Uniworld Boutique River Cruises‘ 2026 Rivers of the World Cruise announced by by Ellen Bettridge, CEO/President for the luxury river cruise line when in Sydney last month, will encompass five vessels including S.S. Emilie, the new-build vessel that will launch the same year for the brand.
The 50-day itinerary encompassing six rivers and their tributaries coincides with Uniworld’s 50th anniversary and will include a seven-night Mystery Cruise on the second leg, operating somewhere between Amsterdam and Paris.
The first voyage of the 2026 Rivers of the World Cruise is a 10-night voyage from Brussels to Amsterdam aboard S.S. Emilie, departing on 16 April.
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The third voyage is a 7-night cruise in France aboard S.S. Joie de Vivre, operating roundtrip from Paris on 3 May, dovetailed with a 10-night French sailing from Lyon to Cassis aboard S.S. Catherine on 10 May. Guests will take a first class rail journey between Paris and Lyon to connect those two voyages.
The fifth leg of the Rivers of the World journey begins with a flight from Marseille to Cairo. Guests will fly to the Egyptian capital on 20 May where they’ll commence a 16-night itinerary to Amman in Jordan on S.S. Sphinx. Airfares with Egypt and from Cairo to Amman are covered.
“2026 is going to be a very special year for us at Uniworld, as we celebrate our 50-year journey of transforming the river cruise experience,” said Bettridge.
“What was once a means of moving goods and services is now the best way for curious travellers to immerse themselves in the incredible places that only we can go. We’re thrilled to kick off the start of our sailing season with our 50-night ‘Rivers of the World’ adventure that offers a chance to experience the gorgeous new S.S. Emilie, before taking our guests around the world for a trip like none other, with fun surprises like our popular Mystery Cruise along the way.”
Uniworld has only indicated that the Mystery Cruise will be on a surprise Super Ship that will sail a one-of-a-kind itinerary to secret destinations. All of Uniworld’s Mystery Cruises are completely unique and feature new destinations and experiences that haven’t been offered by the brand before.
An educated guess by LATTE may suggest the Mystery Cruise is a voyage on the Rhine River from Amsterdam to Basel, departing 26 April on S.S. Victoria, based on that ship’s schedule of either departing on a Friday or Sunday in 2025.
The ‘Rivers of the World’ itinerary is all-inclusive including farm-to-table cuisine, unlimited premium wine, beer and spirits, Wi-Fi, curated excursions, scheduled airport transfers, onboard gratuities and transportation between cruise segments. The sailing also features a dedicated Traveling Concierge who will accompany guests for the entire journey to assist with all needs. Guests will set sail aboard Uniworld’s distinguished Super Ship fleet, each ship a distinctive floating boutique hotel, and stay at 5-star hotels on land.
Pricing has yet to be confirmed for the epic 50th anniversary itinerary. Contact Uniworld to add your clients to the waitlist.
