Uniworld’s Sustainability Officer Julie Higgins Named Godmother of S.S. Emilie

Julie Higgins, Sustainability Officer for Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, will serve as Godmother of its newest Super Ship, the S.S. Emilie. The choice of Higgins is deliberate, as S.S. Emilie will showcase Uniworld’s most advanced sustainability innovations to date, serving as a blueprint for the brand’s next generation of ships.

Inspired by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt and named after his life partner, Emilie Flöge, the ship is an all-new build set to debut in Europe in the spring of 2026. 

“Julie’s unwavering dedication to advancing our sustainability goals makes her the perfect Godmother for the S.S. Emilie,” said Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. 

“This ship represents the next era of river cruising at Uniworld, where conscious design and exceptional luxury seamlessly coexist. Julie is an instrumental part of our team, and we’re incredibly proud to see her christen this vessel as a symbol of our shared commitment to a better and more sustainable future.”

As the brand’s first new build since 2020, the S.S. Emilie has been designed with sustainability in mind. From energy-efficient systems to advanced water and waste management technologies, the ship incorporates a range of innovative features that minimize environmental impact, while maintaining the comfort and luxury synonymous with Uniworld. 

The S.S. Emilie’s sustainable and innovative features include:

• Optimized hull and bow design for improved fuel efficiency and smoother navigation.
• Advanced data and navigation systems, including robust and detailed data capture systems for performance monitoring and innovative technology for semi-autonomous sailing, enhancing energy efficiency.
• Engine aftertreatment systems (catalytic converters) that reduce harmful emissions.
• Heat recovery systems that utilize engine cooling to heat water, thereby reducing energy consumption.
• Battery packs for peak shaving, storing excess energy from generators or shore power to minimize fuel use and prevent power waste.
• New gym equipment to be featured in the ship’s fitness centre, with reduced electrical reliance.

On the S.S. Emilie, guests have the opportunity to take part in a variety of MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® experiences – hands-on excursions focused on sustainability and giving back. Along the Rhine, guests can join a Refugee Canal Cruise in Amsterdam led by expert guides sharing stories of cultural resilience, visit an authentic dairy farm practicing sustainable cheese-making, and explore the Netherlands’ green initiatives via electric city tram and sustainably powered water taxis. 

Higgins, who has been part of the Uniworld family for more than 20 years, brings deep expertise in both hotel operations and sustainable tourism. Holding an MBA in Sustainability Leadership, she now oversees Uniworld’s global sustainability strategy and led the company’s milestone achievement as the first river cruise line to publish a sustainability report in 2022. 

Higgins will be officially appointed Godmother of the S.S. Emilie at its christening ceremony on March 21, 2026, before the ship’s inaugural sailing along the Rhine River on the same day.