Uniworld Enters Asia With Aqua Blu Expedition Cruises in 2027

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has set out a major expansion for 2027, announcing four ship additions alongside six new itineraries that stretch from European rivers to a new expedition program in Singapore and Indonesia.

Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, framed the rollout as a step-change for the luxury operator’s lineup. “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,” Bettridge said.

Four ship additions: three new Super Ships for Europe and Aqua Blu for Asia

The 2027 plan includes three new-build Super Ships for Europe, S.S. Audrey, S.S. Marlene, and S.S. São Rafael, plus the expedition yacht Aqua Blu, which will operate limited departures for Uniworld through a partnership with Aqua Expeditions.

Uniworld said S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene will use a layout similar to S.S. Emilie, a ship scheduled to debut in 2026 with capacity for 154 guests. While S.S. Emilie’s interior concept is built around artist Gustav Klimt, the 2027 sister ships are designed around film icons: S.S. Audrey takes inspiration from Audrey Hepburn’s style, and S.S. Marlene draws from Marlene Dietrich’s image and career. Uniworld has highlighted design elements including hand-finished decor, curated art collections, and custom luxury furnishings.

In Portugal, S.S. São Rafael is positioned as a sister ship to S.S. São Gabriel for Douro River cruising. Uniworld said the ship’s name references São Rafael, one of the vessels associated with Vasco da Gama’s first voyage to India in 1497, sailing alongside São Gabriel.

Aqua Blu, by contrast, is a 15-suite expedition yacht that will become Uniworld’s entry point into itineraries featuring Singapore and Indonesia. Uniworld plans for Aqua Blu to operate two sailings per year for the brand.

Six new 2027 itineraries, spanning Europe’s core rivers and a new expedition route

The new itineraries are built around a mix of extended river journeys, city-stay combinations, and a small-ship expedition format in Southeast Asia.

• Paris, Prague & Germany’s Hidden Gems (11 nights on S.S. Audrey): Combines stays in Paris and Prague with river cruising through Germany on the Rhine and Moselle.
• Scenic Rhine, Paris & the Swiss Alps (11 nights on S.S. Audrey): Built around land stays in Paris and Zurich before and after sailing, connecting France, Germany, and Switzerland via the Rhine and Moselle.
• Grand Highlights of the Danube (16 nights on S.S. Marlene): Merges two existing itineraries into one longer program, including 14 nights of Danube sailing designed as a continuous journey.
• European Gems (one-date-only, 14 nights on S.S. Emilie): A limited departure between Amsterdam and Vienna, routing through the Rhine, Main, and Danube river systems.
• Castles Along the Rhine & Amsterdam (nine nights): Expands an existing Rhine program by adding two nights in Amsterdam, alongside river cruising between Basel and the Netherlands.
• Bali, Singapore & Indonesia Expedition (13 nights with Aqua Blu): Combines a three-night stay in Bali, a seven-night expedition cruise, and a three-night stay in Singapore.

What Uniworld is putting into the Singapore and Indonesia debut

Uniworld’s Asia launch centers on the 13-night Bali, Singapore & Indonesia Expedition, which pairs hotel stays with a seven-night voyage aboard Aqua Blu. The sailing portion is designed to reach destinations typically associated with expedition-style cruising, with Uniworld citing highlights such as Komodo National Park, the Spice Islands, and Pink Beach.

Onboard programming is oriented toward active exploration, including diving and kayaking, with the company also pointing to the possibility of marine-life encounters such as manta rays and whale sharks, plus time exploring coral reefs. On land, the itinerary includes cultural touring in Bali, with Ubud-area visits focused on temples and rice terraces, and heritage experiences tied to Singapore’s Peranakan culture.

Bettridge said the new program is intended to connect Uniworld’s European foundation with new destinations in Asia, spanning “honouring the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich” and “exploring the rich landscapes of Singapore and Indonesia with the Aqua Blu.”

Capacity positioning and starting prices released in pounds

Uniworld describes its Super Ships as low-capacity vessels positioned around bespoke design and luxury-focused amenities, rather than high-volume river operations. With S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene based on the same general layout as the 154-guest S.S. Emilie, the 2027 new-builds are expected to align with that small-ship approach.

Uniworld also released select starting prices (per person, in British pounds) for three of the newly announced itineraries:

• Scenic Rhine, Paris & the Swiss Alps: From £4,959 per person for the 11-night S.S. Audrey itinerary.
• Grand Highlights of the Danube: From £6,119 per person for the 16-night S.S. Marlene program.
• Bali, Singapore & Indonesia Expedition: From £15,864 per person for the 13-night itinerary combining hotel stays and the Aqua Blu voyage.

The 2027 expansion follows the planned 2026 debut of S.S. Emilie, with S.S. Audrey, S.S. Marlene, and S.S. São Rafael due to join the fleet the next year and Aqua Blu set to operate its two annual voyages. Uniworld said the six new itineraries will be spread across the Rhine, Moselle, Main, Danube, Douro, and the new Singapore-and-Indonesia expedition program.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When are S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene expected to enter service?

Uniworld has said both ships are planned to join the fleet in 2027, with layouts similar to S.S. Emilie, which is scheduled to debut in 2026.

What is S.S. São Rafael, and where will it sail?

S.S. São Rafael is a new ship planned for Portugal’s Douro River, joining S.S. São Gabriel to expand Uniworld’s Douro voyages.

How often will Aqua Blu sail for Uniworld?

Uniworld plans two Aqua Blu sailings per year, using the 15-suite expedition yacht for Singapore and Indonesia itineraries.

Which 2027 Uniworld itinerary is a one-time departure?

European Gems is described as a one-date-only 14-night voyage aboard S.S. Emilie between Amsterdam and Vienna via the Rhine, Main, and Danube.