Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has confirmed plans to add three new vessels to its fleet by 2028, bringing its total to 22 ships. The newbuilds — S.S. Helen, S.S. Clara, and Mekong Mystique — will serve itineraries on the Danube, Rhine, and Mekong rivers respectively, reinforcing the line's presence in both European and Asian markets.
Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld, said the investment reflects growing demand for immersive river cruising. “As demand for immersive travel continues to grow, every new ship we build allows us to continue raising the bar for luxury river cruising,” she stated. Bookings for the 2028 season are now open, with early reservation incentives for travel advisors and their clients.
Danube and Rhine deployments
The S.S. Helen, named after Helen of Troy, will operate on the Danube. Its signature itinerary is the 15-day ‘Danube Grandeur’ voyage, crossing six countries with fares starting at $6,800 per person. The ship’s design draws on Mediterranean elegance, aiming to create a serene onboard atmosphere.
On the Rhine, the S.S. Clara takes its name from Flemish painter Clara Peeters. Its debut season includes the ‘Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time’ itinerary, priced from $4,100 per person. The vessel will focus on art and cultural heritage, with interiors inspired by Peeters’ still-life compositions.
Mekong expansion
In Asia, the Mekong Mystique will join the existing Mekong Jewel, doubling Uniworld’s capacity on the Mekong River. The ship will exclusively sail the ‘Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong’ itinerary, priced from $8,800 per person. The route offers deep cultural immersion, with stops at Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, and floating markets in the Mekong Delta.
Uniworld’s continued fleet investment underscores its strategy to capture high-end river cruise demand across multiple continents. The company operates under the Red Carnation Hotel Collection umbrella, known for its boutique approach to luxury travel.
For travel advisors, the 2028 deployment provides a fresh inventory of premium cabins in both Europe and Asia. Early booking incentives are available through the line’s trade portal, with commission structures aligned to standard Uniworld policies.
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