By
Laura Hyde |
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will debut three new ships in 2028, bringing its fleet total to 22 ships. S.S. Helen, S.S. Clara and S.S. Mekong Mystique will sail itineraries on the Danube, Rhine and Mekong rivers.
S.S. Helen is named after Greek mythology’s Helen of Troy and has been designed to “embrace the philosophy of Mediterranean elegance” to offer a tranquil atmosphere inspired by “nature, timeless architecture and the Greek concept of philoxenia” (warm hospitality). S.S. Helen will sail on the Danube River and will offer a 15-day ‘Danube Grandeur’ itinerary, which will give guests the chance to explore villages, capital cities and river landscapes in six countries.
S.S. Clara is named after 17th century Flemish painter Clara Peeters, who created detailed still-life paintings. The ship’s interiors draw inspiration from these paintings and feature “vibrant florals, elegant textures and refined European craftsmanship” reflecting the Rhine region in which the ship will sail. Itineraries on offer include the eight-day ‘Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time’, which departs on 31 March 2028, enabling guests to experience the tulip fields in spring.
Inspiration was taken from paintings by Clara Peeters for S.S. Clara’s interiors (Photo: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises)
S.S. Mekong Mystique draws inspiration from classic Indochine design, combining European architectural details with natural materials to create interiors that “reflect the rich heritage and stunning landscapes” of Vietnam and Cambodia. The ship will sail the 15-day ‘Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong’ itinerary along the Mekong River, offering guests the opportunity to explore floating markets, ancient temples and local communities.
“This is one of the most significant periods of investment and growth in Uniworld’s history,” said Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld. “As demand for immersive travel continues to grow, every new ship we build allows us to continue raising the bar for luxury river cruising. It’s also an opportunity to create deeper, more meaningful connections between our guests and the destinations we sail.”
An additional four new ships are expected to join the Uniworld fleet in 2027.