By
Alex Smith |
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has announced plans for its largest fleet expansion to date, with four new ships and six itineraries scheduled to launch in 2027.
The expansion includes three new Super Ships – S.S. Audrey, S.S. Marlene and S.S. São Rafael – along with new voyages on Aqua Blu, marking the company’s entry into Singapore and Indonesia.
“2027 is shaping up to be a landmark year for us at Uniworld as we introduce four remarkable new ships to our guests and a range of itineraries that blend cultural immersion, luxury and adventure,” said Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld. “From honouring the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich onboard our newest Super Ships, to exploring the rich landscapes of Singapore and Indonesia with Aqua Blu, these additions mark an exciting chapter of growth and continued elevation.”
S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene will join the fleet in 2027, following the launch of their sister ship, S.S. Emilie, in 2026. While Emilie draws inspiration from the art of Gustav Klimt, Audrey and Marlene will feature interiors influenced by the screen icons after whom they are named. Both ships will operate on Europe’s rivers.
S.S. Marlene will feature interiors inspired by German-American actress Marlene Dietrich
S.S. São Rafael will expand Uniworld’s Douro River operations in Portugal as a sister vessel to S.S. São Gabriel. Its name references Portugal’s maritime heritage – São Gabriel was the flagship of Vasco da Gama’s 1497 voyage to India, while São Rafael sailed alongside under the command of Paulo da Gama.
Aqua Blu, a yacht operated in partnership with Aqua Expeditions, will offer two sailings per year, providing access to the islands of Indonesia and Singapore.
Among the new itineraries is the 13-night ‘Bali, Singapore & Indonesia Expedition’, which includes a three-night stay in Bali, a seven-night voyage on Aqua Blu, and a three-night stay in Singapore. The itinerary includes destinations such as Komodo National Park, the Spice Islands and Pink Beach, with opportunities for diving, snorkelling and kayaking, as well as cultural experiences in Bali and Singapore.
Other additions include ‘Paris, Prague & Germany’s Hidden Gems’, an 11-night itinerary on S.S. Audrey that combines stays in Paris and Prague with a cruise along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers; and ‘Scenic Rhine, Paris & the Swiss Alps’, which also features S.S. Audrey and includes ports in France, Germany and Switzerland.
The 14-night ‘European Gems’ voyage on S.S. Emilie will travel from Amsterdam to Vienna via the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. The 16-night ‘Grand Highlights of the Danube’, operated on S.S. Marlene, will combine two existing Uniworld itineraries, sailing from Austria’s Wachau Valley to Budapest and beyond. ‘Castles Along the Rhine & Amsterdam’ will extend a core Uniworld itinerary with an additional two-night stay in Amsterdam.
Construction of the new ships is currently underway ahead of their planned debut in 2027.