Joy of Living

Christened in Paris this March, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection’s newest ship, the ultra-stylish Joie de Vivre, offers your clients an authentic French experience that reflects the translation of its name – “joy of living.”

Simply put, Joie de Vivre is an ultra-stylish ship that oozes trademark Gallic charm. The vessel is appointed with rich fabrics, French handcrafted furniture and antiques handpicked by the design team from Uniworld sister company Red Carnation Hotels. A sister to the line’s three Super Ships, the 128-passenger vessel is 410 feet long, enabling it to dock in the heart of Paris within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower.

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The vessel also boasts an array of firsts for the line, including a new show kitchen and chef’s table for private gourmet dining. Le Club l’Esprit is a multi-purpose venue whose pool is covered by a hydraulic floor at night, transforming into a dance venue and cinema.

Fanciest and Most Common Accommodations: Joie de Vivre has 64 suites and staterooms, all with French balconies, the majority of which measure 180 square feet.

The 10 suites, located on the upper deck, include eight measuring 258 square feet and a pair of two-room 410-square-foot Royal Suites. All accommodations feature super-comfortable Savoir of England beds, TVs set in the mirrors, bathrooms with heated floors and towel rails, robes and slippers. Amenities in the staterooms include L’Occitane products; the suites have products by Hermès.

What’s Included: Fares cover meals, wine with lunch and dinner, open bar, Wi-Fi, excursions, entrance fees, local transfers and all gratuities aboard and onshore.

What’s for Dinner? With French executive chef Frédéric Roland at the helm, the vessel’s cuisine is nothing short of sublime. Guests can dine in the main restaurant at any time between 7 and 9:30 p.m.

Other dining venues include Le Bistrot, which resembles a Parisian café with its red-and-white-checked tablecloths and menu of classic French dishes such as cassoulet and coq au vin. New to Uniworld is La Cave du Vin, an interactive dining experience priced at approximately $105 where guests learn to create a five-course meal paired with fine wines. Guests also have the opportunity to lunch at Rouen’s La Couronne, the restaurant where Julia Child fell in love with French cuisine.

Best Entertainment: As is the case with most river cruises, evening entertainment is low-key. A pianist plays classical and easy listening music at teatime and in the lounge during cocktail hour. Visiting singers entertain in the lounge and at Claude’s, an aft public area. During the day, passengers can join guided biking excursions or make use of onboard bikes for more solitary pursuits.

Best Spot for a Cocktail: The small, sheltered terrace that fronts Le Bistrot is an idyllic spot to look out over the bow of the ship – and cozy rugs are placed on the chairs if it gets a little chilly.

Favorite Excursion: Uniworld shore excursions offer far more than traditional city walks and motorcoach outings. On the “Paris & Normandy” itinerary, for instance, guests visit Normandy’s magnificent 17th-century Chateau de Champ de Bataille, which is believed to have the largest private garden in France. It has been transformed by its current owner, Jacques Garcia, who is responsible for the interior design of such hotels as NoMad in New York.

Other noteworthy excursions include visits to Versailles, Monet’s garden at Giverny and American World War II landing beaches in Normandy.

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Who Goes on This Ship? The vessel appeals to seasoned cruisers in the 50-plus age range. The guest complement primarily comprises North Americans and also includes a smattering of Brits, Australians, South Africans and other English-speaking travelers.

Insider Booking Tip: The upper-deck suites feature dedicated butler service—butlers do not double up with other responsibilities—as well as complimentary laundry service and a fully stocked minibar replenished daily.

Key Selling Points: With 128 passengers and 52 crew members, Joie de Vivre offers a very upscale and personalized experience, with wait staff quickly getting to know guests’ names and favorite cocktails.

It is a one-of-a-kind ship that will appeal to clients who want to immerse themselves in the culture and cuisine of France both aboard and ashore. In addition to 24-hour room service, Joie de Vivre offers five distinct dining options, which is unprecedented for a river vessel of its size.