New Ships, New Places: Uniworld Preparing for Largest-Ever Expansion in 2027
by Bruce Parkinson
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has announced the most extensive expansion in its history, unveiling four ships and six itineraries launching in 2027.
New ships include three brand-new Super Ship builds, the S.S. Audrey, S.S. Marlene, and S.S. São Rafael on Portugal’s Douro River, as well as exclusive sailings on the Aqua Blu, marking the brand’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.
“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.”
New Ships
The S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene will join the fleet in 2027 with a similar layout to sister ship S.S. Emilie, which will debut next year. While the S.S. Emilie channels the artistry of Gustav Klimt with bold jewel tones and Art Nouveau touches, the Audrey and Marlene will each showcase interiors inspired by the screen legends they are named for, Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich.
Both icons were born in Europe, making their influence a seamless fit with Uniworld’s tradition of bringing local stories to life onboard. The brand-new builds will pay homage to the stars’ elegance and cinematic glamour, and will both sail the rivers of Europe.
Joining them is the new S.S. São Rafael, a brother ship to the S.S. São Gabriel, expanding Uniworld’s popular Douro River voyages in Portugal. The name São Rafael is a nod to Portugal’s legacy of exploration and maritime history. In Vasco da Gama’s first voyage to India in 1497, São Gabriel served as the flagship, while São Rafael sailed alongside under the command of Paulo da Gama.
The final addition to the fleet is the Aqua Blu, a sleek expedition yacht operated in partnership with Aqua Expeditions. With just two sailings per year, its exclusive voyages will offer rare access to the islands of Indonesia and Singapore.
New Itineraries
In 2027, Uniworld will launch six new itineraries across Europe and Asia:
‘Bali, Singapore & Indonesia Expedition’
This 13-night journey is unlike anything Uniworld has every offered, pairing three nights in Bali with a seven-night expedition cruise aboard the intimate, 15-suite Aqua Blu, followed by a three-night luxury stay in Singapore. Guests will sail along Indonesia’s coastline, with rare access to Komodo National Park, the Spice Islands, Pink Beach and more. On land, immersive experiences include exploring Ubud’s temples and rice terraces, discovering Balinese village life and indulging in a Peranakan cultural encounter in Singapore. This Limited-Edition Collection voyage will operate only twice in 2027, offering travellers a blend of tropical escape, cultural immersion and small-ship luxury.
‘Paris, Prague & Germany’s Hidden Gems’
An 11-night journey on the new S.S. Audrey, this itinerary will blend stays in Paris and Prague with a cruise through the heart of Germany along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers.
‘Scenic Rhine, Paris & the Swiss Alps’
An additional 11-night journey aboard the S.S. Audrey, this itinerary will combine luxurious hotel stays in Paris and Zurich with a Rhine and Moselle River sailing through France, Germany and Switzerland.
This journey will be a special, one-date-only, 14-night departure aboard the S.S. Emilie from Amsterdam to Vienna. The cruise brings together the best of Europe’s most iconic waterways, sailing the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers in one seamless voyage.
‘Grand Highlights of the Danube’
This is a 16-night adventure that will weave together two guest favourite itineraries: ‘Highlights of Eastern Europe’ and ‘Enchanting Danube.’ Guests will sail for 14 nights on the S.S. Marlene along the Danube, from the storybook towns and vineyard-clad hills of Austria’s Wachau Valley to the architectural treasures of Budapest and beyond.
‘Castles Along the Rhine & Amsterdam’
Expanding on one of Uniworld’s most popular itineraries, ‘Castles Along the Rhine’, this new nine-night journey will sail from Basel to the Dutch capital. The journey concludes with two immersive days in Amsterdam, complete with a guided canal cruise and a tour of the iconic Rijksmuseum.
