Uniworld Unveils New Ship!

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Uniworld Unveils New Ship - River Royale

Only River Cruise Ship to Offer Wi-Fi and Internet Access

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 17
Uniworld, the premier river cruise and tour operator, announced today
it will launch a new ship, the River Royale, and new 2006 itineraries
for its popular river sailings in France. River Royale will be the
first river cruise ship anywhere to provide Wi-Fi and internet access
with email and satellite ship-to-shore calling. Costs will be
comparable to those in any internet cafe or long distance cellular
provider.

"River Royale will be the flagship of our expanding fleet, embodying
innovation and technological advances that will set a new standard in
the river cruise industry, said Scott Franey, vice president,
marketing, for Uniworld. "The ability to offer these kinds of
advancements on the river will allow us to attract an even broader
clientele, including those who require an efficient way to stay
connected even while on vacation," he added.

Among the additional technological advances is a hydraulic system that
allows the bridge and the top deck railings to be efficiently lowered
for passage under the historic and low-span bridges of the Rhone and
Saone rivers.

Built at the Vahali Shipyard in Holland, the ship is 460 feet (110m)
in length and 37.5 feet (11.40m) wide. It will have one suite of
approx. 247 square feet, and 64 staterooms between 155-162 square feet
-- most with large floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. The
132-passenger vessel will join Uniworld's premium fleet of 18 ships
which the company owns and/or markets in Europe, Russia, China, and
Egypt. River Royale amenities include flat-screen TV's, spacious and
luxuriously decorated public areas, an onboard spa and exercise area,
and deck marquees providing ample shade against the sun.

The interiors will be French provincial in design and each deck will
be tastefully themed with a French-styled motif. One of the most
distinctive aspects of the ship will be the extensive use of walnut
paneling and various marbles and decorative finishes throughout the
ship, including white Thasos marble in the well-appointed bathrooms.

The 2006 program will focus on the regions of Provence and Burgundy
known for artisans, fine cuisine and wines. "We are confident this
itinerary with its rich historical past, world-class cuisine and
famous wines will be among our most popular offerings. The "good life"
aboard River Royale will mirror the region itself, steeped in the
flavors, colors and style that make this one of the most treasured
journeys for experienced travelers," said Franey.

Uniworld's River Royale will offer an itinerary that give French
connoisseur's an overview of the region, dipping in and out of areas
made famous by Peter Mayle's A Year In Provence. The ship sails along
the Rhone and Saone rivers from the cultural and historical city of
Lyon, making port calls in Chalon, Macon, Tournon/Tain l'Hermitage,
Viviers, Avignon, and Arles. Along the way, guests will see
contrasting terrain of plummeting gorges, salt flats, lavenders fields
and sun-drenched vineyards.

Among the many highlights of these sailings will be Cote du Rhone wine
tastings; dinner at L'Abbaye des Collonges, Paul Bocuse's famed
restaurant; chocolate sampling at L'Ecole du Grand Chocolat de
Valrhona, the renown school that adjoins the famous Valrhona chocolate
factory; and tours through the villages and regions forever captured
in the paintings of Van Gogh, Gauguin and Cezanne.

Onboard River Royale, both Provencal and American cuisine will be
featured and paired with memorable private reserve wines from the
region.

Inaugural season pricing for the seven-night sailings begins at $2,748
per person, double occupancy, including air from New York with
attractive add-ons from cities throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Departures begin April 12 and run through Nov. 1, 2006. Pre-and
post-trips include three-night visits to Paris or the French Riviera
for an additional $898 per person, double occupancy.

Los Angeles-based Uniworld, North America's premier river cruise
company, features custom-designed ships for the experienced traveler,
expertly planned itineraries, and an all English speaking staff. It
offers 500 departures on more than 30 itineraries sailing on 12 rivers
in 17 countries across four continents. For reservations and more
information on these exclusive offers, see your Preferred Travel
Professional.