Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has announced its new offerings for 2026, which includes the debut of the new S.S. Emilie, in celebration of its 50th anniversary.
The 50th anniversary lineup includes a 50-night ‘Rivers of the World’ sailing, three new Mystery Cruises, a new family-friendly Generations Collection offering and more.
“As we look to celebrate our 50th anniversary next year, we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished,” Uniworld president and CEO, Ellen Bettridge, said.
“Uniworld debuted in 1976 as a tour company that soon became the first American company to offer cruises throughout Europe. During our five decades in the industry, we’ve strived to continuously innovate and delight our guests with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Through it all, the heart of who we are has remained the same, and we’re excited to offer new journeys next year to celebrate our history, our future and our treasured guests.”
Uniworld’s 2026 offerings
The S.S. Emilie joins the Uniworld fleet
In 2026, the S.S. Emilie debuts on the Danube River across eight different itineraries throughout Europe. The 154-passenger ship is the brand’s first new build since 2021, with a design inspired by renowned Austrian painter Gustav Klimt and named after his life partner and muse, Emilie Flöge. The new river ship is a first of its kind and features Klimt’s signature style woven throughout the ship’s design, showcasing dramatic hues of green, blue and yellow, striking gold accents, and plenty of Art Nouveau touches. In addition to a one-of-a-kind onboard restaurant, lounge and bar, the S.S. Emilie allows guests to book a spacious two-bedroom suite when reserving a Grand Suite with the adjoining Deluxe French Balcony stateroom.
Three new Mystery Cruises
Uniworld is offering three Mystery Cruises in 2026 due to popular demand, allowing more travellers the opportunity to participate in a thrilling surprise adventure. With two cruises departing 26 April and one departing 3 May 3, guests can book now to secure their preferred date. The April Mystery Cruise is also
the second leg of the 50-night 2026 ‘Rivers of the World’ cruise.
A 50-night ‘Rivers of the World’ adventure
In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Uniworld hosts its third ‘Rivers of the World’ cruise in 2026 for a fitting 50 nights, offering travelers an exclusive adventure across three continents. Departing on 16 April 2026, the journey begins on the S.S. Emilie, making guests of the ‘Rivers of the World’ cruise some of the first passengers to experience the new Super Ship.
The journey begins in the city of Brussels, where guests sail to Amsterdam, before joining a Mystery Cruise to experience a surprise destination. Following the Mystery Cruise, guests board the S.S. Joie de Vivre in Paris for a French river cruise along the Seine, with stops throughout the heart of both the city and the countryside, before taking a first-class train to Lyon.
In Lyon, passengers sail to Avignon aboard the S.S. Catherine before enjoying a few nights in the quaint Mediterranean fishing port of Cassis. Guests then fly to Cairo for five nights at a luxury hotel and then sail the iconic Nile River onboard the S.S. Sphinx for an immersive adventure throughout Egypt, including a visit to Abu Simbel exclusively for the world cruisers, and a trip to the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum. The final leg of the journey is spent in Jordan, where guests visit iconic spots like Petra and the Dead Sea.
New Generations Collection sailing
Uniworld offers a Generations Collection sailing on the 19 July and 26 July departures of the Burgundy & Provence itinerary. Generations Collection sailings are designed with families in mind, featuring an array of activities, amenities and excursions tailored specifically for children. In addition to a lounge just for young travelers, the Generations sailings have family hosts on board to arrange kid centric dining options and special social events like movie nights.
Additional new European offerings
Uniworld launches additional itineraries throughout Europe in 2026, including three Danube itineraries on the brand-new S.S. Emilie. These trips combine a cruise with land stays, which are available to book as a cruise-only itinerary. Across all European itineraries, Uniworld guests also enjoy a new ‘Black & White Party,’ where they dress in their best black and/or white attire for an evening filled with music, dancing and magical lights.
- Vineyards & Palaces Along the Danube
- Travellers are immersed in the sights and sounds of the Danube aboard the S.S. Emilie over the course of 10 days. Guests can marvel at imperial palaces in the city, explore wine vineyards in the countryside and traverse the forest in Germany’s first national park. This trip ends with a 5-star stay at a hotel in the heart of Prague.
- Vienna & Capital Cities of the Danube
- Designed for city lovers, this 10-day journey allows travelers to enjoy the hustle and bustle of four iconic capitals of the Danube. Beginning with a luxurious hotel stay in Vienna, guests can then make their way to the equally charming and magnificent cities of Budapest, Belgrade, and Bratislava. Complete with Medieval history, grand architecture and awe-inspiring art, this trip offers endless opportunities for exploration.
- Danube Grandeur & Prague
- An itinerary that combines the Capital Cities of the Danube and Vineyards & Palaces Along the Danube with Prague, this epic 17-day journey traverses seven European countries for the ultimate Danube experience.
- Grand Highlights of Italy & Slovenia and Slovenia, Venice & the Jewels of Veneto
- In 2026, guests of Uniworld will have more opportunities to revel in the beauty of Slovenia, with the city being added to multiple itineraries in Italy onboard the S.S. La Venezia.
