A peek at Uniworld’s newest cruise ship, the Maria Theresa

The real Maria Theresa ruled the 18th century Hapsburg dynasty, which included Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Bohemia and other choice parts of Northern Europe, for 40 years.

The river cruise ship that bears her name will launch March 26 in Amsterdam with a regal ceremony of its own, according to a Uniworld statement.

Princess Anita von Hohenberg will serve as godmother and christen the ship. She’s a descendent of Maria Theresa and great-granddaughter of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination touched off World War I.

The ship’s inaugural journey starting March 28 is sold out. It sails from Amsterdam and stops in several Dutch cities including Rotterdam before ending in Antwerp, Belgium.

The Maria Theresa also will be sailing an itinerary called the European Jewels (from Budapest, Hungary, to Amsterdam) starting in May and the Enchanting Christmas & New Year’s Cruise from Passau, Germany, to Budapest in December.

The ship is meant to resemble a floating “Baroque palace,” the statement says. It has 64 staterooms, 10 one-bedroom suites and one royal suite. The Maria Theresa accommodates 150 passengers and 57 staff members.

Info: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, (800) 257-2407, or contact a travel agent