Uniworld’s new SS Emilie portrayed to sail lightly

SUPER SHIP, SPLENDID NAME

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ newest “super ship” is the SS Emilie — a name inspired by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, whose life partner was Emilie Floge.

The name is announced at an apt moment, with Klimt’s portrait of Elisabeth Lederer having just sold for $364 million, making it the second-most expensive artwork ever sold at auction.

The painting was looted by the nazis and nearly destroyed in a fire during World War II, but was returned to Elisabeth’s brother Erich, who only sold it in 1983, two years before his death.

After that it belonged to Leonard Lauder, heir to the Estee Lauder fortune.

Uniworld celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026.

A GREAT GODMOTHER

SS Emilie is an all-new build which is set to debut in Europe in the spring of 2026.

And Julie Higgins, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises’ sustainability officer, who has been with the company for over 20 years, will be the ship’s “godmother”.

Ellen Bettridge, Uniworld’s president and CEO, says that’s apt.

“This ship represents the next era of river cruising at Uniworld, where conscious design and exceptional luxury seamlessly coexist,” Ms Higgins says.

“Julie is an instrumental part of our team, and we’re incredibly proud to see her christen this vessel as a symbol of our shared commitment to a better and more sustainable future.”

She led the company’s project to become the first river cruise line to publish a sustainability report, in 2022.

A spokesperson says: “Under her guidance, Uniworld continues to advance its 11 sustainability goals, including achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or earlier.”

Julie will be officially appointed godmother of the SS Emilie at its christening ceremony on March 21 , 2026 — the day the ship leaves on its inaugural sailing along the River Rhine.

The SS Emilie’s voyages are open for bookings now at travel agents and uniworld.com

ABOUT THE SHIP

As the brand’s first new build since 2020, SS Emilie has been designed with sustainability in mind.

It has a lot of innovative features aimed at minimising environmental impact (while still keeping the comfort and luxury I have experienced on three voyages with Uniworld).

They include:

+ Optimised hull and bow design for improved fuel efficiency and smoother sailing.

+ Advanced data and navigation systems. These monitor and analyse performance, and the ship has semi-autonomous sailing, which should enhance energy efficiency.

+ Engine catalytic converters that reduce harmful emissions.

+ Heat recovery systems that use engine cooling to heat water, reducing energy consumption.

+ Battery packs for “peak shaving”. They will store energy from generators or shore power to minimise fuel use at peak times.

+ New gym equipment with lower power use.

Uniworld plans to launch two new super ships in 2027. SS Audrey will be named for actor Audrey Hepburn, and SS Marlene for Marlene Dietrich. They will include the new sustainability technologies — but also an innovative air-conditioning system cooled by river water. That eliminates the need for compressors.

ABOUT THE EXPERIENCES

Uniworld has a program called Make Travel Matter, offering travellers hands-on excursions focused on giving back.

+ On River Rhine itineraries, there is a Refugee Canal Cruise in Amsterdam led by expert guides who talk about cultural resilience. They visit a dairy farm practising sustainable cheesemaking. The Netherlands’ many green initiatives are also revealed.

+ On some River Danube itineraries, passengers can visit the world’s largest “walkable wooden sphere” and learn about local conservation. They can try traditional cuisine.