Riviera

Riviera Travel is a British-heritage cruise line renowned for its "five-star" affordable luxury. They are best known for their spacious suites with hotel-style beds, exceptional solo traveller options, and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Their itineraries are heavily focused on cultural enrichment, with expert-led excursions included in the price.

Yes. Riviera Travel positions its fleet as "floating boutique hotels." You can expect five-star comfort featuring gleaming marble lobbies, sun decks with splash pools, and dining that rivals fine restaurants on land. However, they are often celebrated for offering this level of luxury at a more accessible price point compared to ultra-luxury competitors.

Riviera Travel offers "unbeatable value" where the essentials are always included: return flights or rail (from regional UK airports), transfers, full-board dining, daily excursions, and Wi-Fi. While they are not traditionally "fully all-inclusive" in the same way as some ultra-luxury lines, many European river cruises now include a free Superior Drinks Package as standard, making them virtually all-inclusive for those bookings.

The price covers your accommodation, return travel (flights/Eurostar), transfers, all meals on board (from early riser breakfasts to four-course dinners), and a daily programme of tours and excursions led by local experts. Complimentary tea, coffee, and water are available 24/7, and free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the ship.

Yes. For European river cruises, a "Superior Drinks Package" is often available (and frequently included in the fare for 2025/2026 departures). This typically includes draught beer, house wines, sodas, and juices over lunch, plus a wider selection of cocktails, spirits, and aperitifs from 6pm to midnight. If not included in your specific offer, packages can be purchased separately.

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available on all Riviera Travel European river ships. Connection speeds can vary depending on the location of the ship (e.g., in locks or remote valleys), but it is generally suitable for messaging and browsing.

Riviera Travel sails the major waterways of Europe, including the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Seine, Rhône, and Moselle. They also offer exotic long-haul river cruises on the Nile (Egypt) and the Mekong (Vietnam and Cambodia).

The atmosphere is relaxed and informal. During the day, casual wear (jeans, shorts, comfortable shoes) is perfect for excursions. In the evening, the code is "smart casual" - think open-neck shirts and trousers for men, and dresses or trousers for women. There is no requirement for black tie, though guests are asked not to wear shorts or vests in the dining room in the evening.

There are no strict "formal nights" requiring tuxedos or ballgowns. However, there is usually a "Captain’s Welcome Dinner" and a "Farewell Dinner" where many guests choose to dress up a little more (e.g., a jacket for men, a cocktail dress for women), but this is entirely optional.

Most cabins on Riviera Travel's European ships are fitted with standard European 2-pin sockets (220v). Newer ships may also feature USB charging points. It is highly recommended to bring a universal adaptor if you are travelling with UK 3-pin devices.

Gratuities are entirely discretionary on Riviera Travel. They are not automatically added to your bill. If you wish to tip for excellent service, a guideline of €8–€12 per person per day is suggested, which is shared among the crew. An envelope is usually provided in your cabin on the final day for this purpose.

Riviera Travel generally allows guests to bring a moderate amount of alcohol (such as a bottle of local wine bought ashore) on board for consumption in their cabins. However, consumption in public areas like the lounge or restaurant is usually restricted to drinks purchased from the bar.

Riviera Travel is often compared to Emerald Cruises and Viking but is distinct for its British focus. While Viking is known for its "Scandi-chic" design and Emerald for its modern "star-ship" features (like indoor pools), Riviera is prized for its "country house" warmth, exceptional solo traveller support, and transparent pricing with no hidden surcharges.