
LOS ANGELES – September 2, 2026 – Uniworld Boutique River Cruises announces its 2028 program, with the launch of three new Super Ships, eight itineraries and a Mystery Journey, taking the surprise beyond the river. The added offerings will introduce guests to lesser-explored destinations along the Danube and Rhine, extended journeys spanning multiple rivers and countries, and new ways to experience Germany and France during the holiday season, while expanding Uniworld’s fleet to 22 ships.
“2028 is shaping up to be an incredibly exciting year for Uniworld,” says Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises. “We’re giving our guests the opportunity to see more, travel farther and experience some of our favorite destinations in entirely new ways. That could mean journeying from Amsterdam all the way to the Black Sea, experiencing the traditions and flavors of France during the holiday season, or exploring the Mekong aboard our newest ship. And for guests who loved our Mystery Cruise, we’re doing something a little different this time with our new Mystery Journey, because sometimes the best part of travel is not knowing exactly what comes next.”
New Ships for 2028
Uniworld will welcome three ships to its fleet in 2028: the S.S. Helen, S.S. Clara and Mekong Mystique. The S.S. Helen will sail the Danube, the S.S. Clara will join the Rhine fleet and the Mekong Mystique will expand Uniworld’s presence along the Mekong. The S.S. Helen and S.S. Clara will bring a personal touch to the European fleet, named after Helen of Troy and Flemish Golden Age painter Clara Peeters, respectively, with each ship drawing inspiration from the history, culture and landscapes of the regions where they sail.
New Itineraries
In 2028, Uniworld will launch eight new itineraries across Europe and Asia:
● ‘Amsterdam to the Black Sea’ – 30 days; S.S. Helen or S.S. Clara A journey from Amsterdam to Bucharest tracing the Rhine, Main and Danube through nine countries, connecting three of Uniworld’s most expansive European itineraries and following the historic route made possible by the opening of the Main-Danube Canal in 1992.
● ‘Eastern Europe Exploration’ – 25 days; S.S. Helen or S.S. Clara An in-depth journey from Prague to Bucharest spanning nine countries, with multiple overnight stays and experiences centered around the region’s food, wine, art and culture.
● ‘Danube East & West’ – 18 days; S.S. Helen or S.S. Clara Connecting Vienna and Bucharest across seven countries, this journey combines the grandeur of Central Europe’s capital cities with lesser-explored destinations along the Lower Danube.
● ‘Grand France Holiday’ – 15 days; S.S. Catherine and S.S. Joie de Vivre Combining the Rhône and Seine, this holiday journey connects Provence and Paris, with a
high-speed train transfer between the two rivers and a deep dive into France’s Christmas traditions.
● ‘Empires of the Lower Danube’ – 9 days; S.S. Helen or S.S. Clara Sailing between Belgrade and Bucharest, the itinerary explores Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania through the region’s Roman, Habsburg and Ottoman history, alongside the Iron Gates, Danube Delta, medieval fortresses and emerging wine regions.
● ‘Dutch & Flemish Treasures’ – 8 days; S.S. Clara A journey exploring the Netherlands and Belgium through their maritime and cultural heritages, with highlights including Amsterdam’s canals, a traditional Zuiderzee sailing, the windmills of Kinderdijk and Antwerp’s art and culinary scene.
● ‘Rhone Winter Holiday’ – 8 days; S.S. Catherine A festive sailing from Arles to Lyon that brings guests into the heart of French holiday traditions, from Christmas markets in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Valence and Lyon to seasonal experiences in Grignan and Provence.
● ‘Moselle Holiday Markets’ – 8 days; S.S. Clara A holiday journey from Düsseldorf to Trier through the intimate Christmas markets and medieval villages of the Moselle, including Cochem, Bernkastel and Koblenz, with a focus on regional wine and festive traditions.
Introducing the Mystery Journey
Uniworld is putting a fresh spin on its guest-favorite Mystery Cruise concept in 2028 with the debut of an entirely new Mystery Journey. Beginning June 15, the 11-day experience will take the element of surprise beyond the river. The journey comes with just two clues: guests will arrive through Luxembourg Airport and depart from Zürich Airport. Everything in between, including the destinations and itinerary, will remain under wraps until departure.
To learn more about Uniworld or to book a cruise, visit www.uniworld.com.
### ABOUT UNIWORLD BOUTIQUE RIVER CRUISES
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises – the world's most luxurious all-inclusive river cruise line – features distinctive destination-inspired ships with an average capacity of 120 guests, expertly curated excursions, five-star cuisine using locally sourced ingredients and impeccable service with the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry. Based in Los Angeles, California, Uniworld offers truly all-inclusive itineraries in Europe, as well as voyages across Asia, Africa and South America—a total of 15 rivers and 33 countries worldwide. The brand just debuted the brand-new S.S. Emilie in March 2026, with a design inspired by renowned Austrian painter Gustav Klimt and named after his life partner and muse, Emilie Flöge. Uniworld is set to launch four new ships in 2027, turning the brand into a fully Super Ship fleet, followed by three more ships in 2028. Uniworld is a member of CLIA and is highly regarded by discerning travelers, media and cruise industry experts. Uniworld’s overarching sustainability strategy, ‘How We
Tread Right,’ encompasses goals like achieving net zero by 2050 and curating meaningful guest experiences in the destinations they sail through, supporting local communities. (www.uniworld.com)


