Riviera River Cruises Cruise Line Guide: Ships, Inclusions & FAQs

Q: What is Riviera Travel (formerly Riviera River Cruises)?

Riviera Travel is a British river cruise specialist — part of a tour company with roots dating to 1984 — that launched its European river cruise program in 2009, offering inclusive European river voyages with a classic, destination-focused approach. The North American arm, previously marketed as “Riviera River Cruises,” adopted the Riviera Travel name already used in the UK as of 2025. Known for thoughtful itineraries, genuine all-inclusive pricing, and a warm, unhurried onboard atmosphere, Riviera has built a loyal following among travelers who want substance over spectacle. Their fleet of 10+ ships sails the major European rivers — Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Rhône, Douro, Seine, and Elbe. While their roots are British, Riviera’s itineraries and ships are accessible and welcoming to North American travelers looking for a quality European river cruise at competitive pricing.

Q: How does Riviera Travel compare to Viking and AmaWaterways?

Riviera offers strong value for quality — genuinely inclusive pricing at a fare level often below the major US-marketed brands. Viking is the global market leader with more departures, standardized ships, and heavy marketing presence. AmaWaterways leads on culinary programming and twin-balcony stateroom design at a premium price. Riviera suits travelers who want a quality, authentic European river cruise experience at competitive pricing, with an atmosphere that feels more classically European than aggressively marketed. For travelers open to a less-advertised brand, Riviera often delivers comparable quality at a lower effective cost.

Q: When is the best time to cruise with Riviera Travel?

European river cruising is best April through November. May and June offer optimal weather, spring scenery, and tulip season on the Rhine. September and October are excellent for vineyard landscapes and harvest festivals. Christmas Market sailings in November and December are among Riviera’s most popular departures — book well in advance, as they sell out early. Summer (July–August) is peak season with the warmest weather and highest demand. Shoulder season sailings in spring and autumn often offer better availability and pricing.

About Riviera River Cruises: Premium river

A British-born company with more than 40 years of touring expertise, offering elegant, intimate European river cruises with all meals, drinks and daily excursions included.

1984, Burton-on-Trent, England Founded 1.75+ million worldwide Guests served 21 river ships Fleet Typically 160-180 Guests per ship 502 sailings bookable now

About Riviera River Cruises

“Discover why more travelers are choosing Riviera Travel for their European river cruises and guided vacations. With over 40 years of expertise, award-winning service, and exceptional value, we create immersive travel experiences designed to help you see more, explore deeper, and relax every step of the way.” — Riviera River Cruises

Riviera Travel's story begins in 1984 in Burton-on-Trent, England, where founder Michael Wright led the young company's first journey—a coach trip to Paris. More than four decades and 1.75 million guests later, Riviera has grown into one of Britain's best-regarded travel names, now welcoming American travelers through its Fort Lauderdale office. Its river cruises have earned recognition from Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards and USA TODAY alike.

The fleet numbers 21 elegant, intimate ships—among them the MS Jane Austen, MS Oscar Wilde, and MS Riviera Rose—typically carrying 160 to 180 guests, small enough to tie up in city centers and villages that bigger vessels pass by. River-view cabins come with French balconies (with full balconies available on some ships), and itineraries trace nine European waterways: the Rhine, Danube, Douro, Seine, Rhône, Moselle, Main, Saône, and the Dutch Waterways.

The fare is refreshingly complete: all onboard meals prepared by expert chefs and inspired by regional cuisine, all-inclusive drinks plus unlimited tea and coffee, daily guided excursions with English-speaking local experts, Wi-Fi, evening entertainment, and port taxes—along with the attentions of a professional cruise director and concierge. Solo travelers are welcomed with dedicated single cabins or reduced single supplements on select sailings, making Riviera an easy recommendation for first-time river cruisers and seasoned travelers who appreciate value delivered quietly and well.

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The Riviera River Cruises Experience

40+ Years of Expertise

Founded in England in 1984, Riviera has carried more than 1.75 million guests and earned honors from Conde Nast Traveler and USA TODAY.

Intimate, Elegant Ships

Twenty-one ships typically carrying 160 to 180 guests, sized to reach city-center moorings and small villages larger vessels cannot visit.

Genuinely Inclusive Fares

All meals, all-inclusive drinks, daily guided excursions, Wi-Fi, entertainment and port taxes are covered, without hidden costs.

Daily Expert-Led Excursions

Guided outings in every port with English-speaking local experts, supported on board by a professional cruise director and cruise concierge.

Solo-Traveler Friendly

Dedicated single cabins or reduced single supplements on select sailings make Riviera one of the river's most welcoming lines for solo guests.

What's Included with Riviera River Cruises

River-view cabin with French balcony (full balconies available on select ships)
All meals on board, prepared by expert chefs and inspired by regional cuisine
All-inclusive drinks, plus unlimited tea and coffee
Daily guided excursions with English-speaking local experts
Professional cruise director and cruise concierge
Free Wi-Fi
Onboard entertainment
Port taxes

The Riviera River Cruises Fleet (17 ships sailing bookable itineraries)

MS Adriatic Sun

MS Douro Elegance

MS Douro Splendour

MS Emily Brontë

MS Equator

MS Geoffrey Chaucer

MS George Eliot

MS Jane Austen

MS Lord Byron

MS Mendula

MS Oscar Wilde

MS Riviera Radiance

MS Riviera Resplendence

MS Riviera Rose

MS Thomas Hardy

MS William Wordsworth

Riviera Alba

Where Riviera River Cruises Sails

Douro 170 Rhine 143 Danube 54 Seine 49 Rhone 46 Europe 16 Western Europe 13 Mekong 10

Good to Know Before You Book

Gratuities & tipping

Gratuities are not included in the holiday price and are at the passenger's discretion.
River Cruises: €8–12 per person per day is suggested. Envelopes are left in cabins on the final evening, with amounts divided equally among crew.
Yacht Cruises: €70–100 per person per week is suggested, split among all crew members.

Cancellation policy

All River, Yacht and Ocean Cruises
Days Prior to Embarkation	Cancellation Charges per person
More than 101 days	Deposit
100 - 61 days	50%
60 - 31 days	70%
30 - 15 days	90%
14 days or less	100%

Worldwide and European Tours
Days Prior to Embarkation	Cancellation Charges per person
More than 90 days	Deposit
89 - 61 days	50%
60 - 31 days	70%
30 - 15 days	90%
14 days or less	100%

Last updated: April 10, 2026. Click this link to view the latest policy provided by the cruise line.

Smoking on board

For river ships,
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted anywhere on board except for designated areas on the sun deck.

For yachts,

There will be a small area designated outside for smoking that is away from general dining and entertaining areas.

Cigarette butts must not be thrown into the sea.
Smoking in cabins or in the restaurant area is not permitted.

Traveling with minors

Children under 12 years old at the date of departure are not allowed on any of its ships. Additionally, Cruiseline reserves the right to limit the number of children on any trip. Any minor must be accompanied by and share a cabin with an adult aged 21 or over. If the adult is not the minor’s parent, a “Parental Consent Guardianship Form” must be signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to sailing.

Pregnancy policy

It is recommended that women who are less than 12 weeks pregnant seek medical advice prior to travel. For safety reasons, women past their 24th week of pregnancy at any stage of the cruise cannot be carried on board.

Policies are provided by Riviera River Cruises and can change; your Pavlus advisor will confirm current terms for your specific sailing before you book.

Riviera River Cruises Questions, Answered

What is Riviera Travel (formerly Riviera River Cruises)?

Riviera Travel is a British river cruise specialist — part of a tour company with roots dating to 1984 — that launched its European river cruise program in 2009, offering inclusive European river voyages with a classic, destination-focused approach. The North American arm, previously marketed as “Riviera River Cruises,” adopted the Riviera Travel name already used in the UK as of 2025. Known for thoughtful itineraries, genuine all-inclusive pricing, and a warm, unhurried onboard atmosphere, Riviera has built a loyal following among travelers who want substance over spectacle. Their fleet of 10+ ships sails the major European rivers — Rhine, Danube, Moselle, Rhône, Douro, Seine, and Elbe. While their roots are British, Riviera’s itineraries and ships are accessible and welcoming to North American travelers looking for a quality European river cruise at competitive pricing.

How does Riviera Travel compare to Viking and AmaWaterways?

Riviera offers strong value for quality — genuinely inclusive pricing at a fare level often below the major US-marketed brands. Viking is the global market leader with more departures, standardized ships, and heavy marketing presence. AmaWaterways leads on culinary programming and twin-balcony stateroom design at a premium price. Riviera suits travelers who want a quality, authentic European river cruise experience at competitive pricing, with an atmosphere that feels more classically European than aggressively marketed. For travelers open to a less-advertised brand, Riviera often delivers comparable quality at a lower effective cost.

Is Riviera Travel worth considering?

For travelers willing to look beyond the heavily marketed brands, Riviera frequently represents one of the best value-for-quality propositions in European river cruising. Their inclusive pricing model, experienced guiding staff, and well-maintained ships deliver a premium experience at a fare often meaningfully below AmaWaterways or Avalon for comparable itineraries. The brand’s British heritage creates a slightly different onboard culture — a bit more reserved, more destination-focused, less entertainment-driven — which many travelers actively prefer. Ask your Pavlus advisor to compare Riviera against other lines for your specific dates and route.

Does Riviera offer themed river cruises?

Yes — themed cruises are one of Riviera’s distinguishing strengths. Their calendar includes:

Christmas Market cruises: Danube and Rhine in late November and December, visiting the legendary markets of Central Europe
Wine & Gourmet cruises: Sailing through wine regions with tastings, vineyard visits, and food-focused programming
Music cruises: Themed around classical music, opera, and the cultural heritage of destinations like Vienna and Salzburg
Garden cruises: Spring sailings timed with tulip season and European botanical gardens

These themed departures are popular with travelers who want a more structured, interest-focused voyage rather than a general sightseeing cruise.

When is the best time to cruise with Riviera Travel?

European river cruising is best April through November. May and June offer optimal weather, spring scenery, and tulip season on the Rhine. September and October are excellent for vineyard landscapes and harvest festivals. Christmas Market sailings in November and December are among Riviera’s most popular departures — book well in advance, as they sell out early. Summer (July–August) is peak season with the warmest weather and highest demand. Shoulder season sailings in spring and autumn often offer better availability and pricing.

See all Riviera River Cruises FAQs →