PHOTOS: Uniworld Unveils Mekong Mystique, Set to Debut in 2028

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has unveiled the first renderings of its newest Super Ship, Mekong Mystique, offering a glimpse of a new vessel that is set to debut on the Mekong River in September 2028.

The purpose-built ship will join the Mekong Jewel, expanding Uniworld’s presence in Vietnam and Cambodia while introducing an elegant new floating retreat inspired by the region’s rich cultural heritage, architecture and landscapes.

“The design is truly special, blending classic Indochine influences with European elegance in a way that feels both timeless and full of character. From the intricate toile wallpaper and hand-painted vanities to the floral-tiled pool framed by lush greenery, every space has its own personality, with beautiful details that make the ship feel like a destination in itself,” said Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld, in a press release.

The ship’s distinctive design is the vision of Madame Diep Ngoc Le of Lotus Cruises, whose creative influences date back to her early career as a curtain seamstress in Saigon.

It was there that she developed an appreciation for the city’s colonial architecture, intricate craftsmanship and decorative traditions, elements that have helped shape the Mekong Mystique’s interiors.

The newly-released renderings reveal a residential-style atmosphere featuring rich wood finishes, botanical patterns, antique-inspired furnishings and ornate decorative touches.

In the lobby, polished wood floors and an eye-catching staircase establish a sophisticated welcome, while suites feature dramatic arched floor-to-ceiling windows designed to frame the ever-changing scenery along the Mekong.

Bathrooms are equally elaborate, with toile-style wallpaper, hand-painted botanical vanities, gilded mirrors and brass fixtures creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a grand heritage residence.

Two-Story Sundeck Makes Debut

Among the ship’s most notable features is a two-story sundeck, a first for Uniworld.

The expansive outdoor space will be centred around a floral-tiled swimming pool, surrounded by lush greenery, scalloped awnings and decorative ironwork.

Designed to evoke an open-air garden terrace, the sundeck will offer guests a scenic setting to relax while cruising past riverside villages, tropical landscapes and the bustling waterways of Southeast Asia.

The feature represents a new design element for Uniworld, which is known for giving each of its vessels a distinctive personality rather than adopting a uniform fleet-wide aesthetic.

Vietnam & Cambodia in September 2028

The Mekong Mystique will begin sailing Uniworld’s “Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong” itinerary in September 2028.

The addition of Mekong Mystique will give Uniworld a second vessel in the region alongside Mekong Jewel, further strengthening the luxury river cruise line’s offerings in Southeast Asia.