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Enter the gorgeous two-story lobby of Uniworld‘s new River Beatrice, and your stage is set for the unfolding of your pleasure-filled river cruise along Europe’s enchanting Danube. One only has to gaze at their surroundings throughout the lobby and the entire ship to fully understand that Uniworld spared no expense in creating the ultra-luxurious River Beatrice – embodying grace, beauty, refinement, and comfort.
Throughout the ship, you will see a collection of carefully selected original art-sketches in black and white, color Lithographs, and oil on canvas paintings from a range of great artists, including Marc Chagall, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, B. Rabier, Georges Goursat,"Sem," James Seymour, and Paul Maze. These works of art come from various places – personal collections and London’s famous auction houses, such as Christies and Sotheby’s. Not only is the River Beatrice a floating hotel, she’s a floating museum!
Equally impressive is the innovative interior design of the ship with a mix of patterns, eye-pleasing colors, and plush materials complemented by the fine original artwork on display. Mrs. Beatrice Tollman, Godmother and namesake of the River Beatrice, and President of Uniworld’s sister company, Red Carnation Hotels – a collection of award-winning, luxury boutique hotels-along with her lead designers for Red Carnation Hotels, her daughter Toni and Brian Brennan, personally oversaw every aspect of the ship’s interior design, decor and art selection, and infused the same thoughtful signature touches that they masterfully create when decorating both the Red Carnation Hotels and all of Uniworld’s company-owned ships.
The lobby is adorned with the very finest Italian-grade marble floor in brown, maroon, and cream marfil, hand-crafted solid wood panels with antique beveled mirror insets, and a grand chandelier, handmade by Vecchia Murano of Venice, Italy. The main lounge, the Captain’s lounge, and the restaurant further reflect their attention to detail and their passion for creating an atmosphere of pure elegance and comfort. Custom-made carpets, silk taffeta window treatments, mahogany wood paneled walls, Julian Chichester classically inspired English furnishings, including deep red-velvet Mohair Berger chairs and library sofas, and beautiful coffee table books on many subjects -are just a few of the many signature touches you will find in the ship’s public areas.
The luxurious staterooms, 80% have French balconies; more junior suites than any comparable ship; and a spectacular owner’s suite provide the ideal sanctuary for a restful night’s retreat. All staterooms and suites have made-to-order English Savoir beds (designed originally for the Savoy and Claridges Hotels in London, and now used in all Red Carnation Hotels and onboard some Uniworld’s ships too) draped in the finest and highest thread count Egyptian combed-cotton linens, cashmere/wool blankets, and European duvets.
The different categories of staterooms and suites have been designed to offer a unique style with three different color schemes – with the walls upholstered in golden silk taffeta, turquoise silk taffeta, or in grey silk taffeta with a woven leaf and vine design in cream. Each stateroom provides the ultimate in comfort, coupled with original hand-selected art. Additionally, all bathrooms have floor to ceiling marble-either snow-white Thassos marble, or white and grey Carrera marble-and all have added amenities, including L’Occitane bath products, thick towels from Christies of Manchester – the oldest towel maker in Europe – and cozy bathrobes.
And for those guests who wish to be enveloped in pure indulgence, the one-of-a-kind owner’s suite will fit the order perfectly. Custom-made carpet in vine and leaf design in chocolate brown, cream and white; an antique Italian gilt headboard, circa 1800 -restored to its former glory and upholstered in cream Mohair velvet; wall upholstery and curtains in golden silk taffeta; Brunswig and Fils chairs from the 1930’s; a sunburst mirror from a London auction house; an entertainment system with sub woofer DVD and surround sound; two flat-screen TV’s with satellite channels in the sleeping area and one in the bathroom; and art by the 20th-century English Impressionist Paul Maze. Of course, not to forget is the equally splendid bathroom with floor-to-ceiling AAA snow white Thassos marble custom cut, a separate rain shower and bath tub, a secluded toilet and bidet area, and towel warmer.
"We know the River Beatrice will offer an exceptional, unrivaled river cruise experience for our guests who want to enjoy the best sights in Europe in world-class comfort," said Guy Young, President of Uniworld. "With the addition of the River Beatrice to the Uniworld fleet, we have been able to further expand our product offering with even more cruises through this inspirational and historically rich region," adds Young. The ultimate intimacy and luxury of this unparalleled ship makes it perfect for couples traveling alone, for a group wedding or incentive group, honeymooners and more.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
