To celebrate 50 years of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Chris Townson (MD of UK & Ireland) shares their plan to invite 500 agents onboard from across the UK and Ireland this year, starting with guests onboard the newest addition to the fleet launching in March of this year – the SS Emilie, inspired by renowned artist, Kilmt’s signature style. The SS Emilie will be the first of 4 ships launched in 2026 and 2027.
Chris also details demand for destinations further afield, such as India, Egypt, the Mekong river, as well as Machu Picchu & Peru.
SS Emilie
Sailing the Danube River, the next member of Uniworld’s Super Ship fleet will be inspired by master Viennese painter Gustav Klimt. In his honour, Uniworld is naming the vessel after his beloved muse, Emilie Flöge. When she debuts in March of 2026, the S.S. Emilie will bring elements of Klimt’s signature style to our guests, with dramatic hues, Art Nouveau elements, and stunning pops of gold. Guests who book a Grand Suite and the adjoining Deluxe French Balcony next door can see their stateroom transformed into an incredibly spacious 2-bedroom suite.
Far Flung Destinations with Uniworld
India
Chris shares that he travelled to India and highlights the sights and locations visited by Uniworld river cruises. He shared that this is a spectacular destination where, with expert guides and prime locations, guests can make every moment of their vacation count.
Numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites await in India—particularly in the Golden Triangle—made up of New Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. Guests will see the beautiful Taj Mahal, a mausoleum dedicated to the third wife of the 17th century Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
Humayun’s Tomb is the first garden-tomb in India. Its remarkable design inspired such monuments as the Taj Mahal. Its red and white exterior, geometric motifs, and domed rooftops are truly breathtaking.
Just outside of the rose-hued streets of Jaipur, the Amber Palace presides over a rocky hill. As imposing as it appears at first glance, a tour of the fort’s interior reveals a gorgeously ornate design.
Egypt
Chris details that Egypt is on many bucket lists, and with the opening of the new museum in Cairo, this is the ideal time to enjoy the wonders of Egypt.
The ancient Egyptians’ massive Pyramids of Giza are one of the world’s greatest feats of engineering. Behold their awe-inspiring architectural precision up close when visiting Cairo, even entering one of the pyramids. While the pyramids honoured their dead, the temples honoured their gods. The impressive Philae Temple complex is one such example, where the Temple of Isis is dedicated to the goddess of love and healing. If guests opt for the Masterpiece Collection pre-itinerary excursion to Alexandria, they’ll embark on a sightseeing expedition to the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, the largest and most important royal cemetery in Egypt.
Peru
Chris highlights the wonders of Peru, where guests experience the spectacular rainforests as well as Machu Picchu.
Bucket-list sites are everywhere you look in Peru. Besides the Amazon Rainforest, the “lost city” of Machu Picchu is the biggest must-see destination, as well as the Sacred Valley of the Inkas. Uniworld tours in Peru also pepper in some unique landmarks, ones that many tourists don’t think to visit, while those who do leave fond memories. In Lima, visit Casa Aliaga, one of the city’s oldest buildings and a home that has been passed down through 17 generations of the same family, for lunch with a member of the Aliaga family.
The Amazon Rainforest is a lush jungle environment that spans nine countries, but the most beautiful stretch of all is in Peru. This is thanks to the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, a protected zone that has kept development and deforestation out of the Peruvian Amazon, leaving flourishing flora and fauna, as well as several Amazonian communities, intact. This area is also known as the “forest of mirrors” for the crystal-clear reflections of the trees and sky cast by its waters.
The Amazon is home to over 30% of all the known animal species in the world. With the floor-to-floor, wall-to-wall ceilings featured in every suite aboard the Aria Amazon, you’ll be able to spot rare Amazonian species right outside your window. Keep your eyes out for Amazonian manatees, three-toed sloths, capybara, pink river dolphins, scarlet macaw, and spider monkeys.
For more, check out: https://www.uniworld.com/eu
