uniworld will make our television debut as the founding
corporate underwriter of Amanpour & Co., a new nightly series on
PBS.
Amanpour & Co. features CNN’s Chief International Correspondent, Christiane Amanpour.
She’ll be presenting wide-ranging and in-depth conversations with various noteworthy
contributors including author, history professor and journalist Walter Isaacson, NPR host
Michel Martin, PBS NewsHour Weekend anchor Hari Sreenivasan and journalist and commentator
Alicia Menendez.
I had the opportunity to meet and have lunch with Christiane Amanpour. She is engaging, funny
and incredibly bright. In short: perfect for the Uniworld brand. Her travel experience is a
legacy of going everywhere as a renowned and trusted international correspondent for CNN. Tune
in on Monday night, September 10th at 10/9c on PBS (but be sure to check your local listings as
well).
Trust is very important to the Uniworld customer and that is why we chose to make our
television debut with PBS. As a brand and experience we are dedicated to the highest standards
of service. PBS delivers the same service for their audience with similar passion and respect.
PBS shared that their viewers are 48% more likely than non-viewers to take a cruise, 66% more
likely to take a foreign cruise, and 121% more likely to spend $8,000 or more on foreign
travel. They are curious, well-educated and affluent—that’s the PBS
audience—and it’s ours too.
Thank you for all your love and support of Uniworld.
June 28, 2018
A Great Summer Start
Hopefully, everyone’s summer is getting off to a great start. I know mine is, and
it’s largely because of the support of the great staff I have here at Uniworld. I’d
like to share a story that illustrates that.
While a big part of what Uniworld does is to carefully map out fascinating itineraries for our
guests to enjoy from beginning to end, unforeseen incidents occasionally throw us a curve that
sends us back to the charts to adjust our best laid plans.
One such unplanned “adventure” came just this week when we received word that a
cargo ship was involved in an accident in a lock near Weissenkirchen, Austria, on the Danube.
All boat traffic was temporarily blocked. While none of our ships were even in the area at the
time, it would soon affect two of them. The River Duchess, bound for Amsterdam, and
the River Princess, on her way to Budapest, were both on the Danube. Coming from
opposite ends of the river, they were scheduled to pass each other during their voyages.
However, with the lock out of commission for an undetermined amount of time, both ships were
headed for an impasse in Weissenkirchen.
While Weissenkirchen is a quaint 14th century town, named for its white church and surrounded by
vineyards, we didn’t think our guests would appreciate spending the bulk of their
vacations there. Luckily, quick thinking on the part of Ben Wirz, Head of Operations in Europe,
provided a brilliant alternative plan that saved the day. Since the ships are virtually
identical in design, he reasoned that they could swap passengers at the disabled lock and turn
around, allowing everyone to finish their planned routes—only on different vessels.
The plan was simple - the passengers on the River Duchess would leave with their
luggage to make a short bus trip around the lock and check into their corresponding cabins on
the River Princess. Then they would continue on to Amsterdam, almost as though nothing
had happened. The River Princess guests would do the same, transferring to the
River
Duchess to sail on to Budapest. Voila! Not only did we solve a complex problem, but
our guests got the chance to experience life onboard TWO different Uniworld
ships during their trip.
I am fortunate that Uniworld has so many employees who are clever enough to react nimbly to the
inconveniences (both major and minor) that from time to time arise on the river. Sometimes our
guests are aware of it. Sometimes their voyages continue on seamlessly. In a way, it’s a
reflection of our size. I believe that as a small, debt-free, family-owned company, our staff
feels a special connection to our guests and a sense of ownership to ensure that your vacation
is perfect. I know this is true from the beautiful letters I receive and the comments posted by
our guests on Feefo (a platform for collecting unedited comments and ratings from our
customers) that sing their praises. This positive attitude and genuine caring spirit is in our
DNA and makes us special.
At the same time, Uniworld also enjoys the travel expertise and support that comes from being
under the umbrella of The Travel Corporation, the 30 + brand tourism company that was founded
more than 50 years ago by Beatrice and Stanley Tollman. Providing excellence in travel
experiences has always been the goal throughout the corporation. Perhaps you are familiar with
some of these companies that provide family, individual and youth tours, luxury hotel
accommodations and safari adventures across six continents; brands like Brendan Vacations,
Contiki, Trafalgar and The Red Carnation Hotel Collection are just some of our amazing sister
brands. I’m thrilled that our past Uniworld guests are able to take advantage of a
past-passenger discount with any of our sister brands and of course on your next Uniworld
cruise.
Finally, I am very happy to announce that I am planning my next Uniworld experience on the
S.S.
Joie de Vivre on December 6th when I will be hosting a River Heritage Club Reunion
Cruise. It’s my chance to meet with more of our amazing guests, share in the Uniworld
experience together, and listen to the feedback our guests have on the services we offer. My
husband Jack and I are looking forward to connecting with our customers while enjoying Paris
and other enchanting French cities on the Seine during the holiday season.
One thing is for sure: we will be in great hands with our amazing staff looking after us. I hope
you will consider joining me on the incredible S.S. Joie de Vivre.
April 27, 2018
From Ship to Super Ship
I have witnessed the renovation of many a ship in my career, but the word we usually use to
describe it—refurbishment—hardly does justice to what just happened to the River
Beatrice. “Incredible transformation” was the term that rushed to my mind
when she debuted on April 4th as our newest Super Ship the S.S. Beatrice. From stem to
stern, she is more dazzling than ever.
You step aboard and are greeted by a grand staircase—the signature design element of all
our Super Ships—then quickly realize that, from its yacht-inspired décor to its
new dining and public spaces to its collection of fine art, you are experiencing a brand new
Beatrice.
The Super Ship designation is the one we reserve for the newest vessels in our fleet. Now with a
total of five, the growing category is taking the river cruising experience to the ultimate
level. River travel may have its size limitations—based on the size of the locks, the
ships can only be so long and so wide—but Uniworld has found a way to stretch the
boundaries. We do it, not by making the ships bigger, but by making them better.
The S.S. Beatrice is bright, modern and elegant and every detail is perfect. The new
visual motif is based on yacht-style blonde wood and touches of blue and white everywhere. The
lounge features sofas and chairs with hand-made upholstery, a parquet floor, upholstered
ceiling panels, solar shades and new USB ports allowing guests to charge their devices anywhere
they are sitting.
You are greeted by elegance right off the gangplank, just after you meet our security guard that
is (a standard on all our Uniworld ships). The lobby features a white Murano Chandelier with
blue shades, elegant mirrors and white marble floors. The grand staircase, fashioned from
nickel and iron, follows. Then you’ll start to notice the original artwork placed
throughout the ship–pieces by Pablo Picasso, Alexander Calder and Pino Signoretto.
To enhance the onboard culinary experience, we added two additional dining venues. Located at
the stern, Max’s is named for the Austrian-born composer Max Stein who wrote the scores
for Gone with the Wind, Little Women and King Kong. He was also the
first recipient of the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score, which he won for his score
for Life with Father and his wife’s name was Beatrice–what a coincidence!
Max’s offers intimate cooking classes led by the chef as well as the best reimagined
steak dinner on the rivers with gorgeous meat aged to perfection in our dry ager.
At the ship’s graceful new bow is the other dining addition: Schubert’s. It’s
an Austrian-styled café that offers lunch and afternoon refreshments. In the evening,
the wonderful locally-inspired menu starts off with a tempting shared plate and ends with Mrs.
Tollman’s famous Honeycomb Ice Cream. Of course, Mozart’s, the ship’s main
restaurant, and Wolgang’s, the bar and lounge, are always an option. (Are you starting to
recognize the Austrian composer theme here?)
And while we couldn’t make the ship any bigger, no one said we couldn’t add suites.
The S.S. Beatrice has two new Grand Suites (310 square feet) as well as an additional
Royal/Owner’s Suite (390 square feet). The staterooms are pretty amazing in themselves.
They all come with the usual lush, Uniworld appointments: marble bathrooms, ample storage
space, Savoir® of England beds draped in high-thread-count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and
European duvets, along with a menu of pillow options. Connecting rooms, ideal for friends and
families traveling together, have also been added.
Lest you get the idea that this Super Ship is only about onboard amenities, let me describe the
inaugural itinerary. The Highlights of Eastern Europe cruise is a 10-day trip beginning in
Budapest, Hungary, and ending in Bucharest, Romania. Before the journey begins you can explore
Budapest on one of our Do As the Locals Do excursions or by exclusive guided
Let’s
Go bicycle tour. In Croatia, you can see ajvar being made in the courtyard of a
monastery or visit the Vucedol Culture Museum followed by lunch at the Goldschmidt winery.
Belgrade offers a plethora of architectural styles – Gothic, Ottoman, baroque, art
noveau, modern high-rises as well the opportunity to explore the 19th century Residence of
Princess Ljuubica and tomb and memorial of Josip Broz Tito. When you get to Golubac, the Danube
presents more of its treasures, like the Iron Gates, an 83-mile stretch of scenic gorges cut
through mountains that offers dramatic and beautiful sights. In Vidin, drive through scenic
Bulgarian red rock country to Belogradchik and explore the astonishing rock formations nearby.
Rousse has the ruins and history of Veliko Tarnovo, perched on the hills above the Yantra
River. Finally, in Bucharest, there’s the chance to explore the opulent Ceausescu
Mansion, home of Romania’s infamous former leader, Nicolae Ceausescu. And that’s
just the beginning. This is an itinerary not to be missed!
In other exciting news, I’m already planning a cruise on another one of our newest Super
Ships. Beginning December 6th my husband Jack and I will be hosting a River Heritage Club
reunion cruise on the beautiful S.S. Joie de Vivre on our Parisian Royal Holiday
itinerary. Please come join us as we explore the Christmas markets of France and have some fun!
March 29, 2018
Uniworld 2018 Global Kick-Off
The minute I walked in the room I knew I was going to throw my diet overboard. Spread before me
in the dining room of the beautiful River Duchess was the most sumptuous banquet I’d ever
seen—or smelled.
At the beginning of March, I attended the annual Uniworld 2018 Kickoff event—our final
run-up to the beginning of the cruise season. Our crew members come together to hone their
skills and look at new ways to enhance the experiences of our guests. One of my favorite days
is our “FAM rotation day” designed so that employees can familiarize themselves
with what the other departments have in store. Everyone tours each section of the ship every
year. This day, the kitchen was showing off the bounty of food that they would soon be offering
our guests in the upcoming sailing season.
The room was filled with table after table of tempting dishes. Bernhard Zorn, our Culinary
Director, a Master Chef certified by the World’s Association of Chefs, with over 30 years
of experience, had outdone himself. New sinful selections like the chocolate hamburger and
scrumptious cupcakes along with some gorgeous healthy selections like the quinoa burger and the
cauliflower steak.
I could have filled up on that spread alone, but I needed to soldier through if I was going to
sample something from each tasting plate. There were new soups, local meats and an array of
cheeses. In addition, several delicious recipes were inspired by our guiding force at Uniworld,
Mrs. Beatrice Tollman, from her cookbook A Life in Food, a book I keep on hand in my home
kitchen.
Of course, every plate had a suggested wine pairing curated by our sommeliers, who choose from
only the finest wines sourced from renowned vineyards and regions our guests sail through.
Moreover, Uniworld (which is part of The Travel Corporation and owned by the Tollman family)
also serves the family’s vineyard—Bouchard Finlayson’s award-winning
wines—aboard every ship.
I made a mental note that after this I’d have to avoid the bar—tempting as it would
be. Not only are Uniworld’s onboard bars stocked with 11 vodkas, including Grey Goose and
Chopin, as well as 28 different whiskies and bourbons, each ship has a signature cocktail based
on ingredients sourced from the region it sails through. And if you’re not a spirits
person, you can enjoy unique lagers, ales and stouts crafted by small specialty brewers in
Europe.
It was just my luck that the last station I arrived at featured the Traveling Lite menu, our
selections for those interested in healthier, as well as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free
dining options. Why couldn’t I have found this first – it was all amazing! Anyway,
the point is you won’t go hungry onboard a Uniworld ship.
Lest you think Kickoff Week 2018 only showcased dining and drinking options, there was plenty
for me to experience as we reviewed procedures in every aspect of the Uniworld experience.
Many of our staff have worked with us for over a decade and 93% of our crew return to Uniworld
from one season to the next. We boast the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the industry, and
everyone is a consummate professional. Valentin Gradescu, our lead butler reviewed room
procedures and another one of our dignified butlers, Sandor Tomasek, went over phone etiquette
and communication to ensure they are always at the top of their game.
Of course, our butler program is another source of great pride for Uniworld and we recapped all
their duties onboard with everyone randomly involved. These professionals are educated under
the tutelage of Zita Langenstein, at England’s Ivor Spencer Butler School, adhering to
the same standards of excellence required by Buckingham Palace.
I’m a devoted fan of Downton Abbey, but here’s one thing I’ve never seen on
TV: the prospective butlers actually being trained by serving other experienced butlers. Who
better to guide them, I suppose?
There is one thing our butlers don’t do: venture into other positions. They assume the
role of butler 100% of the time. That way they can focus on delivering an exemplary experience
around the clock.
However, every team member onboard Uniworld from the housekeepers to the bartenders has a common
bond. They are all guided by the mantra: “No request too large, no detail too
small”
The week ended with an incredible celebration to thank the crew for all they do every day. It
was a beautiful event and an evening filled with love. All of us look forward to welcoming you
onboard this season.
January 26, 2018
Ushering in a new era of Uniworld
I hope everyone had a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year! It was a wonderful time to
reflect on just how much Uniworld has accomplished in the last year and prepare for all of the
momentous occasions we have in store for 2018. In the spirit of fresh starts and new things, I
wanted to take a moment to share a few of my resolutions for the coming year.
Get in shape.
I know, I know, that’s everyone’s New Year’s resolution. But at least when
I’m traveling to visit our ships I’ll be able to take advantage of our
well-equipped, onboard fitness centers. As well as riding a stationary bike, I might also
venture ashore on some of the many guided mobile bicycle excursions available. Hopefully I
won’t forget that all the galleys also serve delicious light fare alternatives for those
who do not want to indulge in the many dishes that are always tempting me.
Find time to relax.
Every hectic schedule should be balanced with some downtime. When I’m onboard I look to
the morning yoga sessions and the Serenity River Spa on our European voyages (when I want to
pair my meditation with real indulgence).
Pilot one of our Super Ships through a lock on the Seine.
Well, that one isn’t going to happen. It would violate too many waterway regulations
without my going to school and learning the ropes like our talented and dedicated crew.
Redecorate.
The family has finally settled into a new house since I relocated for my position at Uniworld.
And I’m itching to make some changes. Maybe I’ll consult with the Uniworld design
team that has managed to pack so many special touches into every ship of the line. Of course,
that might give my husband, Jack, heart failure.
Learn bartending.
My favorite cocktail to mix is a Bourbon Old Fashioned, but I hope to widen my horizons with
some of the specialty cocktails available onboard. Our experienced bartenders hold regular
seminars on how to fix them.
More family time.
All of us with a busy schedule hopes for quality time with their families. Mine includes my
teenager Abigail and college grad Grace, who is leaving the nest soon for her own apartment.
We’re already planning a voyage through Vietnam and Cambodia in December.
Try a meal I’ve never had.
I mean that figuratively as well as literally. 2017 was a year of many spectacular firsts and
has motivated me to continue experiencing those precious moments of discovery in 2018 and
beyond. From learning which dishes are guest-favorites onboard and what European UNESCO World
Heritage Sites are most popular, to discovering the history of Amsterdam’s famous
Rijksmuseum and why guests love certain destinations, there’s no greater feeling than
truly understanding why our guests return to Uniworld time and time again. In 2018, I’m
thrilled to continue delving into and experiencing the cultures of the magnificent places we
visit.
Get to know more of our guests, staff and crew on a personal level.
This is a never-ending endeavor. My first full year as President & CEO included a lot of
listening, learning and meeting new people, something I’ve particularly enjoyed.
I’ve had the pleasure of forming bonds with so many wonderful people in the Uniworld
family, hearing their stories and discovering what drives them to create the best possible
experiences for our guests. That spirit after all is an integral part of the Uniworld
experience. We pride ourselves on our dedicated and passionate team, whose commitment to
excellence and love for what they do stems from their relationships with guests. I’m
extremely grateful to be a part of such an incredible, supportive and spirited family who
inspire me to make everyone feel as welcomed and as accommodated as I’ve been.
A look at the year ahead
A lot of exciting things are coming to fruition in the next few months, and I’m so excited
to watch our planning and hard work brought to life for you to finally enjoy. On our April 4,
2018 sailing of Highlights
of Eastern Europe, the S.S. Beatrice will make her much-anticipated debut.
We’ve spent the last several months readying her for her maiden voyage, transforming the
River Beatrice into our magnificent fifth Super Ship. After going an extensive bow-to-stern
renovation, S.S. Beatrice will re-emerge with a fresh, sleek look and graceful bow,
redesigned lounge, an elegant grand staircase, two new Royal Suites, an additional
Owner’s Suite and several connecting rooms ideal for families traveling together. She
will truly rival her sister ship the S.S. Joie de Vivre. I invite you to experience the magic
of river cruising onboard our newest Super Ship, S.S. Beatrice, as she cruises along
Europe’s dazzling waterways on some of our most beloved itineraries.
2018 is an especially big year for U by
Uniworld. Its first open-to-the-public cruise aboard The A happens April 14.
Guests will be Rolling on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Frankfurt in a few shorts
months. They’ll discover one-of-a-kind experiences fit for any travel personality.
Adventurers can go blokarting on the beach in Haarlem, foodies can take a mouthwatering crash
course on Dutch cheese, history buffs can learn how Jewish people played a crucial role in the
city of Frankfurt’s success and night owls can follow a local expert on an exploration of
Amsterdam’s notorious Red Light District. With U, guests will find that there’s
truly something for everyone. And that’s just one of six phenomenal itineraries. After
the excitement surrounding U’s inaugural cruise in October, we’re eagerly awaiting
The A and The B to officially set sail and make their mark on the industry.
We can’t wait to welcome a whole new generation of guests to the world of river cruising.
With all that’s going on, I won’t have to search far for resolutions for next year.
What are your resolutions for 2018? If they involve new experiences, expanded horizons, or
revisiting a place you hold dear to your heart, we’d be honored to be a part of them.
Here’s to another year and another opportunity to full of accomplishments.
December 21, 2017
2017: The year our world got even bigger.
When I look back on 2017, I’m reminded of so many memories, many of which seem like they
were just last week. Time flies when you spend it well, there was never a shortage of exciting
moments. 2017 marked my first full year as President & CEO of Uniworld, making it all the
more memorable. I wasn’t the only one who thought so. This year Uniworld received several
recognitions from Cruise Critic, including the following 2017 Editors’ Picks
Awards in the River category. In the U.S. we were awarded
“Best
New River Ship” for S.S. Joie de Vivre and “Best
Service”, in Australia “Best River Cruise Line”,
and in the UK “Best River Cruise Line”, “Best River
Cruise Line for Luxury”, and “Best River Cruise Line for
Service”.
2017 came right out of the gate with a bright start, as we launched a new marketing campaign
titled The World Is Your Canvas. When I first stepped on a Uniworld ship years ago, it
was like nothing else I had ever experienced—one of a kind in every sense. It felt like I
was in a luxury boutique hotel, museum and five-star restaurant at the same time. Our The
World Is Your Canvas campaign was created to capture these artistic elements and
breathtaking moments that you’re bound to experience on your cruise and to share those
with past guests and Uniworld first-timers alike. So much of the amazing destination experience
is interwoven into what you’ll encounter onboard, from meals made with ingredients
sourced from just miles down the road, paired with local wines, to a ship design that draws
inspiration from the places you visit. The world is beautiful, our ships are spectacular and
your canvas is blank to build your perfect vacation.
Spring sprung in vibrant fashion at Uniworld, with the launch of a new Super Ship, S.S. Joie
de Vivre. From the very beginning, S.S. Joie de Vivre was a labor of love and
passion, all of which is very apparent the moment you step onboard. I don’t know how Toni
Tollman and the Uniworld design team manage to repeatedly outdo themselves with each new ship
build, but they did and the S.S. Joie de Vivre is stunning through and through. The
design, reminiscent of 20th-century Paris, is both classic and innovative—just wait until
you see the pool in Club L’Esprit transform into Claude’s supper club in the
evening. Amid all the Tiny Noticeable Touches and astonishing features, one of my
favorite activities onboard is to simply sit in Le Salon Toulouse and look out the
window, with a perfect view of the Eiffel Tower. “The joy of living” shines through
every aspect of the ship, and if you didn’t get a chance to cruise with her in 2017,
I’d love to invite you to do so next year.
S.S. Joie de Vivre wasn’t the only reason to get excited this year. We also
announced the launch of U by Uniworld, our groundbreaking and innovative endeavor to
share the love of river cruising with a new generation—21-45 year olds, specifically. In
October, we hosted an inaugural cruise from Paris to Paris, bringing social media influencers,
travel agents and a few lucky guests onboard. To say it was fun doesn’t even scratch the
surface. There was brunch on a double-decker bus, kayak excursions, a silent disco, a pajama
party and so much delicious food. The ship design was equally as impressive. The all-black hull
of The B couldn’t help but attract some stares as we sailed down the Seine
River. Onboard, the design feels sexy, modern and inviting. It’s a boutique hotel in and
of itself, and incorporates design elements that appeal to our 20- to 40-something guests. 2017
was just the beginning for U, as the first open-to-the-public cruises will set sail in
spring of 2018.
This past summer, I had the pleasure of traveling with my husband Jack on our Gems of
Northern Italy sailing, as part of my President’s Voyage. This itinerary is not
our typical sailing. Instead of cruising down a river, our River Countess cruises up
and down the Venice lagoon, docking at different areas of the island and allowing you to
explore this unique Italian gem in depth. It’s truly a floating boutique hotel. You step
right off the ship and you’re in the heart of Venice each day—it couldn’t be
more convenient. For us, it was the perfect pace of having multiple excursions and activities
to choose from each day, while leaving time to relax and enjoy each other’s company. If
you’ve cruised with us on a more traditional itinerary and are looking for something a
bit different, I strongly recommend this sailing.
What a year 2017 has been. One of the many aspects that drew me into Uniworld was The Travel
Corporation’s family-focused approach to running the many companies in their portfolio.
In my first full year, I feel so fortunate to be able to work alongside Brett Tollman and the
entire Tollman family to continually take Uniworld to new heights. The Tollmans’ passion
for travel and their dedication to creating the best experiences for our guests are contagious,
and drive our entire team to push the envelope day in and day out.
It will be hard to top 2017, but given some exciting announcements we have in the works, 2018
will keep the momentum going. I wish you all a happy new year and the opportunity to color your
canvas however you choose.
