Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has revealed the names of three brand-new Super Ships that will join its fleet in 2027, as part of the river cruise line’s largest fleet expansion to date. The new additions were previewed seven months ago, reported first by LATTE, but were un-named at that time.
S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene will feature a similar design to S.S. Emilie, another new build which was announced in March last year and is set to debut on the rivers of Europe. They will be joined by S.S. São Rafael on Portugal’s Douro River—a brother ship to S.S. São Gabriel which launched in 2021.
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. These new builds will pay homage to the stars’ elegance and cinematic glamour, and will both sail the rivers of Europe.
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 expanded fleet enables Uniworld to open up six new itineraries that will commence in 2027, coupled with exclusive charter sailings in Indonesia on Aqua Expedition’s small ship, Aqua Blu, departing from Singapore—a brand-new destination for Uniworld.
Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld, said, “2027 will be 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.”
“From honoring the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich aboard our newest Super Ships in Europe, to exploring the rich landscapes of Singapore and Indonesia with the Aqua Blu, these additions mark an exciting chapter of growth and continued elevation for Uniworld.”
The new itineraries across Europe and Asia include:
Bali, Singapore & Indonesia Expedition – 13 nights | Aqua Blu
A land-and-sea luxury adventure combining Bali, a seven-night expedition cruise through Indonesia’s islands (including Komodo National Park and the Spice Islands) and a stay in Singapore. (Limited to two departures.)
Paris, Prague & Germany’s Hidden Gems – 11 nights | S.S. Audrey
Blends stays in Paris and Prague with a Rhine–Moselle cruise through Germany. Highlights include castles, wine tastings, canoeing and medieval towns.
Scenic Rhine, Paris & the Swiss Alps – 11 nights | S.S. Audrey
Pairs hotel stays in Paris and Zurich with a Rhine-Moselle sailing through France, Germany and Switzerland. Experiences include vineyard hikes, cycling and regional cuisine.
European Gems – 14 nights | S.S. Emilie
A one-time-only voyage from Amsterdam to Vienna along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers, showcasing Europe’s castles, capitals and culinary treasures.
Grand Highlights of the Danube – 16 nights | S.S. Marlene
Combines two guest favorites into one extended Danube journey from Austria to Eastern Europe, featuring cycling, concerts and scenic cruising through the Wachau Valley and Budapest.
Castles Along the Rhine & Amsterdam – nine nights | S.S. Antoinette
An expanded version of a Uniworld classic, sailing from Basel to Amsterdam with two extra nights in the Dutch capital for canal tours and a visit to the Rijksmuseum.
