Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will be reentering the Russian market in 2011 with the launch of the completely refurbished River Victoria, projected to be one of the most beautiful and comfortable ships to sail the Volga River.

Uniworld has a long history of operating in Russia, but the company exited the Russian market in 2010 because the quality of the ship and the onboard services did not meet Uniworld's high internal standards. "Pulling out of Russia in 2010 was a very difficult decision for the company. Uniworld was the first North American river cruise company to offer Russia river cruises catering to North American clientele and Russia has always been a very profitable venture for us," states Guy Young, President of Uniworld. "Our goal is to have the highest standard of service and product delivery in every region we operate and we were only prepared to reenter Russia when we could meet these criteria."

With that in mind, Uniworld will deliver in 2011 the River Victoria. This will be a totally refurbished ship that will incorporate the planning and design themes from Uniworld's sister company, the award-winning Red Carnation Hotel Collection. "I am delighted for us to be back in Russia. This is a very exciting destination, and we certainly expect to have a product that is at the top end for the Russian market," furthers Young. The River Victoria's river view staterooms and suites offer individual climate-control thermostats, telephones, flat-screen televisions with satellite, and bathrooms stocked with high-quality bath and body products. Staterooms and suites on the Neva and Volga decks have full private balconies to view Russia's many gems along the Volga River.

The River Victoria's common areas are being designed for their guests' comfort and enjoyment. The Chagall Lounge offers a full-service bar and dance floor, the Katarina Bar features an outdoor patio, and the Pushkin Restaurant has stunning panoramic views. The ship also offers a sun deck patio with lounge chairs, a fitness room and massage room, a boutique, a library/reading room, a complimentary 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar, and wireless Internet access in public areas.

Guests can experience all the comfort and elegance of the River Victoria on Uniworld's exciting Imperial Waterways of Russia itinerary. This 13-day journey from Moscow to St. Petersburg uncovers some of the world's finest art and distinctive architecture, as well as tucked-away villages with Old World charm and warm, friendly people. From Red Square, the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, and the Hermitage Museum to the white stone churches of Uglich and Yaroslavl, this cruise brings guests up close to the rich traditions and royal history of Russia.