The first images of two new luxury river cruise ships dedicated to screen icons, Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich, have been revealed.
River cruise line Uniworld is building four new luxury ‘super ships,’ with the first two set to debut in 2027.
SS Audrey and SS Marlene will have decor and designs dedicated to the style and work of the two iconic actresses.
They are being described as super ships as they aim to offer five-star service, with boutique hotel-style designs and higher staff-to-guest ratios.
Ellen Bettridge, president and chief executive, said: “One-of-a-kind design has always been central to the Uniworld experience.
“With the SS Audrey and SS Marlene, we’re celebrating two women whose style defined an era. These ships bring their spirit to life through thoughtful details and spaces created to deepen our guests’ connection to the destinations along the journey and we’re excited to share a sneak peek inside.”
Here is what to expect on board.
SS Audrey
The SS Audrey draws inspiration from Hepburn’s timeless style and mid-20th-century Europe.
Guests will find interiors featuring a palette of greens, golds and blues as well as artistic tributes to the actress across the 154-capacity ship.
Like sister ship SS Emilie, debuting this year, the SS Audrey will feature an intimate aft bar lounge, a bookable private dining room for exclusive dinners and the ability to combine suites to create spacious two-bedroom accommodation for families or groups travelling together.
The SS Audrey will begin sailing on 16 April 2027, with its inaugural departure on the “Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland” itinerary. Prices start from £3,104 per person.
SS Marlene
The SS Marlene pays tribute to the German-born actress and singer Marlene Dietrich.
The interiors blend warm tan and gold tones with pink, red and blue throughout select spaces. Accommodating up to 154 guests, the ship will feature a restaurant, lounge, private dining room, spa and fitness centre.
The SS Marlene will begin sailing on 27 March 2027, with its inaugural departure on the “Tulips & Windmills” itinerary Prices start from £3,419 per person.
In addition to Audrey and Marlene, Uniworld will also welcome the SS São Rafael in 2027, a new 94-capacity super ship sailing Portugal’s Douro River.
The final addition to the Uniworld super fleet is the Aqua Blu, a yacht operated in partnership with Aqua Expeditions, offering access to the islands of Indonesia and Singapore with up to 30 guests on board.
Read more: The best new river cruise ships
