Australian travellers seeking luxury European river experiences have a new sustainable option to anticipate, with Uniworld Boutique River Cruises announcing their latest super ship, the SS Emilie, set to debut in spring 2026.
Art-Inspired Naming and Historical Significance
The vessel's name pays tribute to Austrian painter Gustav Klimt's life partner, Emilie Floge, announced at a poignant moment in art history. Klimt's portrait of Elisabeth Lederer recently sold for $364 million at Sotheby's, becoming the second-most expensive artwork ever sold at auction.
The painting's journey through history is remarkable - looted by Nazis during World War II and nearly destroyed in a fire, it was eventually returned to Elisabeth's brother Erich. He sold the artwork in 1983, after which it became part of Leonard Lauder's collection, heir to the Estee Lauder fortune.
Sustainability Leadership and Godmother Appointment
In a significant appointment, Julie Higgins, Uniworld's Sustainability Officer with over 20 years at the company, will serve as the ship's godmother. This recognition comes as Uniworld celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026.
Ellen Bettridge, Uniworld's president and CEO, emphasised the appropriateness of Higgins' role. "This ship represents the next era of river cruising at Uniworld, where conscious design and exceptional luxury seamlessly coexist," Higgins stated.
Under Higgins' leadership, Uniworld became the first river cruise line to publish a sustainability report in 2022. The company continues to advance its 11 sustainability goals, including achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or earlier.
The official christening ceremony will occur on March 21, 2026, coinciding with the ship's inaugural sailing along the River Rhine.
Revolutionary Sustainable Features
As Uniworld's first new build since 2020, SS Emilie incorporates numerous innovative environmental technologies while maintaining the luxury standards the company is known for.
The ship's sustainable features include:
- Optimised hull and bow design for improved fuel efficiency
- Advanced data and navigation systems with semi-autonomous sailing capabilities
- Engine catalytic converters that reduce harmful emissions
- Heat recovery systems using engine cooling to heat water
- Battery packs for "peak shaving" to store energy from generators or shore power
- New gym equipment with lower power consumption
The vessel will feature a reproduction of Gustav Klimt's portrait of Emilie Floge, connecting passengers with the artistic inspiration behind its name.
Future Fleet Expansion and Enhanced Experiences
Uniworld plans to launch two additional super ships in 2027 - SS Audrey named for actor Audrey Hepburn and SS Marlene for Marlene Dietrich. These future vessels will incorporate the same sustainability technologies plus an innovative air-conditioning system cooled by river water, eliminating the need for compressors.
The company's Make Travel Matter program offers hands-on excursions focused on giving back to local communities. On River Rhine itineraries, passengers can experience the Refugee Canal Cruise in Amsterdam with expert guides discussing cultural resilience, visit sustainable dairy farms, and learn about the Netherlands' green initiatives.
River Danube itineraries include opportunities to visit the world's largest "walkable wooden sphere" and learn about local conservation efforts while sampling traditional cuisine.
Bookings for SS Emilie's voyages are now available through travel agents and uniworld.com, offering Australian travellers the chance to experience this new standard in sustainable luxury river cruising.
