Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has unveiled the first renderings of its newest Super Ships debuting in 2027, the S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene, inspired by screen icons, Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich, respectively.
*All details correct at time of publish (23 March 2026)
The sister ships will bring two distinct design visions to Europe’s rivers, drawing from the iconic aesthetics of the celebrated actresses while continuing Uniworld’s tradition of design-driven ships that reflect the regions they sail.
“One-of-a-kind design has always been central to the Uniworld experience,” says Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld. “With the S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene, we’re celebrating two women whose style defined an era.
“These ships bring their spirit to life through thoughtful details and spaces created to deepen our guests’ connection to the destinations along the journey, and we’re excited to share a sneak peek inside.”
First Look: S.S. Audrey
The S.S. Audrey draws inspiration from Audrey Hepburn’s timeless style and mid-20th-century Europe – the era that defined her career – incorporating a sophisticated modern design throughout the ship.
Guests will find interiors featuring a palette of greens, golds and blues, complemented by vibrant accents, geometric patterns, and artistic tributes to the iconic actress.
Like sister ship S.S. Emilie, debuting in 2026, the S.S. Audrey will feature a layout designed to enhance the onboard experience, including an intimate aft bar lounge, a bookable private dining room for exclusive culinary moments.
Guests can also combine adjacent suites to create spacious two-bedroom accommodations for families or groups travelling together.
The S.S. Audrey will begin sailing on 16 April 2027, with its inaugural departure on the ‘Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland’ itinerary (from £3,104pp).
Throughout the season, the ship will sail a mix of returning guest favourites alongside two new journeys debuting in 2027: ‘Paris, Prague & Germany’s Hidden Gems’ (from £4,814pp) and Scenic Rhine, Paris & the Swiss Alps’ (from £5,084pp).
First Look: S.S. Marlene
The S.S. Marlene pays tribute to the striking presence and timeless beauty of German-born actress and singer Marlene Dietrich. Interiors reflect her bold aesthetic, blending warm tan and gold tones with dramatic accents of pink, red, and blue throughout select spaces.
Accommodating up to 154 guests, the ship will feature signature Uniworld amenities, including a restaurant, lounge, private dining room, spa, and fitness centre.
The S.S. Marlene will begin sailing on 27 March 2027, with its inaugural departure on the ‘Tulips & Windmills’ itinerary (from £3,419pp).
The ship will also sail through the waterways of Central Europe on other classic itineraries such as ‘Enchanting Danube’ (from £2,719pp) and ‘Delightful Danube’ (from £2,564pp), offering guests a new way to experience the region’s historic cities and cultural landmarks.
Continued Super Ship Expansions in 2027
In addition to Audrey and Marlene, Uniworld will also welcome the S.S. São Rafael in 2027, a new Super Ship sailing Portugal’s Douro River. The ship will accommodate up to 94 guests and expand the brand’s capacity in one of Europe’s most sought-after wine regions.
The final addition to the Uniworld fleet is the Aqua Blu, a sleek expedition yacht operated in partnership with Aqua Expeditions, offering access to the islands of Indonesia and Singapore with up to 30 guests onboard.
With these debuts, Uniworld’s entire fleet will be comprised of Super Ships by 2027, offering travellers the most luxurious and design-forward, boutique river cruising experiences on the rivers of Europe and beyond.
To learn more, please visit www.uniworld.com.
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