Uniworld to set sail on 50th anniversary around-the-world cruise in 2026

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has announced its third Rivers of the World cruise for 2026.

Departing on April 16, 2026, the 50-night around-the-world journey was created in honour of the brand’s 50th anniversary.

The itinerary will begin in Brussels, where guests will be among the first to sail on Uniworld’s brand new Gustav Klimt-inspired S.S. Emilie.

Rivers of the World guests will travel on five vessels and visit multiple countries and continents, including Uniworld’s signature Mystery Cruise leg to secret destinations.

“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 Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. “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.”

All Mystery Cruises are completely unique and feature new destinations and experiences that haven’t been offered by the brand before.

After the Mystery Cruise, guests will board the S.S. Joie de Vivre in Paris for a quintessentially French river cruise along the Seine.

Travellers will cross Parisian highlights off their bucket list — from the iconic Moulin Rouge to the historic Latin Quarter — and explore the serene French countryside before taking a first-class train to the ancient city of Lyon.

There, the trip continues on the S.S. Catherine, where travellers will sail to Avignon and travel to the beautiful Mediterranean fishing port of Cassis.

Guests will then fly to Cairo for the final leg of the journey before heading to Luxor to sail the famed Nile River onboard the S.S. Sphinx.

Itinerary highlights include special access to the highly anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum, a visit to the Pyramids of Giza and the chance to explore the temples of Abu Simbel along the Nile.

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 travelling concierge who will accompany guests for the entire journey to assist with all needs.

To join the waitlist, click here.

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