Uniworld Announces Big Plans for 2026 50th Anniversary Year
Uniworld is celebrating 50 years with a host of new offerings, including a new ship and a 50-night ‘Rivers of the World’ sailing.
A rendering of the S.S. Emilie lobby.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is celebrating 50 years in 2026 with a host of new offerings to celebrate the milestone, including a new ship, a 50-night ‘Rivers of the World’ sailing, a new Generations Collection sailing, and three new Mystery Cruises.
“As we look to celebrate our 50th anniversary next year, we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished,” said Ellen Bettridge, Uniworld president and CEO.
“Uniworld debuted in 1976 as a tour company that soon became the first North 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.”
Uniworld’s new offerings for 2026 include:
Welcoming S.S. Emilie
In 2026, the S.S. Emilie will debut on the Danube River with 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.
In addition to a one-of-a-kind onboard restaurant, lounge and bar, the S.S. Emilie will allow guests to book a spacious two-bedroom suite when reserving a Grand Suite with the adjoining Deluxe French Balcony stateroom.
More Mystery Cruises
Popular demand has spurred Uniworld to offer three Mystery Cruises in 2026. With two cruises departing April 26 and one on May 3, guests should 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 will host its third “Rivers of the World” cruise in 2026 for a fitting 50 nights, offering travellers an exclusive adventure across three continents. Departing April 16, 2026, the journey will begin on the S.S. Emilie, making guests of the “Rivers of the World” cruise some of the first passengers to experience the new ship.
The journey begins in Brussels, where guests will sail to Amsterdam, before joining a Mystery Cruise to experience a surprise destination. Guests will then board the S.S. Joie de Vivre in Paris for a cruise along the Seine, before taking a first-class train to Lyon.
There, passengers will sail to Avignon aboard the S.S. Catherine before enjoying a few nights in the quaint Mediterranean fishing port of Cassis. They will then fly to Cairo for five nights at a luxury hotel and sail the iconic Nile River onboard the S.S. Sphinx for an immersive adventure, including a trip to Abu Simbel exclusively for the world cruisers and a visit to the much-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). The final leg of the journey will be spent in Jordan, where guests will visit iconic spots like Petra and the Dead Sea.
New Generations Collection Sailing
Uniworld will offer a Generations Collection sailing on the July 19 and July 26 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 young travellers lounge, Generations sailings have two family hosts on board who organize kid-centric dining options and special social events.
Additional New European Offerings
In 2026, Uniworld will launch additional itineraries throughout Europe, including three Danube itineraries on the new S.S. Emilie. These trips combine a cruise with land stays, but can be booked cruise-only. Across all European itineraries, Uniworld guests will also enjoy a new ‘Black & White Party’ where passengers will dress in their best black and/or white attire for an evening filled with music, dancing and magical lights.
Vineyards & Palaces Along the Danube
Over the course of 10 days, travellers will be immersed in the sights and sounds of the Danube aboard the S.S Emilie. 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 travellers to enjoy the hustle and bustle of four iconic capitals of the Danube – Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade and Bratislava.
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.
New 2026 Uniworld University Course
Travel advisors are invited to complete the newly revamped “What’s New for 2026” certification course, now available on the Uniworld University online training portal. Completing the course brings exclusive perks, such as a featured spot in Uniworld’s online directory of preferred advisors and eligibility for savings of up to 60% on Uniworld cruise fares. To access the course, advisors can click here.
