Uniworld N e w s
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Uniworld Elevates Luxury River Cruising in Asia with All-Suite Ships and Five-Star Hotels
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection ( www . uniworld . com ), the world ’ s authentic boutique cruise line , recently released their 2017 Asia Cruises and Tours in India , China , Cambodia and Vietnam . The collection features five expertly crafted itineraries designed to take travelers on epic journeys through these exotic lands . Must-see treasures — India ’ s Taj Mahal , China ’ s Great Wall and Cambodia ’ s Angkor Wat — as well as hidden gems that only the rivers can reveal come to life in small group excursions led by expert guides . Exploring ancient wonders by day and enjoying unsurpassed luxury at night , onboard elegantly appointed all-suite ships with exclusive VIP benefits and onshore at fivestar hotels , ensures traveling with Uniworld is the ultimate way to experience Asia .
“ When people travel with Uniworld , they can be assured a seamless luxury experience from land to river ,” said Guy Young , president of Uniworld . “ We made the decision for 2017 to use only all-suite ships in Asia . In Vietnam and Cambodia , we ’ re introducing the all-suite Mekong Navigator ; in China , we are providing magnificent Executive Suites on the Century Legend ; and in India , we ’ re sailing the newly inaugurated all-suite Ganges Voyager II . Each ship offers the highest standards of excellence in these regions .”
Uniworld ’ s 15-day “ Timeless Wonders of Vietnam , Cambodia & the Mekong ” presents a deep exploration of two worlds joined by one river . Uniworld will introduce the 68-passenger , all-suite Mekong Navigator in 2017 . Fashioned in the spirit of the French Colonial-era manor homes that once lined the streets of Old Saigon , this is the most luxurious ship sailing the Mekong . Accommodations onshore include the Park Hyatt Saigon and the Victoria Angkor Resort & Spa , Siem Reap . Uncover the tale of these two countries starting in Vietnam ’ s Ho Chi Minh City , capital of the past , and ending in Hanoi , capital of the present . In between these two iconic cities lies Cambodia ’ s Phnom Penh and Siem Reap — gateway to the UNESCO-designated Angkor Wat — along with an abundance of authentic and immersive encounters with locals .
Time travel in grand style through the land of the dragon , China , onboard the Century Legend , with Executive Suites measuring 415 sq . ft ., and onshore at world-renowned properties such as the Ritz Carlton Beijing and the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai . Uniworld offers 11-day “ Highlights of China & the Yangtze ”; 14-day “ China , Tibet & the Yangtze ”; and 18-day “ Grand China & the Yangtze .” Excursions range from the man-made marvels — Great Wall , Xi ’ an ’ s Terra Cotta Warriors , the Forbidden City and Tibet ’ s Potala Palace — to its natural wonders — the Yangtze Three Gorges , Guilin ’ s Reed Flute Caves and Hangzhou ’ s Westlake .
Uniworld ’ s13-day “ India ’ s Golden Triangle & the Sacred Ganges ” includes five nights onshore at three award-winning Oberoi Hotels & Resorts in Agra , Jaipur and New Delhi , and seven nights onboard the newly launched 56-passenger allsuite ship Ganges Voyager II . Highlights include : the Taj Mahal ; Jaipur ’ s City Palace ; New Delhi ’ s Humayun ’ s Tomb ; Gandhi ’ s black granite memorial and Mother Teresa ’ s tomb ; India ’ s “ Temple City ,” Kalna ; and the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium .
Vive La France — Uniworld Announces New Super Ship , Joie de Vivre , in France
In early 2017 , Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection will introduce their new masterpiece , the one-of-a-kind Super Ship , S . S . Joie de Vivre , sailing along France ’ s historic Seine River .
“ We are extremely proud to launch the S . S . Joie de Vivre in Northern France in March 2017 ,” said Guy Young , President , Uniworld . “ Uniworld was one of the very first river cruise companies to sail the rivers of France , and our parent company , The Travel Corporation , has been bringing travellers from all over the world to this amazing country for over 70 years as this has been one of our most popular destinations , so our commitment to France is unwavering .”
Aptly named S . S . Joie de Vivre , Uniworld ’ s new ship will reflect the French “ joy of living ” philosophy and their profound appreciation for food , wine , art and music . Everything from the ship ’ s décor and design to farm-to-table cuisine and superb local wines will be on full display for guests to enjoy . The design team from Uniworld ’ s sister company , Red Carnation Hotels , will once again bring their creative talents to the S . S . Joie de Vivre , designing another ship as majestic as the destination itself . French inspired handcrafted furniture with rich fabrics , antiques , art , gilded and wrought-iron accents will blend in perfect harmony with modern-day conveniences .
The S . S . Joie de Vivre ’ s Salon de Beaux-Arts lounge will feature a collection of fine art and antiques curated from auction houses , such as Sotheby ’ s and Christies , as well as private collections . The Le Club l ’ Esprit comes complete with a cinema and a surrounding pool with a hydraulic floor , which can turn into a dance floor or outdoor cinema at night . Dining venues include Le Restaurant Pigalle and La Cave de Vins , a vinoteque for private dining and wine-pairing dinners .
The Joie de Vivre features two Royal Suites , eight Junior Suites , and 54 staterooms for a capacity of no more than 128 guests . Each suite will be designed with its own signature style and feature enhanced amenities and services , including butlers trained to the same exacting standard as Buckingham Palace . All suites and staterooms have custom-made-to-order Savoir of England beds with unique headboards of various designs and marble bathrooms in various colour-schemes . “ This will be the most beautiful ship sailing the Seine and will provide every possible comfort for our guests ,” says Young . The S . S . Joie de Vivre will sail Uniworld ’ s popular “ Paris & Normandy ” itinerary , and when in Paris , will dock in the heart of the city . “ We made the decision to build a 125 metre ship instead of 135 metres , so she can dock conveniently in the heart of Paris ,” furthers Young .
Cruises include scheduled airport transfers ; all gratuities onboard and onshore ; port charges ; all meals with unlimited beverages including , incredible local wines , craft beers , premium spirits , such as Grey Goose and Glenfiddich ; daily guided shore excursions with options to personalize ; in-suite butler service ; concierge services ; 24-hour room service ; and Wi-Fi
Canadian World Traveller / Fall 2016