Uniworld takes its time designing and building each new ship, launching one every couple of years. I’ve been lucky enough to sail on five of the fleet, and the SS Catherine is my new favourite. Some people find Uniworld’s elegance to be over the top, but I like the décor. The decadence is pure escapism, and totally different to the modern trend for minimalist, stark design.
Check out this tiled mosaic in the swimming pool room, which is INSIDE the Leopard Lounge! I wonder if this crazy adjacency will lead to a wild pool party one night?? Probably not. Too classy.
The company likes a jungle theme – a nod to the founders’ South African origins. This is the bar of the Leopard Lounge.
In the lobby, guests are greeted by a life-size antique glass horse.
And hanging overhead is one of the wackiest chandeliers you’ll ever see – made up of more green glass horses.
This fireplace (not real fire, by the way) is a new feature in the Cezanne Lounge.
The Matisse Terrace is a lovely spot, pictured here with a view of Lyon.
A glass elevator, surrounded by ferns, which are placed all around the ship to bring a fresh, garden feel indoors.
The concierge desk and glass walls (with handmade glass trim) which dominate the central area.
Last word to John Molinaro, Uniworld’s Australian/NZ general manager:
“Catherine is unequivocally the most beautiful ship on the waterways of France.”
Totally unbiased, John! But I have to agree.