Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has unveiled its 2028 programme, which will introduce 3 new Super Ships (SS), 8 itineraries and a new Mystery Journey that extends the concept beyond a conventional river cruise.
The additions will expand Uniworld’s fleet to 22 vessels and broaden its range of destinations across Europe and Asia.
The new programme will include longer voyages along the Danube and Rhine, itineraries covering multiple rivers and countries, and seasonal cruises focused on the Christmas traditions of France and Germany. The company will also expand its operations on the Mekong with the introduction of a new vessel.
Three ships will join the fleet in 2028. S.S. Helen will operate on the Danube, S.S. Clara will join the Rhine fleet, and the Mekong Mystique will strengthen Uniworld’s presence on the Mekong. The European vessels take their names from Helen of Troy and Flemish Golden Age painter Clara Peeters, with their designs drawing on the history, culture and landscapes of the regions in which they will operate.
Among the most extensive new itineraries is the 30-day Amsterdam to the Black Sea voyage aboard either S.S. Helen or S.S. Clara. The journey will connect Amsterdam with Bucharest through 9 countries, following the Rhine, Main and Danube and linking 3 of Uniworld’s longer European itineraries. The route follows the waterway connection created by the opening of the Main-Danube Canal in 1992.
The 25-day Eastern Europe Exploration will travel from Prague to Bucharest across 9 countries, incorporating overnight stays and experiences focused on regional food, wine, art and culture. Danube East & West will offer an 18-day journey between Vienna and Bucharest through 7 countries, combining major Central European capitals with destinations along the Lower Danube that receive fewer cruise calls.
In France, the 15-day Grand France Holiday will combine the Rhône and Seine, connecting Provence and Paris with a high-speed rail transfer between the two river systems. The itinerary will focus on French Christmas traditions and seasonal experiences.
The 9-day Empires of the Lower Danube will sail between Belgrade and Bucharest, covering Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania and examining the region’s Roman, Habsburg and Ottoman heritage. The itinerary will also include the Iron Gates, the Danube Delta, medieval fortifications and emerging wine-producing areas.
The 8-day Dutch & Flemish Treasures aboard S.S. Clara will explore the Netherlands and Belgium, with a focus on their maritime and cultural heritage. The programme includes Amsterdam’s canals, a traditional sailing experience on the former Zuiderzee, the windmills of Kinderdijk and visits to Antwerp centred on its art and culinary traditions.
Uniworld will also introduce two additional European holiday itineraries. The 8-day Rhône Winter Holiday aboard S.S. Catherine will run from Arles to Lyon, with visits to Christmas markets in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Valence and Lyon, together with seasonal activities in Grignan and Provence. The 8-day Moselle Holiday Markets aboard S.S. Clara will operate between Düsseldorf and Trier, calling at destinations including Cochem, Bernkastel and Koblenz and combining Christmas markets and medieval towns with regional wine and festive traditions.
The 2028 schedule will also introduce a new format with the 11-day Mystery Journey, beginning June 15th. Unlike the company’s previous Mystery Cruise concept, the new product will extend beyond the river environment. Passengers will receive only two details before departure: arrival will be through Luxembourg Airport and the journey will conclude at Zürich Airport.
The destinations, route and activities between those two points will remain undisclosed until the journey begins, making the itinerary itself the central feature of the new Uniworld product.