Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has officially launched its newest super ship, the S.S. Emilie, which set sail on its inaugural voyage on March 21-30
The milestone was commemorated with a christening ceremony led by President & CEO Ellen Bettridge, featuring the traditional champagne bottle breaking alongside the brand’s Sustainability Officer and S.S. Emilie Godmother, Julie Higgins.
As Higgins shared, “Twenty-two years ago, I stepped onboard my very first river cruise ship with Uniworld, and I’ve felt incredibly fortunate every day since. To now serve as Godmother of the S.S. Emilie is truly one of the greatest honors of my life.
This ship is not only incredibly beautiful, but it also represents a major step forward in our sustainability journey with the most modern and efficient technology in our fleet – something that is such an important part of who we are. What makes it even more special is the team on board, whose passion and dedication truly bring the experience to life. I’m so proud to be part of this moment.”
The 154-passenger S.S. Emilie ushers in a bold new design era for Uniworld, paired with elevated onboard experiences as the brand’s most sustainable ship to date. On the inaugural sailing, guests experienced Uniworld’s 10-day Tulips & Windmills itinerary, journeying through the Netherlands and Belgium with stops in iconic cities such as Amsterdam and Antwerp. Highlights included strolling through the vibrant tulip fields of Keukenhof Gardens, drifting along Bruges’ canals, and exploring historic villages like Dordrecht and Enkhuizen.
Along the way, guests also savored Dutch specialties and Belgian treats as they sailed the waterways that have shaped these culturally rich destinations.
2026 itineraries onboard the S.S. Emilie include:
● Capital Cities of the Danube | 8 days | Belgrade to Vienna
● Vineyards & Palaces Along the Danube | 10 days | Vienna to Prague
● Classic Christmas Markets| 8 days | Nuremberg to Frankfurt
● Tulips & Windmills | 10 days | Amsterdam to Antwerp
● Rivers of the World Cruise | 51 days | Brussels to Amman
● Plus three Mystery Cruises, where the itinerary remains a surprise until sailing
More about the S.S. Emilie: As the brand’s first new build since 2020, the S.S. Emilie marks the beginning of Uniworld’s transition to a fully Super Ship fleet by 2027. Inspired by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt and named for his muse Emilie Flöge, the ship introduces a bold Art Nouveau design, expanded suite configurations, and advanced sustainability features that set the tone for the brand’s next generation of vessels.
(Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has officially launched its newest super ship, the S.S. Emilie, which set sail on its inaugural voyage on March 21-30)
