Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has announced the introduction of three new vessels in 2028 - SS Helen, SS Clara, and RV Mekong Mystique, expanding its fleet to 22 ships.
The announcement follows the company's ongoing fleet expansion programme, which will see four new ships enter service during 2027.
Ellen Bettridge, Uniworld's President and CEO, stated that the company is undergoing one of the most significant periods of investment and growth in its history. She indicated that the expansion reflects increasing demand for immersive travel experiences while enabling the brand to further develop its luxury travel offering and strengthen connections between guests and the destinations visited.
Bookings for the 2028 season have now opened, allowing guests to reserve inaugural sailings aboard the new ships and secure preferred departure dates and suite categories ahead of expected strong demand.
SS Helen will operate on the Danube and takes its name from Helen of Troy. The vessel draws inspiration from European classical antiquity and the influence of Greek culture throughout the Danube region. Rather than replicating traditional Greek design, its interiors embrace Mediterranean elegance, combining natural elements, timeless architecture and the Greek concept of philoxenia, reflecting a philosophy of hospitality. Among its featured itineraries will be the 15-day Danube Grandeur, visiting six countries and combining major European capitals with historic towns and scenic river landscapes.
Joining Uniworld's Rhine fleet, SS Clara pays tribute to 17th-century Flemish painter Clara Peeters, one of the leading female artists of the Dutch Golden Age. Inspired by her detailed still-life paintings, the ship will feature interiors incorporating floral motifs, refined textures and European craftsmanship. The vessel is scheduled to make its debut on the Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time itinerary, offering spring sailings through the Netherlands and Belgium during the annual tulip season.
Expanding Uniworld's Southeast Asian fleet, Mekong Mystique is designed around the architectural style of historic Indochina. The boat combines European influences with natural materials to reflect the heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia. It will operate exclusively on the company's "Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong" itinerary, offering voyages through floating markets, historic temples and riverside communities along the iconic river.
The three new riverboats continue Uniworld's strategy of developing boutique hotel-style ships that combine destination-inspired design with luxury accommodations.
Helen and Clara are sisterships and are designed the same as the 2026-launched SS Emilie and the scheduled-for-launch in 2027 SS Marlene and SS Audrey, while Mekong Mystique is a sistership to the 2020-built Mekong Jewel.
Uniworld's S.S. stands for "Super Ship".