Uniworld to Mark 50th Anniversary in 2026 With New S.S. Emilie

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has laid out a year-long program for its 50th anniversary in 2026, pairing onboard celebrations with a new ship debut, special sailings, and a slate of new and expanded itineraries.

Ellen Bettridge, Uniworld’s president and CEO, tied the Golden Anniversary plans to the company’s focus on guest experience and product development. “Everything we do begins with our guests,” Bettridge said. “For 50 years, we’ve listened closely, evolved alongside our travelers and continually raised the bar for what luxury river cruising can be.”

Golden Anniversary celebrations planned throughout the 2026 European season

Uniworld said the milestone will be marked across its 2026 European sailings with onboard programming and commemorative touches designed to run throughout the season. Bettridge said the anniversary is meant to both reflect on the company’s history and preview what comes next, adding that the company is “thrilled to be celebrating with our guests all year long.”

Onboard programming across European departures

Uniworld’s plans include an onboard Golden Party positioned as a signature evening event, scheduled on every European sailing during 2026. The line also said it will add other anniversary-themed moments across the year.

• Golden Party on every European sailing: The company said each 2026 European departure will include the onboard evening celebration tied to the 50-year milestone.
• Additional anniversary-themed moments: Uniworld said it will incorporate other commemorative touches during the season alongside the Golden Party.
• Anniversary-linked specialty itineraries: The line is also using 2026 to introduce and expand itineraries connected to the Golden Anniversary year.

S.S. Emilie set to debut as Uniworld’s first newbuild since 2021

A centerpiece of the 2026 anniversary year is the debut of S.S. Emilie, which Uniworld described as its first new build since 2021. The ship is designed to accommodate 154 passengers and will sail on the Danube across eight European itineraries.

Uniworld said S.S. Emilie draws design inspiration from Austrian painter Gustav Klimt and is named for Emilie Flöge, described by the company as Klimt’s muse and life partner. The concept includes Art Nouveau elements, jewel-toned interiors, gold accents, and distinctive onboard venues including a restaurant and lounge. Uniworld also said the ship will include an “innovative two-bedroom suite option.”

President’s Cruise to sail Oct. 23, 2026, on a new Danube itinerary

Uniworld will also operate a one-time Golden Anniversary President’s Cruise aboard S.S. Emilie, departing Oct. 23, 2026, with Bettridge hosting. Uniworld said the sailing will include special programming, planned activities, and other anniversary-focused surprises.

“Traveling with our incredible guests is something I always look forward to, and hosting my 2026 President’s Cruise on our beautiful new S.S. Emilie makes it even more special,” Bettridge said. “We’ll be setting sail on a brand-new Danube itinerary, complete with a few special moments, activities, and surprises to mark the occasion.”

Vienna & Capital Cities of the Danube: route and starting price

The President’s Cruise will operate as a 10-day Vienna & Capital Cities of the Danube itinerary. The program begins with a hotel stay in Vienna, before the river cruise continues to Budapest, Belgrade, and Bratislava, giving guests the opportunity to visit four capital cities along the Danube in a single journey.

Uniworld said pricing for the Oct. 23, 2026, departure starts at $7,249 per person.

More 2026 sailings tied to the milestone, including Mystery Cruises and a 50-night journey

Beyond the ship debut and the President’s Cruise, Uniworld’s anniversary-year schedule includes new and expanded sailings, ranging from mystery itineraries to what the company described as a multi-continent river cruise.

• Rivers of the World: Uniworld said it will debut a 50-night Rivers of the World cruise spanning three continents and using four ships.
• Mystery Cruise options: The company said 2026 will include two new Mystery Cruise sailings, along with its first-ever Grand Mystery Cruise combining both departures.
• Generations Collection growth: Uniworld said it is adding additional Generations Collection sailings designed for family and multi-generational travel.

50th Anniversary Sale targets select 2026 departures

Uniworld is also rolling out a 50th Anniversary Sale, offering discounts of up to 30% on select 2026 departures. The company positioned the promotion as an invitation for both returning guests and first-time river cruisers to take part in the anniversary year, and noted that the discount is limited to select departures rather than every 2026 sailing.

2027 expansion plans include four ships, six itineraries, and new regions

Looking beyond 2026, Uniworld said it is planning what it described as its largest expansion to date in 2027, with four ships and six itineraries. The additions include ships named Audrey, Marlene, and São Rafael.

Uniworld also plans to offer sailings aboard Aqua Blu, which the company said would mark its debut in Singapore and Indonesia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Uniworld’s 50th Anniversary Sale?

Uniworld’s 50th Anniversary Sale offers discounts of up to 30% on select 2026 departures, aimed at both returning guests and first-time river cruisers.

When does the Golden Anniversary President’s Cruise depart?

The Golden Anniversary President’s Cruise departs Oct. 23, 2026, aboard S.S. Emilie and is hosted by Ellen Bettridge, Uniworld’s president and CEO.

What is the itinerary for the 2026 President’s Cruise?

The 10-day Vienna & Capital Cities of the Danube itinerary begins with a hotel stay in Vienna and continues to Budapest, Belgrade, and Bratislava.

How many guests does S.S. Emilie accommodate, and what stands out about its design?

Uniworld said S.S. Emilie accommodates 154 passengers and takes inspiration from Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, featuring Art Nouveau elements, jewel-toned interiors, gold accents, distinctive restaurant and lounge venues, and an “innovative two-bedroom suite option.”

Where does Uniworld plan to expand in 2027?

Uniworld said its 2027 plans include sailings aboard Aqua Blu, marking the brand’s debut in Singapore and Indonesia, alongside the introduction of four ships and six itineraries.