River ship review: the SS Joie de Vivre

The SS Joie de Vivre, Uniworld’s latest offering, is the first super ship built at 125 metres, as opposed to the standard 135. As such, it’s able to slip through France’s winding channels to dock at moorings that are simply too small for other ships. It can even get right into the heart of Paris on the Seine River. Indeed, as its name suggests, the Joie de Vivre is a love song to the French good life, exemplified by its 20th-century Parisian design. As is Uniworld’s dynamic signature, expect to be transported back to the Golden Twenties with handcrafted furniture, fine antiques and original artwork. It’s a complete package too, with everything from the wine collection and supper club to the spa and farm-to-table cuisine enjoying a decidedly Gallic influence.

Suites

Given its bijou sensibilities, the Joie de Vivre features just 64 staterooms and suites, fostering a palpably intimate atmosphere. And, the colourful exuberance is invited…