Uniworld Reveals Two New 154-Guest Super Ships Debuting in 2027

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has released first renderings of two new “Super Ships” set to debut in 2027, the S.S. Audrey and the S.S. Marlene, as part of what the company describes as its largest fleet expansion to date.

The 154-guest vessels are positioned as a design-forward next step for the luxury river cruise line ahead of its 50th anniversary celebrations, with Uniworld also outlining new 2027 cruise-and-tour itineraries created with sister brand Luxury Gold and updated training for travel advisors.

A larger 2027 build-out for Uniworld’s European lineup

Uniworld said the S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene will join its European fleet in 2027, and that two additional ships, the S.S. Rafael and the Aqua Blue, are also planned to debut the same year.

Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, framed the new builds as an extension of the line’s long-running focus on ship-specific styling. “One-of-a-kind design has always been central to the Uniworld experience,” Bettridge said, adding that the ships are intended to translate the inspiration behind their namesakes into onboard spaces that help guests feel more connected to the destinations.

Where the new ships will sail, and when

• The S.S. Marlene is scheduled to begin sailing on March 27, 2027, debuting on the Danube. Uniworld has named Tulips & Windmill as the inaugural itinerary, with additional Danube programs including Enchanting Danube and Delightful Danube.
• The S.S. Audrey is scheduled to enter service on April 16, 2027, sailing on the Rhine, Main, and Moselle rivers. Its inaugural departure is planned on Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland, and Uniworld has also named new 2027 journeys including Paris, Prague & Germany’s Hidden Gems and Scenic Rhine, Paris & the Swiss Alps.

S.S. Audrey: a Hepburn-inspired concept with flexible suites

Uniworld has said the S.S. Audrey is designed as a tribute to Audrey Hepburn, drawing on what the company calls “timeless style” and the atmosphere of mid-20th-century Europe. Renderings show a modern, refined look built around greens, golds, and blues, with geometric elements, stronger accent colors, and artistic references to the actress.

Operationally, Uniworld highlighted an aft bar lounge and a private dining room intended for smaller, more exclusive meals. The line also said adjacent suites can be combined into two-bedroom accommodations, a configuration aimed at families or groups who want more space.

In addition to operating Rhine, Main, and Moselle itineraries, Uniworld has positioned the Audrey’s arrangement as comparable to the Emilie, a sister ship debuting earlier, while still giving the new ship its own theme.

S.S. Marlene: a bolder palette and added wellness facilities

The S.S. Marlene is centered on Marlene Dietrich, the German-born actress and singer, with Uniworld describing a bolder interior approach that mixes warm tan and gold tones with more dramatic accents. The line said pink, red, and blue appear in selected areas to reinforce the ship’s more theatrical design cues.

Uniworld said amenities on the Marlene will include a restaurant, a lounge, a private dining room, and wellness spaces such as a spa and fitness center. After its inaugural sailing, the ship is expected to continue operating in Central Europe on established Danube programs named by Uniworld, including Enchanting Danube and Delightful Danube.

New cruise-and-tour journeys with Luxury Gold

Alongside the ship debuts, Uniworld said it is expanding its 2027 portfolio with new cruise-and-tour itineraries created in partnership with Luxury Gold. The trips are designed to blend river cruising with land travel, including luxury hotel stays, cultural experiences, and coordinated logistics.

Uniworld highlighted several examples of the new format, including a 17-day Geneva-to-Budapest journey combining Swiss experiences such as the Glacier Express and the Rosengart Collection with a Danube river cruise. Another itinerary pairs Douro Valley cruising with Iberian experiences including flamenco performances and visits to The Alhambra.

The company also described a 19-day adventure from Venice that combines Italy’s lagoon cruising with experiences such as Tuscan truffle hunting and guided tours of historic sites including Pompeii, positioning the mixed-mode approach as a way to broaden its offerings beyond the river cruise component alone.

50th anniversary plans and advisor-focused training

Uniworld said it will mark its 50th anniversary with three Mystery Cruises in 2026, including one that will serve as a leg of the 50-night Rivers of the World cruise. The company has described the Mystery Cruise concept, including an April departure, as a way to lean into a discovery-driven tradition while still introducing new ideas tied to the milestone year.

Uniworld also announced an updated Uniworld University course for travel advisors focused on the line’s fleet and itinerary updates. The company said participants can earn CLIA certification credits, along with preferred specialist recognition, access to discounted rates, and a specialist badge after completing the program.

With inaugural sailings dated for March and April 2027 and early renderings now public, Uniworld has indicated that additional rollout details, including fuller onboard specifications and expanded deployment information, are expected as the debut dates approach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many guests will the S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene carry?

Uniworld has said both ships are slated to accommodate 154 guests.

When do the S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene start sailing?

The S.S. Marlene is scheduled to begin sailing on March 27, 2027, and the S.S. Audrey is scheduled to begin sailing on April 16, 2027.

Which rivers will the new Uniworld ships sail?

Uniworld has said the S.S. Audrey will sail on the Rhine, Main, and Moselle rivers, while the S.S. Marlene will sail on the Danube.

What other ships are included in Uniworld’s 2027 expansion?

Uniworld has indicated the S.S. Rafael and the Aqua Blue will also debut in 2027 alongside the S.S. Audrey and the S.S. Marlene.

What can travelers expect from the new cruise-and-tour itineraries with Luxury Gold?

Uniworld said the cruise-and-tour journeys are intended to combine land touring with river cruising, including luxury hotel stays, cultural experiences, and seamless logistics. Examples the company highlighted include a 17-day Geneva-to-Budapest trip incorporating the Glacier Express and the Rosengart Collection, and an itinerary pairing Douro Valley cruising with Iberian experiences such as flamenco and visits to The Alhambra.