Uniworld’s newest Super Ship, the S.S. Joie de Vivre, set sail on its maiden voyage along the historic Seine River on March 27th. The inaugural events included a christening ceremony in Paris led by the ship’s Godmother, Dame Joan Collins. Following the event, the S.S. Joie de Vivre embarked on its journey through Northern France along Uniworld’s Paris & Normandy itinerary, with unique programming in celebration of the highly anticipated launch.
“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. “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.”
With a length of 125 meters, rather than the typical 135 meters, the S.S. Joie de Vivre can dock in the heart of Paris in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. The ship has two Royal Suites, eight Junior Suites, and 54 staterooms for a maximum capacity of 128 guests. Sailings on the S.S. Joie de Vivre in 2017 run from April 2 to December 27.
Red Carnation Hotels has decorated the S.S. Joie de Vivre with bright, colorful and classic design and décor inspired by 20th-century Parisian influence.
Farm-to-table cuisine and local wines are on display throughout the ship’s culinary venues, including Restaurant Le Pigalle, Salon Toulouse and Le Bistrot. Le Cave des Vins is an intimate venue for an exclusive hands-on dining experience. Guests select fresh ingredients and prepare a seven-course meal with the ship’s onboard chefs, with French wine pairings from the sommelier.
Passengers are invited to relax at Club L’Esprit, the onboard spa and wellness venue. Club L’Esprit offers massage therapies and beauty treatments, as well as a fitness center. Yoga sessions and aquatic fitness classes are also offered daily and smoothies are served in the L’Esprit Bar.
A pool with a hydraulic floor transforms the space from day to night for guest entertainment. By night the venue becomes Claude’s and offers an authentic French Supper Club experience. For a few nights throughout the duration of the journey, Claude’s presents classic French cinema under the stars.
The S.S. Joie De Vivre joins the Uniworld fleet which features all-inclusive itineraries in Europe, as well as voyages in Russia, China, India, Egypt, Vietnam and Cambodia – a total of 22 rivers in 26 countries worldwide.
