Lead image caption: A rendering of a restaurant on board the S.S. Marlene

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has released the first renderings of two new Super Ships scheduled to debut in 2027, offering a preview of vessels inspired by two iconic film stars.

The ships, S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene, draw inspiration from the distinctive style of Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich. According to the cruise line, the sister ships will bring two distinct design concepts to Europe’s rivers while continuing Uniworld’s focus on design-led vessels that reflect the destinations 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.”

S.S. Audrey

The S.S. Audrey will feature interiors inspired by Hepburn’s elegant aesthetic and mid-20th century Europe, the period that defined much of her career. Design elements throughout the ship will incorporate a palette of greens, golds and blues accented by geometric patterns and artistic tributes to the actress.

Like the upcoming S.S. Emilie, scheduled to debut in 2026, the S.S. Audrey will include an aft bar lounge, a private dining room available for booking and the option to combine adjacent suites into two-bedroom accommodations suited for families or groups travelling together.

The ship is scheduled to begin sailing on April 16, 2027, with its inaugural departure on the ‘Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland’ itinerary. During its first season, the vessel will operate a mix of returning itineraries as well as two new journeys debuting in 2027: ‘Paris, Prague & Germany’s Hidden Gems’ and ‘Scenic Rhine, Paris & the Swiss Alps’.

S.S. Marlene

The S.S. Marlene will pay tribute to the dramatic style and presence of Dietrich, the German-born actress and singer known for her bold fashion and cinematic legacy. Interiors will feature warm tan and gold tones combined with dramatic accents of pink, red and blue throughout select spaces. The ship will accommodate up to 154 guests and include signature Uniworld amenities such as a restaurant, lounge, private dining room, spa and fitness centre.

The S.S. Marlene will begin sailing on March 27, 2027, with its inaugural voyage on the ‘Tulips & Windmills’ itinerary.

Additional sailings will include classic Central European journeys such as ‘Enchanting Danube’ and ‘Delightful Danube’, offering travellers a new way to explore destinations along the Danube River.

Fleet Expansion in 2027

According to Uniworld, the two new ships are part of a broader fleet expansion planned for 2027. The company plans to introduce the S.S. São Rafael, a new Super Ship that will sail along the Douro River. The vessel will accommodate up to 94 guests and expand the company’s presence in one of Europe’s most popular wine regions.

Another addition will be the Aqua Blu, an expedition yacht operated in partnership with Aqua Expeditions. The yacht will carry up to 30 guests and offer voyages through destinations including Indonesia and Singapore.

With these additions, Uniworld says its entire fleet will consist of Super Ships by 2027, expanding its portfolio of boutique river cruise experiences across Europe and beyond.

For more information, go to www.uniworld.com.

Source: Travelweek