New ship from Uniworld inspired by Austrian painter to set sail in 2026

The river cruise company has several new super ships coming, including the S.S. Elisabeth, which will make its debut in 2025. — Uniworld

A new cruise ship inspired by famous Austrian painter Gustav Klimt is set to make its debut in Europe in 2026.

The vessel, owned by Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, is a new build and named S.S. Emilie, after Klimt’s life partner and muse, Emilie Floge.

In a press release, president and CEO of Uniworld, Ellen Bettridge, said that the launch of the ship will coincide with the company’s 50th anniversary.

“Our commitment to excellence is unwavering, and this outstanding new vessel reaffirms our dedication to providing the best and most luxurious ships on the rivers. We believe in delivering the highest level of quality to our guests, and our portfolio truly embodies the best of the best in the market,” she said in the statement.

The S.S. Emilie will join Uniworld’s other new “super ships” including the S.S. Victoria, debuting on the Rhine and Moselle rivers in Europe some time this year, and the S.S. Elisabeth, debuting on the Rhine in 2025.

Since 2020, the river cruise company has been adding new ships in other countries, namely the Mekong Jewel on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia; Aria Amazon on the Maranon and Ucayali rivers in Peru; S.S. São Gabriel on the Douro River in Portugal; S.S. La Venezia on the Venetian Lagoon; and the S.S. Sphinx on the Nile in Egypt.

The ships are 5-star floating boutique hotels designed to reflect the destinations in which they sail. For more information on the ships and their itineraries, visit the official website (uniworld.com/).

Sail the ocean

Oceania Cruises also has a new ship, Vista, which is set for a 180-day Around The World voyage in 2026.

Vista will sail from Miami, Florida in the United States on Jan 6, 2026, during which it will visit 101 ports across 43 countries. The ship will also cross three oceans and 18 seas, covering regions and continents like South-East Asia, Australia, Europe, South America and the South Pacific.

According to a press release, “The journey features both off-the-beaten-path secrets and impressive cities embracing cultural immersions, epicurean discoveries and breathtaking natural wonders.”

Bookings for, and previews of this journey has officially opened.