by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:00 PM ET, Mon March 16, 2026
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is offering a first look at its forthcoming ships S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene.
Inspired by European icons Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich, the sister ships are scheduled to debut next year. Ahead of their inaugural voyages, the brand is sharing renderings of both ships.
“One-of-a-kind design has always been central to the Uniworld experience,” says Ellen Bettridge, president and chief executive officer 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 features a sophisticated modern design, with a palette of greens, golds and blues complemented by vibrant accents, geometric patterns and artistic tributes to Hepburn. The vessel will have an intimate aft bar lounge, a bookable private dining room and combinable adjacent suites. It’s slated to set sail April 16, 2027 on the “Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland” itinerary.
Throughout the season, the ship will host a mix of guest favorites and new journeys, including “Paris, Prague & Germany’s Hidden Gems” and “Scenic Rhine, Paris & the Swiss Alps.”
A rendering of the aft lounge aboard the S.S. Marlene (Photo Credit: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises)
S.S. Marlene, meanwhile, will feature warm tan and gold tones, with dramatic accents of pink, red and blues. The ship will feature signature Uniworld amenities including a restaurant, lounge, private dining room, spa and fitness center. S.S. Marlene will begin sailing March 27, 2027, with its inaugural departure on the “Tulips & Windmills” itinerary.
The ship will also sail through the waterways of Central Europe on other itineraries such as “Enchanting Danube” and “Delightful Danube.”
Beyond S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene, Uniworld will also welcome the 94-guest S.S. São Rafael on Portugal’s Douro River in 2027. The final addition to the fleet is the Aqua Blu, a 30-guest expedition yacht operated in partnership with Aqua Expeditions.
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