Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is anticipating the arrival of its newest ship, the S.S. Emilie, which will debut in 2026 and sail the Danube River. The vessel was inspired by master Viennese painter Gustav Klimt, and named for his beloved muse, Emilie Floge.
To get a better idea of what guests can expect onboard the Super Ship, Uniworld sat down with Liane van Leeuwen, interior designer of the vessel and the owner of design firm Studio-L. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the S.S. Emilie.
How is designing a river cruise ship different from other hospitality settings, such as hotels, ocean liners or trains?
Designing the interior of a ship is fundamentally different; it requires much more precision. As you can imagine, the regulations on ships are very strict, making the design process more complex. Next to that, the interior must not only meet the requirements of the hotel crew, but also of the nautical staff. Yet, the greatest challenge lies in providing guests with a pleasant and spacious experience, despite the ship’s limited space. To achieve this, every inch is thought out.
Fine fabrics and interesting upholstery are signature traits of Uniworld’s style. Can you tell us more about the materials being used across the ship?
The interior of the S.S. Emilie is primarily crafted from stunning high-gloss walnut veneer, accented with solid decorative frames and exquisite details. Additional materials include marble floors and tabletops, oak herringbone parquet, glass mosaic walls, beveled mirrors with sandblasted decorations, plush custom-made carpets, silk curtains, stained-glass doors and luxurious upholstery in mohair and velvet. As a cherry on top, the artworks in public spaces are specially created for this project by talented artists.
How and where has the inspiration of Gustav Klimt been integrated into the design?
Gustav Klimt, arguably the most prominent figure of the Vienna Secession art movement, has been a major inspiration for the interior design of the S.S. Emilie. Not only are reproductions of Klimt’s work integrated into the suites and staterooms, but the corridor carpet also features a pattern inspired by his art. Furthermore, the corridors are embellished with drawings and illustrations which come from the period of the Vienna Secession, Jugendstil and Art Nouveau.
What elements of this design do you hope guests will notice and love as much as you do?
Each space on the ship has its own unique decorative elements. All suites and staterooms feature bathrooms with glass mosaic walls and beautifully decorated mirrors. The restaurant is decorated with elegant, stained-glass doors and a richly upholstered Jugendstil ceiling. Walnut Art Nouveau desks and a crystal palm-leaf chandelier define the lobby, with a prominent portrait of Emilie adding the final touch. Every area is exceptional, making it impossible for me to pick a favorite. I hope that all guests feel the same way and enjoy an unforgettable holiday onboard the S.S. Emilie.
