Uniworld's Joie de Vivre Christened in Paris By Joan Collins

This week, Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection celebrated the introduction of its new riverboat: the S.S. Joie de Vivre Super Ship.

The vessel was christened in Paris by Godmother, Dame Joan Collins, and has since set sail on its inaugural Paris & Normandy itinerary along the Seine River.

“We are delighted to welcome the S.S. Joie de Vivre to our impeccable fleet of floating boutique luxury hotels, as the first of Uniworld’s Super Ships to sail the renowned Seine River,” said Ellen Bettridge, President & CEO of Uniworld, in a press release.

“Our company has brought travelers to France for more than 70 years and we are thrilled to introduce a new, enticing way to experience the country. Godmother Dame Joan epitomizes the same ‘joy of living’ philosophy embodied by the S.S. Joie de Vivre, and we are honored to have had her christen the ship before its inaugural journey.”

The S.S. Joie de Vivre measures in at 125 meters long, shorter than the common 135 meters so as to more conveniently dock in central Paris, closer to the Eiffel Tower. Even with its smaller size, the 128-guest vessel still features two Royal Suites, eight Junior Suites and 54 staterooms.

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The ship’s decor is designed by the team at sister brand Red Carnation Hotels and takes its inspiration from the 20th-century Paris-influenced Golden Twenties all the way to the Sixties. Still, amenities are all modern.

Venues include the Club L’Esprit spa and fitness center, as well as its massage and beauty treatments. Yoga classes and aquatic fitness are available, and the L’Esprit Bar serves smoothies as well. There’s also a convertible pool with a hydraulic floor that changes into Claude’s French Supper Club experience by night for tapas, cocktails and live music. On some evenings, French films are presented here as well.

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Other fine dining and regional wines can be had at Restaurant Le Pigalle, Salon Toulouse and Le Bistrot. Meanwhile, Le Cave des Vins prepares exclusive seven-course meals.

The S.S. Joie de Vivre will sail from April 2 to December 27 in 2017 for all-inclusive Uniworld, which also sails to Russia, China, India, Egypt, Vietnam and Cambodia in addition to Europe along 22 rivers in 26 total countries.

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