Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Sets Sail for the Future With Four New Ships and Six Exclusive Itineraries in 2027

As Discovery Princess docks in vibrant Kuala Lumpur, guests are setting out to explore the highlights of Malaysia: from spiritual marvels like the Batu Caves, cultural enclaves at the National Museum, tranquil Lake Gardens, and the soaring icons of the Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower—all leading to the history-steeped Merdeka Square. Onboard, the adventure continues with dinner at the Crown Grill and the dazzling new show “Viva La Musica” making its mark in the Princess Theatre.

Meanwhile, in the river cruise world, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has just unveiled transformative news—its largest fleet expansion ever, set for launch in 2027. Four new ships will join the collection, including three “Super Ship” builds and the debut of Uniworld’s first-ever expedition sailings in Singapore and Indonesia.

Super Ships Inspired by Glamour and Exploration

The fleet will welcome two new ships named for silver screen icons: SS Audrey and SS Marlene. Paying homage to Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich, these vessels bring a touch of cinematic glamour to European river cruising, each boasting elegant interiors inspired by their legendary namesakes. Both stars hail from Europe, which perfectly aligns with Uniworld’s mission of blending local stories and luxury on board.

Joining them is SS Sao Rafael, a sister ship to the popular SS Sao Gabriel on Portugal’s Douro River. Sao Rafael honours Portugal’s heritage of exploration—named for one of Vasco da Gama’s ships, it’s a nod to the country’s maritime legacy and spirit of adventure.

Aqua Blu: Expedition Yachting in Southeast Asia

The final addition, Aqua Blu, operated in partnership with Aqua Expeditions, introduces two exclusive annual sailings giving guests rare access to Indonesia’s remote islands and Singapore. In 2027, Uniworld will launch six new itineraries in Europe and Asia, including a spectacular 13-night land-and-sea journey pairing Bali exploration, an Indonesian islands expedition on Aqua Blu, and a luxury stay in Singapore.

The New Six: Itineraries for Discerning Explorers
Here’s what’s coming for travellers in 2027:

• Bali, Singapore & Indonesia Expedition (13 nights | Aqua Blu)
  A luxury journey combining adventures on land in Bali, seven nights of expedition cruising (Komodo National Park, Spice Islands), and a chic stay in Singapore.
  Limited to two departures.
• Paris, Prague & Germany’s Hidden Gems (11 nights | S.S. Audrey)
  City stays in Paris and Prague blend with a Rhine–Moselle cruise through Germany, packed with wine tastings, castle visits, and medieval towns.
• Scenic Rhine, Paris & the Swiss Alps (11 nights | S.S. Audrey)
  Stays in Paris and Zurich paired with Rhine–Moselle river sailing—think vineyard hikes, cycling, and authentic regional cuisine.
• European Gems (14 nights | S.S. Emilie)
  A special journey from Amsterdam to Vienna on the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers, showcasing Europe’s castles and capitals.
• Grand Highlights of the Danube (16 nights | S.S. Marlene)
  An extended Danube journey featuring Austria through Eastern Europe, cruising scenic valleys and experiencing concerts and local heritage.
• Castles Along the Rhine & Amsterdam (9 nights | S.S. Antoinette)
  An expanded classic with extra nights in Amsterdam for canal tours and the marvel of the Rijksmuseum.

The Uniworld Difference: Luxury Meets Storytelling

Each ship in Uniworld’s fleet brings local culture, history, and artistry to life. The new Super Ships will raise the bar for elegance, personalised service, and immersive experiences—whether you’re sailing past medieval castles, wandering through art-laden cities, or island-hopping between exotic Southeast Asian harbours. The ground-breaking journeys of Aqua Blu will open new horizons for luxury travellers seeking adventure beyond the beaten path.

With this ambitious expansion, Uniworld is shaping the future of boutique river cruising, bringing more choice and once-in-a-lifetime experiences to explorers seeking authentic stories and the thrill of discovery in 2027 and beyond.

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