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November 10, 2025

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has unveiled its most extensive lineup of new offerings yet, including four ships and six itineraries launching from 2027 onward.

Three brand-new ships are currently under construction, S.S. Audrey, S.S. Marlene, and S.S. São Rafael, which will sail the Douro River in Portugal, alongside exclusive cruises aboard Aqua Blu, marking the brand’s first-ever programs in Singapore and Indonesia.

Next year, the new S.S. Emilie will debut, inspired by the art of Gustav Klimt and named after his lifelong companion and muse, Emilie Flöge. The ship will showcase bold gold tones and elegant Art Nouveau touches. The following year, 2027, will see the arrival of S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene, sharing a layout similar to their sister ship, S.S. Emilie. Each ship will feature a different theme, inspired by the film icons whose names they bear—Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich. Both legendary women were born in Europe, and the new vessels will honor their timeless elegance and cinematic glamour as they cruise along Europe’s rivers.

Joining the new fleet will be the third ship, S.S. São Rafael, sister ship to the S.S. São Gabriel. When the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama set sail aboard the São Gabriel in 1497, he was accompanied by the São Rafael, captained by his brother Paulo da Gama. Similarly, in 2027, the new S.S. São Rafael will join S.S. São Gabriel on the Douro River, showcasing the rich flavors and stunning landscapes of Portugal’s famed wine region—continuing a grand maritime and exploratory tradition.

Another major addition will be the two annual departures aboard the Aqua Blu yacht,exclusive voyages with privileged access to remote islands in Indonesia and Singapore. Aqua Blu boasts a rich heritage as the former British naval explorer HMS Beagle, later transformed into a private yacht for an aristocratic European family. A 2019 restoration elevated the vessel to world-class expedition standards. Guests will enjoy a refined maritime atmosphere across five decks and 15 cabins, with tasteful brass and ivory interiors and generous indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a sun deck. The itineraries also offer the chance to explore some of the planet’s most biodiverse marine habitats, embark on adventurous excursions across active volcanoes, and discover centuries-old historical sites in small groups.

Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld, emphasized that 2027 will be a pivotal year for the company. Uniworld will introduce four remarkable new ships and a range of itineraries blending culture, adventure, and luxury. The new “super ships” will pay tribute to the timeless elegance of icons like Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich, while Aqua Blu will guide guests through the captivating landscapes of Singapore and Indonesia. As Bettridge highlights, this wave of innovations marks an exciting chapter of growth and new opportunities for the brand.

Uniworld will launch six new itineraries across Europe and Asia.

Bali, Singapore & Indonesia Expedition

Aboard the intimate Aqua Blu, Uniworld will offer its first-ever expedition cruise, available only twice in 2027. The 13-night journey includes three nights in Bali followed by a luxury three-night stay in Singapore. The voyage along the Indonesian coastline includes privileged access to Komodo National Park, the Spice Islands, Pink Beach, and more. Marine giants such as manta rays, whale sharks, and Komodo dragons will take center stage, alongside activities like diving, snorkeling, and kayaking in some of the world’s most pristine waters. Guests will also enjoy immersive experiences in Ubud, terraced rice fields, and Balinese village life.

Paris, Prague & Germany’s Hidden Gems

The new S.S. Audrey will host this 11-night journey, combining stays in Paris and Prague with a river cruise through the heart of Germany along the Rhine and Moselle. Highlights include the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle, canoeing through a scenic nature reserve, tasting freshly baked pretzels in centuries-old bakeries, enjoying Rhineland wines in Cochem, strolling medieval alleys in Wertheim, and exploring Prague—renowned for its culture, architecture, and beer.

Paris, the Rhine & the Swiss Alps

This 11-night itinerary includes luxury hotel stays in Paris and Zurich and a cruise along the Rhine and Moselle through France, Germany, and Switzerland. Guests will savor Moselle Rieslings, Swiss cheeses, freshly baked bread from a historic German mill, vineyard hikes, scenic bike tours, and explorations of the Roman ruins of Trier.

Gems of Europe

A rare, 14-night special departure aboard S.S. Emilie will sail from Amsterdam to Vienna. This limited-edition cruise spans Europe’s most iconic waterways—the Rhine, Main, and Danube—passing castle-topped hills, charming medieval towns, and capitals rich in cultural and culinary treasures.

Grand Moments on the Danube

Guests will enjoy 14 nights aboard S.S. Marlene along the Danube. Fairy-tale towns, vineyard-covered hills in the Wachau Valley, the confluence of three rivers in Passau, and the architectural wonders of Budapest are among the highlights.

Castles Along the Rhine & Amsterdam

Uniworld expands one of its most popular itineraries, Castles Along the Rhine, to include two nights in Amsterdam with a guided canal cruise and a visit to the iconic Rijksmuseum. From Basel to the Dutch capital, highlights include Alsace, the charming half-timbered houses of Rüdesheim, and the Gothic spires of Cologne.

With these new offerings, Uniworld reaffirms its pioneering vision, providing guests with a future of increasingly exclusive, authentic, and inspiring travel experiences.

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Lucia Angeli

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