by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 10:30 AM ET, Tue July 21, 2026
The Uniworld Boutique River Cruises fleet is growing.
The brand plans to introduce three new ships in 2028: the S.S. Helen, S.S. Clara, and Mekong Mystique. With four new ships debuting in 2027, the brand’s fleet will reach 22 ships.
Named after the legendary Helen of Troy, the S.S. Helen draws inspiration from European classical antiquity and the enduring influence of Greek culture throughout the Danube region. The ship embraces the philosophy of Mediterranean elegance, with an atmosphere inspired by nature, timeless architecture and the Greek concept of philoxenia, or warm hospitality. The S.S. Helen will sail the Danube.
Sailing the Rhine, the S.S. Clara honors the pioneering 17th-century Flemish painter Clara Peeters, one of the Dutch Golden Age's most celebrated female artists. The ship's interiors will feature vibrant florals, elegant textures and refined European craftsmanship. The S.S. Clara will debut on “Holland & Belgium at Tulip Time,” a seasonal guest favorite itinerary celebrating springtime in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Joining the Mekong Jewel in Southeast Asia, the Mekong Mystique will draw inspiration from classic Indochine design, with refined European architectural details and natural materials that reflect the heritage and landscapes of Vietnam and Cambodia. The Mekong Mystique will sail the “Timeless Wonders of Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong” itinerary.
"This is one of the most significant periods of investment and growth in Uniworld's history," says Ellen Bettridge, president and chief executive officer 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.”
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