Uniworld Plans Three New River Ships for 2028
The one hundred fifty-four-guest S.S. Helen is planned for Danube Grandeur, a fifteen-day itinerary spanning six countries, with design cues tied to Helen of Troy.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will introduce S.S. Helen, S.S. Clara and Mekong Mystique in 2028, assigning the new ships to the Danube, Rhine and Mekong rivers as it opens sales for the 2028 season. The three-vessel program, announced July 21, would take the brand to 22 ships and follows four additional vessels already scheduled to join the fleet in 2027.
The expansion puts seven new ships into Uniworld’s published pipeline across 2027 and 2028, with the 2028 additions split between European river itineraries and Southeast Asia. “This is one of the most significant periods of investment and growth in Uniworld’s history,” said Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
Bettridge said each new vessel gives the company “an opportunity to create deeper, more meaningful connections between our guests and the destinations we sail.” Bookings for Uniworld’s 2028 season opened with the announcement.
Danube, Rhine and Mekong deployments
S.S. Helen, a 154-guest ship, is planned for the Danube. Named for Helen of Troy, the vessel’s design draws on classical antiquity and Greek cultural influence in the Danube region, with Uniworld citing Mediterranean design cues and the Greek concept of philoxenia in its onboard concept.
The ship’s planned programs include the 15-day Danube Grandeur itinerary, which covers six countries. Uniworld did not list all 2028 departure dates for the sailing in the announcement.
S.S. Clara, also listed at 154 guests, will join Uniworld’s Rhine fleet. The ship is named for Clara Peeters, the 17th-century Flemish still-life painter, with interiors planned around florals, European craftsmanship and textures associated with her work.
Clara is scheduled to debut on Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time, Uniworld’s spring itinerary through the Netherlands and Belgium.
Mekong Mystique will add Southeast Asia capacity alongside Mekong Jewel and is planned exclusively for Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong. The new vessel is reported at about 262 feet long and 42 feet wide, but Uniworld did not disclose a guest capacity for the ship.
Fleet context and details still outstanding
Uniworld already operates in Vietnam and Cambodia with Mekong Jewel, which carries 68 guests. Its wider river program also includes Europe, Egypt, India and South America.
The company has not named shipyards, delivery dates or starting fares for the three 2028 vessels.
