LOS ANGELES (December 9, 2002) – Uniworld, America's leading river cruise and tour company, has launched the first phase of Longitude, the first fully integrated reservations system in the travel industry.

The new program is being rolled out in four separate phases, and is expected to be fully operational by late 2003. Developed by Travel Sciences, a Connecticut-based technology solutions company, the system will be custom designed to manage Uniworld’s cruise and tour inventory.<

"We are extremely proud to unveil this cutting-edge technology, creating a new standard for customer service in the cruise/tour industry," said Denny Fuerst, Vice President of Air, Operations and Reservations for Uniworld. "Assisting in the business process development of this system has ensured that the specific needs of our company, and that of our clients, are clearly and completely met." Said Joe Mazzarella, President of Travel Sciences, "The cruise and tour enterprise platform version of Travel Office™, named "Longitude," is the first deployable web-enabled and browser-based system that will permit real-time, dynamic packaging, booking and selling, and automated active and intelligent management of internal and third-party inventory, including air, cabins and hotel, transportation, tours and guides, and activities. The technology is a next generation, business-based platform that recognizes the need for enterprises to have a fully integrated, real-time data and application environment that provides a synchronized, coherent view of what is going on, all the way from the back office to inventory management and product building, marketing and promotions, reservations and booking, point of sale and through to the customer."

Providing greater efficiency through integration, Longitude features one centralized location for all customer travel information. Data collected when an individual client contacts Uniworld through its website, reservations center, automated phone system, email, fax or other outlet will now be accessible from one main file. The program also provides consumers with a one-stop shopping approach to Uniworld travel, enabling them to book every aspect of their trip – river cruise, land tour, air and hotel – with just one phone call or online request.

Externally, Longitude is connected to Uniworld suppliers and the World Wide Web, giving reservations agents real-time access to such data as supplier inventory.

Information specific to a destination, such as weather forecasts, visa requirements, and background on special regional festivities, is also accessible to both Uniworld reservations agents and passengers. Once a booking is complete, the program provides tracking information on Uniworld shipments. The status of a passenger’s travel documents, for example, can be retrieved any time from the agent’s reservation screen, the Uniworld website, or by calling the company’s automated telephone system.

"This multi-million dollar system represents a new era in automation for the travel industry," said Serba Ilich, Uniworld President and CEO. "We are proud to be the pioneer of such a program, leading the industry in a new strategic direction." Entering its 28th year of service, Uniworld provides a convenient and increasingly popular alternative to conventional international travel. Its all-inclusive, value-oriented river cruises mean passengers unpack just once, resulting in the most enjoyable and hassle-free way to see Europe and Russia. Designed exclusively for the American traveler, Uniworld’s cruise packages are complemented by an extensive lineup of deluxe escorted tours to China and Southeast Asia. Travel Sciences, Inc., was established by Ft. Lauderdale, FL-based Gestation, Inc., initially to address technology development opportunities, such as Travel Office, not being met by existing technology and technology providers. Travel Sciences is comprised of highly skilled technology, telecommunications, connectivity and interface, and travel professionals, and is now positioned to work with all types of travel companies.

For more information on Travel Sciences and their partners and products, click on www.travelsciences.com.

Note to Editors: A copy of this press release, along with background information on the Uniworld fleet and its extensive cruise and tour offerings, is available on the company's website at www.uniworld.com.

For More Information Contact:
Monica Kowalski
(954) 525-5995
mkowalski@travelsciences.com