Luxury river cruise line Uniworld will launch four new ships and six itineraries in 2027, marking the largest fleet and itinerary expansion in its history. Olivia Palamountain reports

In 2027, Uniworld will significantly broaden its presence across Europe and Asia with four new river cruising ships and six itineraries.

The expansion includes three brand-new Super Ships – the S.S. Audrey, S.S. Marlene and S.S. São Rafael — as well as two exclusive sailings aboard the expedition yacht Aqua Blu, which will introduce Uniworld to Singapore and Indonesia for the first time.

Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld, describes 2027 as “a landmark year” for the brand. “From honouring the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich aboard our newest Super Ships, to exploring the rich landscapes of Singapore and Indonesia with the Aqua Blu, these additions mark an exciting chapter of growth and continued elevation,” she says.  The S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene will join the fleet as sister ships to the S.S. Emilie, which debuts in 2026. While the Emilie pays tribute to Gustav Klimt through its art-inspired interiors, the two new vessels will channel the cinematic glamour of their namesakes. The S.S. Audrey will embody the understated sophistication of Audrey Hepburn, while the S.S. Marlene will draw on Marlene Dietrich’s dramatic and daring style. Both ships will feature Uniworld’s hallmark craftsmanship – hand-painted decor, curated art collections and bespoke furnishings — sailing European routes steeped in culture and history.The S.S. São Rafael, meanwhile, will expand Uniworld’s footprint on Portugal’s Douro River, joining its sister ship S.S. São Gabriel. Its name pays homage to the vessels of Vasco da Gama’s historic 15th-century voyage to India, with São Rafael having once sailed alongside the explorer’s flagship, São Gabriel. The fourth addition, the Aqua Blu, will represent a new dimension of adventure for Uniworld. Operated in partnership with Aqua Expeditions, the 15-suite yacht will operate two annual expeditions offering privileged access to Indonesia’s remote islands and Singapore’s tropical coastline.

Among the six new itineraries launching in 2027 is “Bali, Singapore & Indonesia Expedition,” a 13-night journey combining a seven-night Aqua Blu sailing with luxury stays in Bali and Singapore. The route will explore Komodo National Park, the Spice Islands and Pink Beach, offering opportunities for diving, kayaking and close encounters with marine life including manta rays and whale sharks. Cultural experiences on land will range from visiting Ubud’s temples and rice terraces to learning about Peranakan heritage in Singapore.In Europe, the new “Paris, Prague & Germany’s Hidden Gems” itinerary aboard the S.S. Audrey will trace a route along the Rhine and Moselle rivers, complemented by hotel stays in Paris and Prague. The journey promises encounters with medieval towns, castle ruins and culinary traditions such as freshly baked pretzels and Rhineland wines. A second itinerary aboard the Audrey, “Scenic Rhine, Paris & the Swiss Alps,” will combine Rhine cruising with land stays in Paris and Zurich, weaving together nature, culture and gastronomy across three countries.The 14-night “European Gems” voyage aboard the S.S. Emilie will link Amsterdam and Vienna via the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers – a one-off itinerary that encapsulates the diversity of Uniworld’s European routes. Meanwhile, the “Grand Highlights of the Danube” aboard the S.S. Marlene will extend over 16 nights, combining two guest favourites into a single experience that journeys from Vienna to Eastern Europe with private concerts, cycling tours and architectural exploration along the way. Rounding out the lineup is “Castles Along the Rhine & Amsterdam,” an expanded version of Uniworld’s signature itinerary featuring two nights in Amsterdam and a cruise from Basel to the Dutch capital.