Delray Beach, FL, March 14, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will inaugurate their newest ship, the Queen Isabel, in Porto, Portugal on March 22, 2013. Uniworld named the ship Queen Isabel after one of Portugal's most beloved queens from the late 13th - 14th century, and she will be christened by one of Hollywood's leading actresses, Andie MacDowell. MacDowell's many hits include the Academy Award nominated "Four Weddings and a Funeral," "Sex, Lies and Videotapes," and "Groundhog Day." MacDowell has also been a top spokes model and the face of L'Oreal for over 25 years.
Uniworld has enjoyed great success in this region and was the first North American river cruise company to pioneer Portugal and Spain's UNESCO World Heritage Douro River Valley. "Uniworld has launched a number of ships over the years here, but Queen Isabel will have a more classic style and timeless elegance similar to Uniworld's other ships in Europe, which are all uniquely designed and decorated," states Guy Young, President of Uniworld. The Queen Isabel replaces the Douro Spirit, which Uniworld inaugurated in 2011. "We are delighted that Ms. MacDowell will be Godmother of our new ship as she represents the same timeless beauty and elegance that befittingly represents the Queen Isabel," furthers Young.
The Queen Isabel will have a 118 passenger capacity with 18 junior suites at 215 sq. ft. and two bigger suites at 323 sq. ft. on the top deck--all with full balconies--and staterooms on the main deck will have French balconies. Public areas include a lounge with full-service bar, along with an outside bar, restaurant with an outside dining area, sun deck with swimming pool, and fitness and spa area. She will sail Uniworld's popular 10-night Portugal, Spain and the Douro River itinerary, which has become one of their best selling programs.
About Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
Los Angeles-based Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, the world's only authentic boutique cruise line™, is recognized among the "World's Best River Cruises" by Travel + Leisure. Uniworld has been named to Condé Nast Traveler's prestigious Gold List for six consecutive years and to their Platinum Circle for two years. Uniworld was also ranked in their top three among the world's "Top Ten" cruise lines, both ocean and river. Uniworld's staterooms and dining are also ranked among the top three in the world by Zagat Survey®, with Uniworld being the only river cruise line named in the Zagat Survey® amongst the best of the best in the cruise industry, and the editors of Cruise Critic named Uniworld "Best River Cruise Line." Uniworld features luxurious boutique ships with an average capacity of 130 guests, as well as included shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, and award-winning hospitality. Uniworld offers over 500 departures sailing on over 13 rivers in more than 20 countries throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
For more details, please visit uniworld.com or connect with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises at facebook.com/uniworldrivercruises or twitter.com/UniworldCruises.
Uniworld is a member of CLIA, Cruise Lines International Association
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