Life Onboard Riviera Travel
Overview
Since launching its first river cruise in 2009, Riviera Travel has become synonymous with elegant, enriching journeys along Europe’s most scenic waterways. Each voyage combines the comfort of a boutique floating hotel with the excitement of waking to a new destination each day. The atmosphere on board is warm, where attentive service, stylish design and exceptional hospitality come together effortlessly. Every itinerary is thoughtfully crafted to showcase the best of each region, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. Guided excursions led by local experts bring history and culture vividly to life, while ample free time allows guests to explore at their own pace. Whether travelling as a couple, with friends, or independently, Riviera’s river cruises promise a seamless blend of comfort, culture and connection. You can expect an experience that feels as inspiring as it is relaxing.
Accommodations
Accommodation aboard Riviera’s river ships is designed to be a true home away from home. Each cabin and suite has been carefully considered to offer the perfect blend of style, functionality and luxury. Expect bright, airy spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows or French-style balconies, inviting in natural light and ever-changing river views. Guests can choose from a selection of staterooms and suites, ranging from elegant standard cabins to indulgent balcony and deluxe suites. Each features plush beds with fine linens, individual climate control, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee-making facilities, along with thoughtful extras such as bathrobes, slippers, and luxury toiletries. Balcony Suites add a touch of indulgence with private outdoor seating areas, ideal for enjoying a quiet morning coffee as the landscape glides by. Across all categories, Riviera’s attention to detail ensures comfort and calm in equal measure, the perfect retreat after a day exploring Europe’s great waterways.
Activities
Days on board flow effortlessly between exploration and relaxation. When you’re not ashore discovering medieval towns or vibrant capitals, you’ll find plenty to enjoy on board. Sun decks are lined with loungers for taking in the scenery, while elegant lounges and libraries provide space to read, chat or enjoy a drink with fellow travellers. Most ships also feature a boutique shop, spa and fitness area, and some even include putting greens or small pools. For guests who enjoy independent exploration, bicycles are available for self-guided rides along the riverbanks. Enrichment comes in the form of onboard talks and media presentations that delve deeper into the culture, history and cuisine of the regions you’re visiting.
Entertainment
Evenings aboard a Riviera river cruise are all about relaxed enjoyment. As the day winds down, guests gather in the Panorama Lounge for pre-dinner drinks accompanied by live music or piano performances. After a delicious dinner, the atmosphere is convivial yet calm, making it the perfect setting for conversation, a nightcap, or simply watching the lights of the riverside towns drift past. While the focus remains on destination and discovery, occasional performances by local musicians and folklore groups bring an authentic flavour of the region on board, adding to the cultural richness of your journey.
Food & Drink
Dining with Riviera is an experience in itself. Each meal is thoughtfully prepared by talented onboard chefs who take pride in using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Breakfasts are served buffet-style, offering a variety of options, including fresh pastries and fruits, as well as cooked-to-order classics. Lunch might include salads, soups, regional specialities and tempting desserts, while dinner is a four-course à la carte affair featuring European and international dishes. Menus change daily, reflecting the flavours of the regions being explored, and the dining experience is enhanced by attentive service and beautifully presented surroundings. Many ships also feature alternative venues such as the Riverview Kitchen or Mosaic Restaurant, offering more intimate dining experiences with panoramic views and open kitchens. Here, guests can savour locally inspired tasting menus and expertly paired wines that celebrate the essence of the rivers they sail. Whether enjoying a relaxed lunch or an elegant evening meal, Riviera ensures that every dining experience feels both personal and memorable.
Relaxation & Fitness
Riviera’s river ships are designed with tranquillity in mind. The Sun Deck is the perfect place to unwind, complete with loungers, shaded seating and often a splash pool for a cooling dip. Inside, serene spa facilities offer massages, beauty treatments, and a hair salon, ensuring guests can look and feel their best throughout their journey. Those who prefer to stay active will find well-equipped fitness centres on board, offering modern machines and space for yoga or stretching. Many itineraries also include opportunities for walking tours or cycling along scenic riverbanks, giving guests a chance to stay fit while soaking up the local scenery. Whether you’re relaxing or re-energising, Riviera’s approach to wellbeing ensures a sense of balance throughout your cruise.
The Riviera Travel Club
Riviera values its loyal guests through the Riviera Travel Club, a programme designed to reward those who return to sail time and again. Members enjoy a range of benefits, including exclusive offers, early booking opportunities and special recognition onboard. With every cruise, guests move closer to enhanced privileges, making each journey not just a holiday, but part of a growing collection of unforgettable experiences.
Riviera River Cruise Destinations
Riviera Travel’s river cruises sail through some of the most beautiful regions of Europe and beyond. From the romantic waterways of the Rhine and Moselle to the imperial capitals of the Danube, every itinerary has been carefully crafted to showcase the culture, history and natural splendour of its destinations. Guests can also explore Portugal’s sun-drenched Douro Valley, France’s picturesque Seine and Saône, and even the hidden gems of the Dutch Waterways. Each voyage offers a balance of guided tours and free time, ensuring guests experience both the highlights and the quiet moments that make travel truly special. With its worldwide collection of river cruises, Riviera brings travellers closer to the heart of each destination — from Europe’s iconic landmarks to its most peaceful, undiscovered corners.
Types of Cruises
Riviera Travel offers a river cruise for every type of traveller. Couples and friends will love the romance of sailing through Europe’s historic cities, while solo travellers are warmly welcomed with dedicated cabins and no single supplements on selected departures. Guests seeking cultural immersion can join expert-led tours and tastings, while those in search of relaxation can simply sit back and watch the world drift by. With thoughtfully designed itineraries, exceptional value and the reassurance of British tour managers on every sailing, Riviera Travel ensures that each voyage is memorable and truly effortless.
