Uniworld to Add Three River Ships in Largest Fleet Expansion
Two 2027 sailings aboard Aqua Expeditions’ 30-guest Aqua Blu will offer access to Indonesia and Singapore through Uniworld’s new yacht-voyage partnership.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises plans to add three ships in 2027 in its largest fleet expansion to date. The arrival of S.S. Audrey, S.S. Marlene and S.S. São Rafael will also complete the company’s transition to an all-Super Ship fleet.
The additions follow the 2026 debut of Emilie, Uniworld’s first newbuild since 2020. CEO Ellen Bettridge outlined the expansion in an interview with Cruise Industry News for its 2027 European River Market Report.
S.S. Audrey will operate on the Rhine, Main and Moselle, while S.S. Marlene will sail the Danube. The two 135-meter ships will each accommodate 154 guests, with interiors inspired by Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich, respectively. Bettridge described the design approach as bringing “cinematic glamour” to the rivers.
Portugal will receive the smaller, 80-meter S.S. São Rafael, designed specifically for the Douro with capacity for 94 guests. Bettridge identified the Douro as one of Uniworld’s strongest-performing destinations. The vessel’s facilities will include a panoramic lounge and bar, a bistro and a splash pool.
“Each ship is a one-of-a-kind floating boutique hotel, inspired by the destinations it sails through,” Bettridge said.
Yacht sailings and expanded guest programs
Uniworld will also introduce yacht voyages through a partnership with Aqua Expeditions. Two sailings aboard the 30-guest expedition yacht Aqua Blu in 2027 will offer access to Indonesia and Singapore.
Alongside the fleet additions, the company is launching six itineraries across Europe and Asia. It is also expanding pre- and post-cruise land stays, with programs in cities including Paris, Prague and Zurich.
The Women-Only Cruise, introduced in 2025, will return in 2027. Uniworld is also expanding departures themed around wine, golf, music and Jewish heritage, while Bettridge reported strong interest in its family-focused Generations Collection sailings scheduled around school breaks.
Although Baby Boomers have traditionally formed the core river cruise audience, Bettridge said Uniworld is seeing strong growth among Gen X travelers. “Gen X travelers often seek more active, hands-on experiences,” she said.
The line has expanded its excursion choices to include biking, hiking, culinary workshops and wine tastings alongside traditional guided tours. North America, the U.K. and Australia remain its principal source markets.
More river ships on the way
Cruise Lines International Association lists 21 new river vessels for 2027, including the three Uniworld ships. Other additions include three ships for AmaWaterways, plus Celebrity Compass and Celebrity Seeker, which will introduce Celebrity Cruises to the river market.
Uniworld has a further three ships scheduled for 2028: Helen on the Danube, Clara on the Rhine and Mekong Mystique in Southeast Asia. Those additions will bring Uniworld’s fleet to 22 ships.
