S.S. Emilie – Uniworld River Cruises – Uniworld S.S. Emilie
Submitted by: Julie Higgins
Lead Designer: Liane van Leeuwen
Studio: Studio L
Outfitter: Willemson
Shipyard: De Gerlien van Tiem
Completion Date: 21/03/2026
Walking onto the S.S. Emilie for the first time, the word that comes to mind is considered. Nothing feels accidental. The ship draws its design inspiration from the Austrian symbolist painter Gustav Klimt, and the connection runs deeper than a few well-placed prints. The interiors carry his signature language throughout: jewel tones, Art Nouveau curves, warm gold accents, and a richness of materials that feels genuinely luxurious rather than trying to be. Marble surfaces sit alongside dark wood panelling, and the lighting throughout is warm and deliberately flattering.
The S.S. Emilie is named after Emilie Flöge, Klimt’s life partner and muse, and the subject of his most celebrated painting, The Kiss. It is a thoughtful choice of name for a ship that so clearly wears its artistic identity with confidence. The overall feel is modern classic: not cold or minimal, but not fussy either. It strikes a balance that is harder to achieve than it looks. This ship is entirely unique in design, and every area is filled with tiny details throughout.
