LOS ANGELES — Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will mark its 50th anniversary in 2026, celebrating five decades of innovation in luxury river cruising with special onboard experiences, new itineraries and anniversary savings throughout the year.
Founded in 1976, Uniworld was among the first passenger river cruise lines operating in Europe and the first American company to cruise the rivers of the continent. Over the past half century, the brand has played a central role in shaping the modern river cruise experience, introducing features that are now widely considered standard in the luxury segment.
Among Uniworld’s industry firsts are personal butler service, Super Ship vessels designed as floating boutique hotels, longer and more immersive itineraries and fully all-inclusive pricing. The line has also introduced onboard wellness programming, Cruise & Rail journeys, Mystery Cruises and its MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experiences, which support local communities and sustainable travel initiatives. Its Rivers of the World itinerary remains one of the most far-reaching river cruise journeys available.
“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.”
YEAR-ROUND CELEBRATIONS
To commemorate the milestone, every European sailing in 2026 will feature a Golden Party, an onboard evening celebration recognizing Uniworld’s 50 years on the rivers. Additional anniversary moments will be rolled out across the season.
Uniworld has also launched a 50th Anniversary Sale, offering savings of up to 30% on select 2026 departures, inviting both repeat guests and first-time river cruisers to participate in the anniversary year.
NEW SHIPS & SAILINGS
The celebration coincides with the debut of the S.S. Emilie, Uniworld’s first new ship since 2021. The 154-passenger Super Ship will sail the Danube on eight itineraries and features design inspired by Austrian artist Gustav Klimt, with Art Nouveau elements, jewel tones, gold accents and a new two-bedroom suite category.
Further additions in 2026 include two new Mystery Cruise sailings, the line’s first-ever Grand Mystery Cruise, a 50-night Rivers of the Worldjourney spanning three continents and four ships, and expanded Generations Collection family sailings.
Looking ahead to 2027, Uniworld plans its largest expansion to date with four ships and six itineraries, including three new Super Ship builds – S.S. Audrey, S.S. Marlene and S.S. São Rafael – and the brand’s first sailings in Singapore and Indonesia aboard Aqua Blu.
For more information on Uniworld’s 50th anniversary celebrations and offers, go to https://www.uniworld.com/ca.
