It’s not often you have the opportunity to step onboard a ship before it’s even been christened, so visiting Uniworld’s brand new Super Ship Emilie felt like a real privilege from the start. A rare opportunity to experience a brand-new ship before she’s even formally welcomed into the fleet, and to see first-hand what ultra 6-star river cruising really looks like.
And honestly, she exceeded every expectation.
First Impressions: Boutique Hotel Luxury, Reimagined
Uniworld is known for doing things differently. Their ships don’t follow trends, they are completely unique.
But the S.S. Emilie feels like a subtle evolution of that signature style.
Walking onboard, there’s still that unmistakable Uniworld identity. Rich detailing, carefully curated interiors, and a sense that every single element has been thoughtfully chosen. But here, it’s been refined.
The overall feel is more understated and elegant, with softer tones and a slightly more muted palette. It’s still artistic, still distinctive, but delivered in a way that feels effortlessly sophisticated rather than bold.
The design itself draws inspiration from Gustav Klimt, with Art Nouveau influences throughout. You’ll notice it in the light fittings, the textures, and those beautiful hints of gold that catch the light just enough to feel indulgent without ever being overwhelming.
One of the things Uniworld does better than anyone is creating ships that feel entirely unique. The S.S. Emilie is no exception.
From custom-made fabrics and original artwork to antiques and carefully selected furnishings, everything onboard feels intentional. It genuinely feels like they’ve taken the world’s finest boutique hotels and brought them onto the water.
It’s not just about luxury, it’s about personality. And that’s what makes this ship stand out.
My Cabin: Thoughtfully Designed for Real Comfort
I stayed in a French balcony stateroom, and what really stood out was how well designed the space was.
If you’ve been on a river cruise before, you’ll know that bathrooms can sometimes feel a little tight. That definitely wasn’t the case here. Everything felt well laid out, easy to use, and genuinely comfortable.
There was also plenty of storage, which is something you really appreciate on a longer sailing. Even though I was only onboard for two nights, it was clear this was a space designed with real guests in mind.
Dining: Flexible, High Quality and Effortless
As you’d expect from Uniworld, the food was excellent.
There was a great choice at every meal, and what I particularly liked was how flexible everything felt. If you wanted something slightly different, it never felt like a problem. The team were incredibly accommodating, especially when it came to dietary requirements, which they asked about straight away.
Drinks were also well curated, with a good selection available throughout.
But one of the real highlights for me was something a little more special…
The Red Room: A Truly Special Dining Experience
The Red Room is the ship’s private dining space, and it’s one I’d absolutely recommend.
It accommodates up to 10 guests, creating a really intimate atmosphere without feeling cramped. The design is beautiful, with a large central table and a setting that immediately feels like an occasion.
What makes it different is the feeling you get when you are in there. It’s not just a change of scenery, it genuinely feels like a private, special experience.
It’s the kind of place I’d suggest for a celebration, a group booking, or even as a surprise addition for a really special trip.
Spaces Designed to Feel Social, Yet Relaxed
Instead of a second restaurant at the back of the ship, Uniworld has used the space differently on S.S. Emilie.
There’s a beautiful bar area, finished in deep green tones with darker accents that give it a rich, elegant feel. It’s the kind of space you naturally gravitate towards in the evening, whether for a quiet drink or a relaxed chat.
You’ll also find a small gym and a massage room nearby, making great use of the space without ever feeling crowded.
Evenings Onboard: Relaxed and Varied
Entertainment onboard is exactly what you’d expect from a river cruise, and that’s part of the charm.
It’s not about big theatre productions. Instead, you’ll find local performers, music, and occasional talks, all designed to complement the destinations you’re visiting.
It feels authentic, relaxed, and in keeping with the overall experience.
Service That Feels Personal From Day One
One of the things that really stood out, even in such a short stay, was the crew.
Within a couple of days, they were already remembering drinks preferences and checking in naturally without it ever feeling forced. It’s that level of attention that really elevates the experience from luxury to something far more personal.
Final Thoughts: A Privileged First Look at Something Special
There’s something quite special about experiencing a ship before its christening. It feels like seeing it in its purest form, before the wider world steps onboard.
The S.S. Emilie is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful river ships I’ve experienced.
It captures everything Uniworld is known for, opulence, individuality and attention to detail, but delivers it in a slightly more refined, contemporary way.
If this is the future of ultra 6-star river cruising, it’s an exciting one.
To get a deeper understanding of what makes this ship and the Uniworld experience so unique, I sat down with Dawn, our Uniworld account manager, in the bar at the back of the ship. It’s a great look at what makes S.S. Emilie so special, you can watch it on my Facebook page.