LOS ANGELES — Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is preparing for its largest fleet expansion to date, announcing four new ships and six itineraries launching in 2027.

The upcoming additions include three brand-new Super Ships – the S.S. Audrey, S.S. Marlene, and S.S. São Rafael – as well as exclusive sailings aboard the Aqua Blu, marking the company’s debut in 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,” says Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld. “From honouring the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich aboard our newest Super Ships, to exploring the rich landscapes of Singapore and Indonesia with the Aqua Blu, these additions mark an exciting chapter of growth and continued elevation.”

S.S. Marlene, restaurant rendering

FLEET EXPANSION

The S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene will join the fleet in 2027, modelled after the S.S. Emilie, which debuts in 2026. While the Emilie draws inspiration from the artistry of Gustav Klimt, the new vessels will feature interiors that reflect the style and sophistication of their namesakes, Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich. Both ships will operate European river routes, celebrating the glamour and heritage of the continent.

Also joining the fleet is the S.S. São Rafael, a new sister ship to the S.S. São Gabriel, which currently sails the Douro River in Portugal. Named for one of the ships that accompanied Vasco da Gama’s expedition to India in 1497, the São Rafael pays tribute to Portugal’s maritime legacy while expanding Uniworld’s presence on one of Europe’s most scenic waterways.

Rounding out the 2027 additions, the Aqua Blu is a 15-suite expedition yacht operated in partnership with Aqua Expeditions. With just two sailings each year, it will sail exclusive voyages to the islands of Indonesia and Singapore.

NEW ITINERARIES

Uniworld’s 2027 season will introduce six new itineraries that span Europe and Asia.

• ‘Bali, Singapore & Indonesia Expedition’: This 13-night journey operates only twice in 2027 and pairs three nights in Bali with a seven-night expedition cruise aboard the Aqua Blu and a three-night stay in Singapore. Highlights include Komodo National Park, the Spice Islands, Ubud’s temples and diving and snorkelling opportunities.
• ‘Paris, Prague & Germany’s Hidden Gems’: Sailing on the new S.S. Audrey, this 11-night itinerary links Paris and Prague with a Rhine and Moselle River cruise through Germany. Travellers will explore Heidelberg Castle, canoe through a nature reserve and sip Rhineland wines in Cochem before ending their journey in Prague.
• ‘Scenic Rhine, Paris & the Swiss Alps’: Also aboard the S.S. Audrey, this 11-night voyage combines Paris and Zurich with a cruise through France, Germany and Switzerland. Highlights include cycling through vineyards, visiting Roman ruins in Trier, and wine and cheese tastings.
• ‘European Gems’: A one-date-only voyage aboard the S.S. Emilie, this special 14-night itinerary sails from Amsterdam to Vienna, combining the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers.
• ‘Grand Highlights of the Danube’: Aboard the new S.S. Marlene, this itinerary merges two guest favourites – ‘Highlights of Eastern Europe’ and ‘Enchanting Danube’ – into one 16-night journey. The cruise will sail from Austria’s Wachau Valley to Budapest and beyond, with highlights like a private classical concert in Vienna, cycling tours and riverfront excursions through historic towns.
• ‘Castles Along the Rhine & Amsterdam’: Expanding on one of Uniworld’s most popular routes, this nine-night itinerary adds two nights in Amsterdam. Guests will cruise from Basel to the Dutch capital, visiting Alsace, Rüdesheim and Cologne before concluding with guided tours of Amsterdam’s canals and the Rijksmuseum.

For more information, go to https://www.uniworld.com/ca.

Grand Suite Bedroom rendering, S.S. Marlene