Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has revealed the first renderings of two new ‘Super Ships’ set to debut in 2027, with designs inspired by screen legends Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich.
The vessels – the S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene – will introduce two distinct aesthetic concepts to Europe’s rivers while continuing the brand’s focus on stylised, destination-driven ship design.
“One-of-a-kind design has always been central to the Uniworld experience,” says Uniworld President and CEO, Ellen Bettridge.
“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.”
The S.S. Audrey will draw on Hepburn’s understated elegance and the mid-20th-century European setting that shaped much of her film career. Interiors will feature a refined palette of greens, golds and blues, punctuated by geometric patterns and artistic tributes to the actress. The design approach reflects Hepburn’s enduring image – graceful, modern and quietly sophisticated.
Like its sister ship S.S. Emilie, due to debut this year, the S.S. Audrey will include an aft bar lounge, a bookable private dining room and the option to combine adjacent suites into larger two-bedroom accommodations suited to families or group travellers.
The ship will begin sailing on April 16, 2027, with its inaugural departure on the ‘Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland’ itinerary. Over the summer season, it will operate a mix of established routes alongside new journeys including ‘Paris, Prague & Germany’s Hidden Gems’ and ‘Scenic Rhine, Paris & the Swiss Alps.’
In contrast, the S.S. Marlene will take inspiration from Dietrich’s bold stage presence and striking personal style. Interiors will combine warm tan and gold tones with dramatic accents of pink, red and blue in selected spaces, echoing the actress’s reputation for glamour and theatrical flair.
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 March 27, 2027, with its inaugural departure on the ‘Tulips & Windmills’ itinerary. It will also operate on Central European routes such as ‘Enchanting Danube’ and ‘Delightful Danube’, offering passengers access to historic cities and cultural landmarks along the river.
The two ships form part of a broader fleet expansion planned for 2027. Uniworld will also introduce the S.S. Sao Rafael on Portugal’s Douro River, designed to carry up to 94 guests and increase capacity in one of Europe’s most popular wine regions. In addition, the company will add Aqua Blu, a small expedition yacht operated in partnership with Aqua Expeditions, accommodating up to 30 guests on itineraries through Indonesia and Singapore.
With the arrival of the new vessels, Uniworld says its entire fleet will consist of Super Ships by 2027, as it continues to position itself around boutique-style luxury river cruising experiences across Europe and other global destinations.
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