21 July 2026: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises will introduce S.S. Helen, S.S. Clara and Mekong Mystique in 2028, expanding its fleet to 22 ships, according to a company media announcement issued on 21 July.
The three vessels will operate across the Danube, Rhine and Mekong rivers, with their interiors drawing on the art, history and culture associated with their respective destinations.
Their arrival will follow the addition of four ships to Uniworld’s fleet in 2027. Bookings for the cruise line’s 2028 season are now open.
“This is one of the most significant periods of investment and growth in Uniworld’s history,” said Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. “As demand for immersive travel continues to grow, every new ship we build allows us to continue raising the bar for luxury river cruising. It’s also an opportunity to create deeper, more meaningful connections between our guests and the destinations we sail.”
S.S. Helen to Sail the Danube
Named after Helen of Troy, S.S. Helen will draw on European classical antiquity and the influence of Greek culture throughout the Danube region.
The vessel’s design will incorporate Mediterranean-inspired elements rather than reproducing a conventional Greek aesthetic. Its interiors will take cues from nature, classical architecture and the Greek concept of philoxenia, meaning warm hospitality.
S.S. Helen will accommodate 154 guests and operate on the Danube, while also appearing on selected itineraries covering the Rhine and Moselle.
Among its scheduled voyages is the 15-day Danube Grandeur itinerary, which travels through six countries between Belgrade and Nuremberg. The ship is also scheduled to operate the Capital Cities of the Danube and Vienna & Capital Cities of the Danube itineraries during the 2028 season.
S.S. Clara Joins Uniworld’s Rhine Fleet
S.S. Clara takes its name from Clara Peeters, the 17th-century Flemish painter recognised for her still-life works and association with the Dutch Golden Age.
Inspired by Peeters’ paintings, the 154-guest vessel’s interiors will incorporate floral elements, detailed textures and European craftsmanship. The ship is scheduled to operate along the Rhine, Moselle and Main rivers.
S.S. Clara will make its debut on the Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time itinerary, a seasonal sailing through the Netherlands and Belgium.
Its published 2028 programme also includes the 12-day Paris, Prague & Germany’s Hidden Gems itinerary, travelling between Paris and Prague through destinations along the Rhine and Moselle. Other scheduled voyages include Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland and selected Castles along the Rhine itineraries.
Mekong Mystique Planned for Southeast Asia
Mekong Mystique will join Mekong Jewel in Uniworld’s Southeast Asia programme, operating in Vietnam and Cambodia.
The new 68-guest vessel will feature a design influenced by the Indochine style. Its interiors will combine European architectural details with natural materials reflecting the landscapes and cultural heritage of Vietnam and Cambodia.
Mekong Mystique will operate the 15-day Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong itinerary. The cruise and land journey travels between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with the river portion covering destinations in Vietnam and Cambodia.
Uniworld’s published 2028 programme lists both Mekong Mystique and Mekong Jewel for the itinerary. The first currently listed 2028 departure is scheduled for 6 January.
Fleet to Reach 22 Ships
The arrival of S.S. Helen, S.S. Clara and Mekong Mystique will bring Uniworld’s fleet to 22 vessels. The additions follow a separate group of four ships scheduled to join the cruise line in 2027.
Uniworld has opened bookings for its 2028 collection, including itineraries aboard the three new vessels. The cruise line has not published further construction, delivery or inaugural ceremony details within the material currently available.o support tourism diversification and sustainable growth, while continuing to incorporate Saudi culture, community participation, wellbeing and innovation into its destination and onboard portfolio.
Source: Official press release distributed by Uniworld Boutique River Cruises on 21 July 2026.
