Luxury River Cruises Honor Hollywood Stars with Gourmet Dining
Uniworld has unveiled plans for four luxurious river cruise ships launching in 2027, offering travelers a blend of culture, adventure, and refined dining. Among the ships are SS Audrey and SS Marlene, inspired by Hollywood icons Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich, which will feature itineraries showcasing Europe’s culinary and cultural heritage. SS Audrey will sail an 11-night “Scenic Rhine, Paris and the Swiss Alps” voyage, while SS Marlene offers a 16-night “Grand Highlights of the Danube” journey, both emphasizing regional specialties and locally-sourced ingredients. Additional ships include SS São Rafael, dedicated to Portugal’s Douro River and its renowned wine and Mediterranean cuisine, and Aqua Blu, an expedition yacht exploring Indonesia and Singapore with a focus on Southeast Asian gastronomy and wellness traditions. Prices for these exclusive cruises start from £4,959 per person, with Aqua Blu voyages beginning at £15,864. Uniworld’s new fleet reflects growing European trends toward health-conscious
Uniworld has announced the arrival of four luxurious river cruise ships set to debut in 2027, promising a blend of elegance, culture, and adventure for discerning travelers. Among the new additions are SS Audrey and SS Marlene, named after two iconic Hollywood stars—Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich—whose timeless grace and charm will inspire the design of these vessels. These cruises offer a unique opportunity for travelers to explore Europe’s culinary and cultural heritage while indulging in luxury and refinement.
SS Audrey will embark on an 11-night “Scenic Rhine, Paris and the Swiss Alps” voyage, while SS Marlene will host a 16-night “Grand Highlights of the Danube” journey. Both itineraries are tailored to showcase the best of European landscapes, fine dining, and local traditions. Guests can look forward to experiencing regional specialties onboard, with menus inspired by the rich culinary heritage of the destinations visited. From the hearty flavors of Alsace to the fresh, Alpine-inspired dishes of Switzerland, these cruises promise a gastronomic journey as memorable as the scenery. Prices start from £4,959 and £6,119 per person respectively.
The SS Marlene also features an exquisite private dining room, designed to offer an intimate and luxurious setting for meals. This focus on fine dining and elegant surroundings aligns perfectly with a healthy lifestyle, as menus aboard Uniworld cruises are crafted using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and often include options for wellness-focused dishes. Travelers with dietary preferences or restrictions will find thoughtful accommodations, ensuring that every guest can enjoy a tailored dining experience.
In addition to these vessels, Uniworld is expanding its Douro River voyages in Portugal with the SS São Rafael. This ship pays homage to the historic São Rafael, sailed by Vasco da Gama during his groundbreaking voyage to India in 1497. Portugal’s Douro region is celebrated for its wine production, particularly its famed port wines. Guests aboard the SS São Rafael will have the chance to enjoy exclusive wine tastings and explore the culinary traditions of the region, including fresh seafood, olive oils, and artisanal cheeses—all staples of the Mediterranean diet, widely regarded as one of the healthiest in the world.
The final addition to the fleet is the Aqua Blu, an expedition yacht operated in partnership with Aqua Expeditions. This vessel will offer rare access to the islands of Indonesia and Singapore during its 13-night Bali, Singapore, and Indonesia Expedition. Prices for this unique experience start at £15,864 per person. With limited sailings each year, Aqua Blu promises a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the vibrant cuisines and wellness traditions of Southeast Asia. From Balinese dishes rich in turmeric and ginger to Singapore’s famed hawker food culture, this voyage highlights the role of food in fostering health and longevity.
Ellen Bettridge, president and chief executive of Uniworld, remarked: “2027 is shaping up to be a landmark year for us at Uniworld as we introduce four remarkable new ships to our guests and a range of itineraries that blend cultural immersion, luxury, and adventure. From honoring the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich aboard our newest super ships to exploring the rich landscapes of Singapore and Indonesia with Aqua Blu, these additions mark an exciting chapter of growth and continued elevation.”
For food lovers in Malta, these cruises offer a unique way to celebrate culinary traditions across the globe while embracing wellness and luxury. Whether you’re savoring fresh Mediterranean flavors along the Rhine or exploring the vibrant health-focused dishes of Asia, Uniworld’s new itineraries promise enriching experiences for the mind, body, and soul.