Riviera Travel Kicks Off 2025 River Cruise Season

Upcoming Season to Feature Extended Combination Cruises with 15 to 29-Day Itineraries, New Ship Design, Enhanced Travel Advisor Benefits & More

 

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. – (March 24, 2025) – Riviera Travel, the leader in global high-end land and cruise travel for 40 years, has officially welcomed the arrival of its 2025 river cruise season, introducing a variety of new product offerings specifically designed for the upper-premium travel set. MS Douro Elegance, which sails the Douro, Porto and Salamanca River Cruise for Solo Travelers itinerary became the first of Riviera’s 15-ship fleet to start the season on March 20 in Porto, and moving forward, with the addition of new ships, an expanded range of itineraries, and enhanced travel advisor benefits, the company is set for its most exciting season yet. Travelers can look forward to an unparallelled river cruise experience, with immersive cultural excursions, world-class dining, and expertly guided tours through Europe’s most breathtaking waterways.

 

“This year is going to be a monumental one for Riviera Travel, as we continue to expand our presence in the U.S. market and introduce American travelers to our offerings,” said Stuart Milan, president of North America of Riviera Travel. “Whether exploring the charming Douro Valley, the timeless beauty of the Danube, or the historic Rhine, our guests can look forward to exceptional service, comfort, and thoughtfully curated experiences as they enjoy some of Europe’s most incredible destinations. We are thrilled to welcome the arrival of our 2025 season and look forward to sharing what we have in store for 2026 soon, which is going to be absolutely remarkable.”

 

Highlights of Riviera Travel’s 2025 European river cruise season include:

 

Two New Ships: Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose

Riviera Travel will introduce two new ultra-premium ships this season, bringing its European fleet to 15 in total. Setting sail on the Danube in June, the 178 passenger Riviera Radiance will debut the brand’s new split-level design, marking the beginning of a new generation of Riviera’s river cruise ships. Featuring a two-story lounge and main restaurant, as well as floor-to-ceiling French balconies in more than 80 percent of cabins, the ship boasts an airy, contemporary design. Riviera Radiance will feature three dining venues including a new tapas concept, Mosaic, as well as the Riverview restaurant and main restaurant.

 

Travelers can explore the rich culture of the Douro on the new state-of-the-art Riviera Rose setting sail in May. The 114-passenger ship will also feature Riviera’s new split-level design, providing first-class service to all guests. Riviera Rose will offer two distinctive itineraries, the seven-night Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca River Cruise and the 10-night Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca with Lisbon Extension the latter of which includes the addition of a fully escorted three-night extension in Lisbon following the cruise.

 

New Combination Cruises

In response to growing demand for extended vacation options, Riviera Travel is introducing new, longer combination cruise itineraries, ranging from 15 to 29 days, carefully curated for travelers seeking more immersive experiences. These five seamless back-to-back itineraries along the Rhine, Moselle, and Danube rivers allow guests to enjoy their journey onboard one ship, eliminating the need for transfers. The itineraries include the 15-day Rhine, Moselle & Switzerland River Cruise, the 15-day Majestic Rhine, Heidelberg & Switzerland River Cruise, the 18-day Grand Cruise of the Moselle, Rhine, Luxembourg & Switzerland, the 18-day Grand Cruise of the Rhine Gorge, Medieval Germany & Switzerland River Cruise, and the 29-day Grand Cruise Through the Heart of Europe to the Black Sea.

 

Dedicated Solo Departures

Continuing its commitment to the growing solo travel market, Riviera Travel is expanding its selection of dedicated solo departures for 2025. This year, there will be 30 solo sailings, each offering  thoughtfully crafted itineraries designed to create a welcoming and inclusive experience. With no single supplement, solo travelers can more affordably explore Europe’s waterways in a relaxed and social environment, while enjoying the brand’s ultra-premium experience.

 

Enhanced Group Booking Policy

Riviera Travel is introducing new, flexible booking policies this season, making group travel more rewarding than ever. Travelers booking as a group of eight or more on any seven-night or longer river cruise will enjoy the exclusive “1 in 7” offer, where the eighth person sails for free. For a limited time, guests can also take advantage of a half-price deposit on seven-night or longer itineraries. Additionally, Riviera is now offering an extended hold period, allowing groups to secure their space for up to eight weeks while finalizing plans, ensuring a seamless and stress-free booking experience.

 

Rebranded from Riviera River Cruises to Riviera Travel earlier this year, Riviera’s new name better reflects the company’s diverse and ultra-premium offerings, uniting them under one cohesive brand. As part of its rebrand, Riviera has introduced a streamlined booking process, allowing travel advisors to effortlessly bundle airfare, transfers, and pre- or post-cruise hotel stays with the company’s renowned river cruise itineraries. The rebrand also included an updated travel advisor commission schedule, with travel advisors now receiving their commission two weeks prior to their clients’ departures. Additionally, Riviera Travel is offering exclusive incentives for travel advisors throughout 2025, including a $50 voucher for bookings of seven nights and a $100 voucher for bookings of ten nights or more.

 

For more information, visit RivieraRiverCruises.com. Stay up-to-date on the latest news by following Riviera Travel on Facebook Facebook.com/RivieraRiverCruises, Instagram @RivieraTravelUSA, and LinkedIn.

 

About Riviera Travel

 

Riviera Travel is the UK’s largest river cruise and tour operator for more than 40 years, offering a diverse range of ultra-premium travel experiences on land, sea and the rivers. As an ultra-premium river cruise brand, Riviera Travel offers luxurious, memorable sailings aboard its fleet of 15 custom-designed ships, which sail along Europe’s most iconic waterways including the Danube, Douro, Rhine, Moselle, Main, Rhône, Seine, and the Dutch Waterways. The company is renowned for its exceptional cruise directors and local guides, immersive itineraries and elegant fleet of ships. Riviera Travel is a leader in the solo travel market with more dedicated solo traveler departures than any other river cruise brand, and is known for its strong partnerships with travel advisors, as well as its commitment to delivering superior service at outstanding value. The fleet’s ships offer a range of amenities, such as a panoramic observation lounge, five-star dining, a spa and wellness area, and a sun deck, creating a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere for travelers exploring Europe’s rivers and landscapes. Riviera Travel consistently earns high ratings for guest satisfaction and value, making it a top choice for discerning travelers seeking memorable river cruise adventures.