Uniworld is fresh at 50

Uniworld this year celebrates 50 years of river cruising.

I’ve sailed with them twice, once in France and once in India, and fully endorse their approach and attitude.

Founded in 1976, Uniworld has spent half a century leading the industry, with its unique itineraries, ships designed specifically for the areas they are sailing in, and deep commitment to thoughtful detail and sustainability.

And, for this “Golden Anniversary”, Uniworld will celebrate throughout 2026 with a collection of exclusive experiences and commemorative moments.

“Everything we do begins with our guests,” says Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld.

“For 50 years, we’ve listened closely, evolved alongside our travellers and continually raised the bar for what luxury river cruising can be. This anniversary is both a celebration of how far we’ve come and an exciting look at where we’re headed next, and we’re thrilled to be celebrating with our guests all year long.”

GOLDEN YEAR OFFERS

+ Uniworld has launched a 50th Anniversary Sale, with up to 30 per cent off select 2026 departures.

+ For this 2026 season, every European sailing will have an onboard Golden Party. The elegant evening celebration will commemorate the anniversary.

+ And it ushered in the year with the debut of the 154-passenger S.S. Emilie, the brand’s first new build since 2021, sailing the River Danube across eight European itineraries.

+ The ship is named for the muse of Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, Emilie Flöge. It has Art Nouveau design elements, dramatic jewel tones and gold accents.

+ There are also two new Mystery Cruise sailings.

+ And the 50-night Rivers of the World cruise spans three continents and four ships.

uniworld.com

LOOKING BACK

Uniworld was one of the first passenger river cruise lines in Europe and the first American company to cruise the rivers of Europe.

It is true that it pioneered many features that travellers now consider essential to luxury river cruising.

A spokesperson says: “Uniworld was the first river cruise line to offer personal butler service and launch the industry’s first Super Ship vessels — floating boutique hotels with grand entryways, multiple dining venues and meticulous design.

“Uniworld also led the way with longer itineraries, all-inclusive pricing, onboard wellness trainers, cruise and rail journeys, ‘Make Travel Matter’ experiences that give back to local communities, mystery cruises and the farthest-reaching ‘Rivers of the World’ cruise, cementing Uniworld’s reputation as the most innovative name in luxury river cruising.”