In honor of Uniworld Boutique Cruises 50th anniversary, the cruise line is kicking off a 50-Night ‘Rivers of the World’ Cruise. The luxury all-inclusive sailing begins in Brussels, Belgium and ends in Amman, Jordan.
Departing on April 16, 2026, the around-the-world journey will take place on Uniworld’s brand-new Super Ship, S.S. Emilie. This new build ship was inspired by renowned Austrian painter Gustav Klimt and named after his life partner and muse, Emilie Flöge.
While crossing the European continent, she will sail to six different countries traversing along six rivers and their tributaries. This popular Uniworld ‘Mystery Cruise’ will arrive in North Africa and the Middle East at the end of the sailing.
“2026 is going to be a very special year for us at Uniworld, as we celebrate our 50-year journey of transforming the river cruise experience. What was once a means of moving goods and services is now the best way for curious travelers to immerse themselves in the incredible places that only we can go,” said Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. “We’re thrilled to kick off the start of our sailing season with our 50-night ‘Rivers of the World’ adventure that offers a chance to experience the gorgeous new S.S. Emilie, before taking our guests around the world for a trip like none other, with fun surprises like our popular Mystery Cruise along the way.”
Guests reserved on ‘Rivers of the World’ will be the first to sail on this Super Ship, and board other Super Ship vessels while cruising along multiple continents on the itinerary.
Touted as the world’s most luxurious all-inclusive river cruise line, the distinctive destination-inspired ships sail with an average capacity of 120 enthusiastic guests. Days are filled with curated excursions, gourmet locally sourced menus, and thoughtful staff service.
This cruise line has the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry, while guests visit Europe, Vietnam and Cambodia, India, Peru and even Egypt. The 17 ships sail along a total of 17 rivers in 26 countries worldwide.
Art is an important feature of Uniworld ships. The cruise line boasts a unique collection of artwork onboard and in guest’s decorated suites.
Guests have exclusive opportunities to explore the homes and inspirations of some of the world’s most renowned artists and famous galleries without the crowds.
Cruise experiences include the ‘Burgandy & Provence’ sailing in France, a tour in the footsteps of Van Gogh, Cézanne and Gauguin, with visits to iconic cities like Arles, a location that Van Gogh paid tribute to in over 200 paintings.
Uniworld’s S.S. Beatrice art theme includes yacht-style light wood, blue and white finishes, elegant mirrors, and marble floors. Besides an eye-catching carousel horse in the ship’s shop, the interior walls features two Picassos, including the only 24-color lithograph ever created by the artist, “Le Picador II.
Debuted in 2020, the S.S. La Venezia is inspired by Venetian culture and is the first time that Mario Fortuny and the House of Fortuny have had their designs widely used on a cruise line.
The ship is the only cruise line sailing in the Venetian lagoon. Guests will appreciate the mint condition artwork of David Hockney’s ‘On It May Stay His Eye, from The Blue Guitar” pencil etching on wove paper, and Joseph Nash’s ‘The Great Exhibition of 1851’ displayed onboard.
With goals on sustainability, Uniworld practices reusing, recycling and reducing. Its focus on reducing 50% of food waste by 2025 is almost achieved with the help of Leanpath. The cruise line teamed up with the food waste management company to help reduce its carbon footprint.
The system measures how much food is discarded after every meal onboard. With data about the precise measurements, this valuable information is given to the ship’s chefs. This information helps in ordering and preparation to make the perfect amount of each dish, so waste is minimal.
The cruise line also is eliminating single-use plastics, and is working to achieve net zero by 2050.
Joining the Uniworld fleet in 2025, the S.S. Elisabeth, a sister ship to the S.S. Victoria (new in 2024) offers passengers a contemporary style with luxe velvet and marble accents. The original artwork inside the ship adds a touch of Uniworld’s signature boutique style.
The S.S. Elisabeth will have the largest suites on the rivers of Europe, and two spacious Royal Suites boasting 506 square feet each. Guests seeking even more space can reserve the adjoining standard suite next door to create 759 square feet with two bedrooms connected by a separate living room.
All the Suites and Signature French Balconies are ultra-comfortable and have water-facing beds dressed in Uniworld’s fine custom linens.
This beautiful river ship also will have a relaxing pool, gym, and massage room. Guests can dine at their choice of three venues: a main dining room, a private venue for smaller groups, and even a sundeck bar.
Uniworld S.S. Elisabeth cruise itineraries include 8 days exploring ‘Castles Along the Rhine‘ from Basel to Amsterdam. Also planned in 2025 is a Holiday Markets cruise for 8-day sailing from Basel to Cologne. By supporting local communities, guests get to enjoy more meaningful experiences in the destinations they visit.
Uniworld takes pride in its long-lasting relationships with guests, for whom there is “No request is too large, No detail too small.”
