Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will inaugurate its newest ship, the Queen Isabel, in Porto, Portugal, on 22nd March 2013. Uniworld named the ship Queen Isabel after one of Portugal’s most beloved queens from the late 13th – 14thcentury, 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’ 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,” said Sharon Jordan, Manager in Ireland of Uniworld. The Queen Isabel replaces the Douro Spirit, which Uniworld inaugurated in 2011. “We are delighted that Andie MacDowell will be Godmother of our new ship as she represents the same timeless beauty and elegance that befittingly represents the Queen Isabel.”
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 10-night Portugal, Spain and the Douro River itinerary, which has become one of the company’s best-selling programmes.
