Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has confirmed plans for its 2026 Golden Anniversary President’s Cruise, a commemorative sailing hosted by President and Chief Executive Officer Ellen Bettridge to mark the company’s 50th year of operations.
The voyage is scheduled to depart on October 23rd, 2026, operating the new Vienna & Capital Cities of the Danube itinerary aboard the S.S. Emilie. The sailing will coincide with the debut season of the vessel, Uniworld’s newest Super Ship and its first newbuild in 5 years. The cruise is positioned as a one-time anniversary event and will include a program of exclusive onboard activities, curated shore excursions and scheduled opportunities for guests to engage with company leadership, alongside additional elements developed specifically for the anniversary sailing.
The company indicated that the President’s Cruise format reflects a long-standing tradition within the brand and that hosting the event aboard a newly introduced ship during the anniversary year was considered particularly appropriate. The sailing is intended to combine a new Danube itinerary with select commemorative programming aligned with the milestone.
The S.S. Emilie has been designed to accommodate 154 guests and draws its aesthetic inspiration from the work of Austrian painter Gustav Klimt. Named after Emilie Flöge, Klimt’s muse and life partner, the ship incorporates Art Nouveau design elements, a palette of green, blue and yellow tones, and extensive use of gold accents. Public spaces include a signature restaurant, lounge and bar, while accommodation options feature a configurable two-bedroom suite created by combining a Grand Suite with an adjoining Deluxe French Balcony stateroom.
The 10-day Vienna & Capital Cities of the Danube itinerary begins with a hotel stay in Vienna before continuing by river to Budapest, Belgrade and Bratislava. The program emphasizes urban destinations, focusing on historic city centers, architectural landmarks and cultural institutions along the Danube corridor.
Fares for the Golden Anniversary President’s Cruise begin at US$7,249 per person.