1st River Cruise Ship to Offer Wi-Fi

Uniworld Unveils New Ship - River Royale

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

LOS ANGELES
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, contact Lighthouse Travel at 800-719-9917.

Ship image link: Photo