Accommodations
The accommodation on board MS Riviera Rose is designed to feel like a welcoming retreat, somewhere you can truly relax between shore excursions and scenic sailing. Riviera Travel’s accommodation is contemporary, calm and thoughtfully arranged, with plenty of natural light and smart little touches that make a real difference day to day. Whether you’re waking up to the first golden light over the Douro Valley or winding down after dinner, you’ll appreciate the comfortable beds, well-designed ensuite bathrooms and the feeling of having your own private space to recharge. All cabins and suites benefit from individual climate control, so you can keep your room perfectly comfortable at all times, and feature floor-to-ceiling windows that frame ever-changing river scenery, or a fixed window that lets in natural light.
Positioned towards the front of the ship, the Forward Cabins offer a wonderfully light and inviting setting. Inside, you’ll find twin beds that can be configured as a double, along with a smart ensuite bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. Towels and a hairdryer are provided, along with toiletries including shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion and soap. A desk and chair create a comfortable spot for reading, journaling, or planning the day ahead, and practical features such as a safe and mini fridge make life on board that bit easier. In-room entertainment includes a telephone and flat-screen TV, while a Nespresso machine and tea-making facilities add even more convenience. Each evening, turndown service adds a final touch of comfort, ready for a restful night’s sleep.
The Standard Cabins strike a wonderful balance between style and practicality, offering a comfortable base for your river cruise. Furnished in a contemporary, calming style, they come with everything you need for a relaxed stay, including climate control, convertible twin beds, and a modern ensuite with a walk-in shower. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a French-style balcony allow the views to take centre stage, while thoughtful features such as a Nespresso machine, tea-making facilities, and a well-stocked bathroom with luxury toiletries add a little indulgence to everyday moments. With a desk, safe and mini fridge, plus a flat-screen TV and turndown service, it’s a lovely space to return to after time ashore.
The Stern Cabins are positioned towards the back of the ship and are ideal for guests who enjoy watching the scenery unfold behind them as the ship sails on. The layout and facilities are equally comfortable and well considered, with climate control, a flexible bed configuration, and an en suite bathroom with a walk-in shower, towels, a hairdryer, and luxury toiletries. Large windows and a French-style balcony help you make the most of those peaceful moments on the river, while the Nespresso machine and tea-making facilities make mornings feel effortless. Add in a safe, mini fridge, TV and evening turndown service, and you have a wonderfully restful home-from-home. All cabins based on the Emerald Deck feature the same fantastic amenities and layout, but feature a fixed window that lets in natural light instead of a balcony.
For those looking to elevate their cruise experience, the Deluxe Balcony Suites offer a more spacious layout and the luxury of stepping outside to enjoy the views whenever you please. The standout feature is the private balcony with outdoor seating, perfect for quiet mornings with a coffee or relaxing with a drink as the sun begins to set over the valley. Inside, you’ll find all the comforts you’d expect, including climate control, a sleek ensuite bathroom, and twin beds that can be configured as a double, along with a desk and chair, a safe and a mini fridge. With floor-to-ceiling windows, a Nespresso machine, tea-making facilities and luxury toiletries, every detail is designed for comfort and ease. Evening turndown service completes the experience, adding a thoughtful finishing touch at the end of each day.
Activities
A Riviera Travel river cruise is about so much more than simply sailing from place to place. On board MS Riviera Rose, each day offers opportunities to deepen your connection with the destinations you’re visiting, whether that’s through expertly guided excursions, self-guided adventures, or interesting onboard talks that bring the region’s culture and history to life. It’s all designed to feel enriching but never overwhelming, allowing you to explore at your own pace while still making the most of every stop along the Douro.
Shore excursions are carefully curated to showcase the region's highlights, often combining scenic viewpoints, historic sites, and authentic local experiences. For guests who prefer to explore independently, the ship also offers a number of bicycles for self-guided discovery, ideal for cycling through towns and cities and stopping wherever takes your fancy.
When you’re back on board, enrichment continues with engaging lectures and media presentations that focus on the destinations, offering extra insight into the landscapes, traditions and history of the Douro Valley. It’s a lovely way to add depth to what you see ashore, and many guests find these talks become an unexpected highlight of the cruise.
Entertainment
River cruising is wonderfully relaxed, and evenings on board MS Riviera Rose reflect that perfectly. Rather than big theatre productions, entertainment is designed to complement the peaceful pace of the Douro, creating an atmosphere that is social, cosy and effortlessly enjoyable. Whether you’d like to unwind with a drink, listen to live music, or simply soak up the views as the ship glides into twilight, the ship offers inviting spaces to make every evening feel special.
The Bar, situated on the Diamond Deck, is the ship’s social hub. This space offers a warm, welcoming place to gather with fellow guests throughout the day and into the evening. During the daytime, it’s a lovely spot to sink into sumptuously soft armchairs and sofas, enjoy a freshly made cup of tea, and watch the ever-changing landscapes and charming riverside towns drift by.
After dinner, the atmosphere becomes even more convivial, with guests coming together for a relaxed nightcap and sharing the highlights of the day. The experience is perfectly complemented by the soothing tones of the ship’s pianist, creating an elegant backdrop for conversation, quiet reflection, or simply enjoying the moment as the Douro rolls gently past beyond the windows.
Food & Drink
Dining on board MS Riviera Rose is a true highlight, combining Riviera Travel’s reputation for warm service with high-quality cuisine designed to complement your journey along the Douro. Meals are beautifully prepared, varied, and served in relaxed surroundings that encourage you to linger a little longer, whether you’re enjoying a leisurely breakfast before heading ashore or settling in for dinner as the valley slips by outside the windows. With two restaurants on board, you’ll enjoy plenty of choice throughout your cruise, with both venues forming part of your included dining experience.
Located on the Ruby Deck, the Main Restaurant offers a stylish and welcoming setting for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Your day begins with a generous buffet breakfast, designed to set you up for excursions, while lunch offers comforting classics such as sandwiches, burgers and pasta dishes. In the evening, dinner becomes a real occasion, with a carefully crafted four-course à la carte menu featuring both familiar dishes and options inspired by the places you’re visiting. Pair your meal with a glass from the ship’s curated wine list, which includes regional favourites alongside popular international options.
Set on the Diamond Deck, Rio Restaurant invites you to enjoy the authentic flavours of Portugal in a relaxed setting. Available for lunch and dinner, it’s a wonderful place to sample regional dishes, with a standout seafood buffet alongside fresh salads and local cheeses. And no Portuguese dining experience would be complete without something sweet! A pastel de nata is a must-try if it appears on the dessert selection. Whether you’re in the mood for local specialities or something hearty and familiar, Rio offers a delightful change of pace, making dining on board feel varied and thoughtfully curated throughout the cruise.
Relaxation & Fitness
Life on board MS Riviera Rose is designed to feel wonderfully unhurried, giving you the perfect balance between exploration and relaxation. After a day of vineyard visits, historic towns and scenic viewpoints, you’ll find there are plenty of opportunities to unwind, soak up the sunshine, or simply enjoy the gentle rhythm of river cruising. For those who like to stay active while away, there are also facilities on board to help you keep moving.
The Sun Deck is a firm favourite, offering glorious views and a laid-back atmosphere that’s perfect for slow afternoons on the river. Here you can enjoy a refreshing drink from the deck bar, settle into a lounger, and watch the Douro’s terraced hillsides drift by or get lost in your latest holiday read. The outdoor splash pool is ideal for cooling off on warmer days, whether you fancy a quick dip or simply dangling your feet in the water while you catch a few rays.
If you’d like to keep up your routine, the ship’s Fitness Centre on the Emerald Deck offers a small but practical workout space. It’s ideal for a light session, whether you want to start the day with a little cardio or stretch out after an active day ashore. While compact, it provides everything needed for a simple workout, helping you stay energised as you travel through the Douro Valley.
MS Riviera Rose destinations
A cruise along the Douro River is one of Europe’s most scenic journeys, offering an unforgettable way to experience northern Portugal. The Douro Valley is famed for its dramatic landscapes, terraced vineyards and traditional wine estates, and sailing here feels wonderfully peaceful. From historic riverside towns to vineyard-dotted hillsides, every bend of the river reveals something new, and MS Riviera Rose is perfectly designed to help you enjoy it all in comfort.
The Douro is a destination rich in charm and character, known for its world-class wines, striking scenery and authentic Portuguese culture. Expect beautifully preserved riverside towns, rolling vineyard landscapes and opportunities to sample local flavours in the region where Port wine was born. Whether you’re exploring ashore or relaxing on deck as the ship sails through the valley, the Douro offers a wonderfully immersive experience – and one that stays with you long after you return home.
