The French are known for their love of the finer things in life - gourmet food, vintage wines and stylish fashions.
Come 2017 a new Uniworld ship, the S.S. Joie de Vivre, will grace the waters of the Seine, bringing all these fabulously French characteristics to life.
“We are so excited to be launching our newest boutique river cruiser to sail Northern France next year,” said Lieria Boshoff, brand manager for Uniworld, “she is currently being built but when she is commissioned she will be the finest floating hotel to sail the Seine”.
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.
Uniworld's newest ship will feature a collection of fine art and antiques curated from auction houses, such as Sotheby's and Christies, as well as private collections in the Salon. And lovers of film are in for a real treat as the ship will boast an onboard cinema, complete with a surrounding pool and hydraulic floor, which can turn into a dance floor or outdoor cinema at night.
No cruise through France would be complete without gastronomic feasts and superb wine. Guests onboard the S.S. Joie de Vivre will delight in gourmet food, specially prepared with local ingredients by the culinary staff. And not to be outdone, the ship will also sport a vinoteque for private dining and wine-pairing dinners.
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. Guests on this cruise will enjoy travelling back in time on a journey steeped in history.
Joan of Arc, Monet's garden and the iconic beaches of Normandy are three highlights to be discovered during the cruise. While lovers of good food will enjoy a visit to La Couronne restaurant where Julia Child had her first French meal sparking a life-long love affair with this cuisine. This cruise begins and ends in the City of Love - Paris.
Uniworld currently offers seven distinct cruises through France in response to South African traveller's appetite for the destination. The French cruises take in six of the major rivers and each cruise highlights a characteristic specific to the region.
For example the Burgundy & Provence cruise pays homage to the artistic roots of Cezanne, Van Gogh and Gauguin, the historical importance of the Roman empire and the superb food and wine that the region is known for.
The Bordeaux, Vineyards & Chateaux cruise has a particular focus on wine and indulges oenophiles and their love of the grape as they journey through one of the world's most acclaimed wine regions.
Couples can save up to R8000 by paying the deposit at time of booking (valid until February 29), on Uniworld's value-packed all-inclusive cruises.
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.
For more details, please visit uniworld.com. Join Uniworld's social media community at facebook.com/uniworldrivercruises or twitter.com/uniworldcruises using the hashtag #ExploreUniworld.
Adapted from a press release for IOL