Published on
November 20, 2025
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has created it official that Julie Higgins, the sustainability officer of the company, will be the godmother of the new ship S.S. Emilie. The S.S. Emilie, which is expected to be launched in Europe during spring 2026, represents an important point in Uniworld’s journey towards sustainability and luxury travel. The ship is named after Emilie Flöge, the companion of the famous Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, and it features state-of-the-art green technologies, which give it an important role in the future of river cruising.
Sustainability Meets Luxury on the S.S. Emilie
As Uniworld’s most environmentally conscious vessel to date, the S.S. Emilie is equipped with advanced sustainability features designed to reduce its environmental footprint. These innovations include an optimised hull and bow design, which enhances fuel efficiency and ensures smoother navigation through the water. Additionally, engine aftertreatment systems will reduce harmful emissions, while heat recovery systems support minimise energy consumption. The vessel also incorporates battery packs to minimise fuel usage and avoid power wastage.
Onboard, passengers will experience the brand’s most luxurious river cruise design, yet with an unmistakable focus on sustainability. The ship will feature energy-efficient gym equipment that reduces the required for electrical power. Furthermore, guests will have the opportunity to engage in MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences, offering sustainable, hands-on excursions that contribute to the local community and environment.
This green approach is not limited to the vessel’s design alone. Uniworld’s long-term sustainability goals, including achieving net-zero greenhoutilize gas emissions by 2050 or earlier, are central to the S.S. Emilie’s development. Uniworld’s commitment to sustainability is further exemplified by its Environmental Management System (EMS), which guides all operations from energy usage to waste management.
Julie Higgins: A True Champion of Sustainability
The appointment of Julie Higgins as the godmother of the S.S. Emilie is no surprise. A key figure in Uniworld’s sustainability efforts, Higgins has been instrumental in advancing the company’s eco-frifinishly initiatives. With over 20 years of experience at Uniworld, Higgins played a pivotal role in building the company the first river cruise line to publish a sustainability report in 2022.
Her dedication to sustainable tourism and her leadership in promoting eco-conscious cruising builds her the perfect ambassador for the S.S. Emilie. Under her guidance, Uniworld aims to further its commitment to responsible tourism, ensuring that the brand’s luxurious cruises do not come at the expense of the environment.
The Future of River Cruising: New Ships and Sustainable Technologies
Following the launch of the S.S. Emilie in 2026, Uniworld is planning to expand its fleet with two more eco-frifinishly ships in 2027: S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene. These ships will incorporate the same sustainable technologies featured on the S.S. Emilie, including air-conditioning systems cooled by river water, a first in river cruising. This feature will allow the ships to reduce their energy consumption and improve overall efficiency.
Uniworld’s emphasis on sustainability is not just about reducing carbon emissions; it’s also about future-proofing river cruising by integrating advanced green technologies that ensure a minimal environmental footprint without compromising luxury.
Guests Can Now Experience Sustainable Luxury Like Never Before
Travellers aboard the S.S. Emilie will experience a luxurious river cruise experience, but with an eco-conscious twist. Whether it’s exploring the banks of Europe’s most beautiful rivers or participating in MAKE TRAVEL MATTER experiences, guests will be able to enjoy their journey knowing they are supporting responsible tourism. The introduction of this ship is a huge step forward for luxury river cruising, as it combines cutting-edge design with sustainable travel practices.
Moreover, the ship’s sustainability features are complemented by Uniworld’s commitment to conscious design, ensuring that every aspect of the ship’s construction and operation supports both comfort and environmental responsibility.
A New Standard in Eco-Frifinishly River Cruising
The S.S. Emilie is not just another luxury river cruise ship; it is a symbol of Uniworld’s commitment to sustainable travel. By selecting Julie Higgins as the godmother, Uniworld has reaffirmed its dedication to both luxury and environmental responsibility. The S.S. Emilie is set to offer travellers an unparalleled experience, one where sustainability and luxury seamlessly coexist.
As Uniworld continues to lead the way in eco-frifinishly cruising, it’s clear that the future of river cruising is not only about offering extraordinary travel experiences but also about ensuring that those experiences are environmentally sustainable. With the S.S. Emilie at the forefront of this mission, Uniworld is setting a new standard for luxury cruises and paving the way for a more responsible, eco-conscious travel indusattempt.
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