Uniworld | CEO, Ellen Bettridge: A Floating Boutique Hotel, Lifelong Friendships, and Bucket List Destinations

Our guest today is Ellen Bettridge, President and Global CEO of Uniworld River Cruises. Uniworld has 1200 employees and 21 ships and counting - and it's also the first cruise line to be featured on our show. But In my opinion, sailing with Uniworld is more like being in a floating boutique hotel than being on a cruise line. While the average ocean cruise takes 5,000 passengers - Uniworld ships clock in at about 120! After you unpack and relax into one of the finest made beds in the world, you can watch the world by by from the top deck with a drink in hand, have a chef prepared dinner of locally sourced food and plan for the next day. Depending on where you're sailing your choices will range from hiking and biking, to private history or museum tours, to wine tasting with a wine maker and more. Ellen herself is a truly involved leader - though she's held top exec positions across the cruise industry, she told me off air that she still keeps letters from guests in her desk and sails with repeat customers every year. We discuss everything from the private art collection on board each ship, to new destinations, to the lemon chicken recipe that is Ellen's favorite. If you've ever been curious about river cruising - you'll love hearing all this detail.  Looking to book a luxury hotel? Get special perks and support the podcast by booking here: https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sarahgroen/travel/luxury-hotels If you want our expert guidance and help planning a luxury trip with experiences you can't find online, tell us more here and we'll reach out: https://bellandblytravel.com/book-a-trip/    See photos, show notes, and listener perks  HERE.   Connect with me on Social: Instagram LinkedIn