Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has officially inaugurated its new supership, the SS Emilie, which completed its maiden voyage from March 21 to 30. The milestone was celebrated with a christening ceremony led by President and CEO Ellen Bettridge, which included the traditional breaking of the champagne bottle alongside the company's Head of Sustainability and ship's godmother, Julie Higgins.
As Higgins noted: “Twenty-two years ago I embarked on my first river cruise with Uniworld, and since then I have felt incredibly fortunate every single day. To now be the godmother of the SS Emilie is, without a doubt, 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 journey towards sustainability, incorporating the most modern and efficient technology in the entire fleet, something that is fundamental to us. What makes it even more special is the team on board, whose passion and dedication bring the experience to life. I am so proud to be a part of this moment.”
With a capacity for 154 passengers, the SS Emilie ushers in a new era of design for Uniworld, combined with enhanced onboard experiences and positioning itself as the company's most sustainable ship to date. During the maiden voyage, passengers enjoyed the 10-day Tulips & Windmills, exploring the Netherlands and Belgium with stops in iconic cities such as Amsterdam and Antwerp. Highlights included strolls through the colorful tulip fields of Keukenhof, canal tours in Bruges, and visits to historic towns like Dordrecht and Enkhuizen.
Throughout the journey, guests were also able to sample Dutch specialties and Belgian delicacies while sailing along waterways that have shaped the cultural identity of these destinations.
2026 Itineraries on board the SS Emilie:
- Capital Cities of the Danube | 8 days | from Belgrade to Vienna
- Vineyards & Palaces Along the Danube | 10 days | from Vienna to Prague
- Classic Christmas Markets | 8 days | from Nuremberg to Frankfurt
- Tulips & Windmills | 10 days | from Amsterdam to Antwerp
- Rivers of the World Cruise | 51 days | from Brussels to Amman
- In addition to three Mystery Cruises, where the itinerary remains a secret until the moment of departure
As the brand's first new-build ship since 2020, the SS Emilie marks the beginning of Uniworld's transition to a fleet entirely composed of "Super Ships" by 2027. Inspired by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt and named after his muse Emilie Flöge, the ship features an Art Nouveau design, new, more spacious suite configurations, and advanced sustainability solutions that set the course for the company's next generation of vessels.
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
