Uniworld adds three ships, eight itineraries & Mystery Journey for 2028

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has announced its 2028 program, featuring three new ships, eight European itineraries and a new Mystery Journey that extends beyond river cruising.

The additions will expand Uniworld’s fleet to 22 ships and introduce longer journeys spanning multiple rivers and countries, along with new holiday sailings in Germany and France.

“2028 is shaping up to be an incredibly exciting year for Uniworld,” said 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 favourite destinations in entirely new ways. That could mean journeying from Amsterdam all the way to the Black Sea, experiencing the traditions and flavours 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.”

Three new ships

Uniworld will welcome the S.S. Helen, S.S. Clara and Mekong Mystique in 2028.

The S.S. Helen will sail the Danube, the S.S. Clara will join the Rhine fleet and the Mekong Mystique will expand the company’s presence along the Mekong.

The S.S. Helen and S.S. Clara are named after Helen of Troy and Flemish Golden Age painter Clara Peeters, respectively. 

Both ships will draw design inspiration from the history, culture and landscapes of the regions where they sail.

Mystery Journey

Building on its Mystery Cruise concept, Uniworld will introduce an 11-day Mystery Journey beginning June 15, 2028.

Guests will arrive through Luxembourg Airport and depart from Zürich Airport. 

The destinations and itinerary between those points will remain undisclosed until departure.

Eight new itineraries

The 2028 program includes the following new European itineraries:

• Amsterdam to the Black Sea: This 31-day journey aboard the S.S. Helen or S.S. Clara travels from Amsterdam to Bucharest along the Rhine, Main and Danube through nine countries. It combines three Uniworld itineraries, following the route made possible by the opening of the Main-Danube Canal in 1992.
• Eastern Europe Exploration: Sailing aboard the S.S. Helen or S.S. Clara, this 25-day journey from Prague to Bucharest spans nine countries. It includes multiple overnight stays and experiences focused on the region’s food, wine, art and culture.
• Danube East + West: The 18-day itinerary aboard the S.S. Helen or S.S. Clara connects Vienna and Bucharest across seven countries, combining Central European capitals with lesser-explored destinations along the Lower Danube.
• Grand France Holiday: This 15-day journey aboard the S.S. Catherine and S.S. Joie de Vivre combines the Rhône and Seine, connecting Provence and Paris with a high-speed train transfer between the two rivers. The itinerary focuses on France’s Christmas traditions.
• Empires of the Lower Danube: The nine-day itinerary aboard the S.S. Helen or S.S. Clara travels between Belgrade and Bucharest, exploring Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania through their Roman, Habsburg and Ottoman history. Highlights include the Iron Gates, Danube Delta, medieval fortresses and emerging wine regions.
• Dutch & Flemish Treasures: This eight-day journey aboard the S.S. Clara explores the maritime and cultural heritage of the Netherlands and Belgium. Highlights include Amsterdam’s canals, a traditional Zuiderzee sailing, the windmills of Kinderdijk and Antwerp’s art and culinary scene.
• Rhone Winter Holiday: The eight-day sailing from Arles to Lyon aboard the S.S. Catherine includes Christmas markets in Aix-en-Provence, Avignon, Valence and Lyon, along with seasonal experiences in Grignan and Provence.
• Moselle Holiday Markets: This eight-day journey aboard the S.S. Clara travels from Düsseldorf to Trier, visiting Christmas markets and medieval villages along the Moselle. Stops include Cochem, Bernkastel and Koblenz, with a focus on regional wine and holiday traditions.

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