Riviera River Cruises

Europe’s finest rivers, exclusively for adults. Riviera River Cruises pairs award-winning five-star ships with exceptional dining and included shore excursions – premium river cruising at a value that genuinely surprises people.

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Five-Star European River Cruising

Riviera River Cruises is a multi-award-winning, adults-only river cruise line that has earned a reputation for delivering five-star experiences at outstanding value. With a fleet of modern, purpose-built ships cruising Europe’s most iconic waterways, Riviera combines stylish contemporary design, exceptional cuisine, and expertly curated itineraries. Their British heritage and attention to detail have made them one of the fastest-growing river cruise lines in the market.

At a Glance

Cruise Line: Riviera River Cruises – Five-Star, Adults-Only European River Cruising

Fleet: Modern fleet of purpose-built five-star river cruise ships carrying approximately 140-170 guests each

Destinations: Europe’s finest rivers including the Rhine, Danube, Douro, Rhône, Seine, Moselle, Main, and Dutch & Belgian waterways

Service: Award-winning five-star service with attentive, English-speaking crew throughout

Signature Feature: Exceptional value with inclusive shore excursions, all meals onboard, complimentary Wi-Fi, and no hidden extras

  • Spacious, well-appointed cabins and suites with hotel-style beds
  • All meals onboard including full breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and multi-course dinner
  • Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Included shore excursions with expert local guides at every port of call
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Dinners with premium drinks
  • Use of onboard fitness center, sun deck lounge, and bicycles (select ships)
  • Services of an experienced cruise director throughout the voyage

  • Adults-only atmosphere ensures a refined and relaxing experience throughout
  • Award-winning five-star ships with elegant contemporary interiors and panoramic lounges
  • Outstanding value – premium river cruising without the premium price tag
  • Expertly crafted itineraries showcasing Europe’s most enchanting destinations

Restaurant: Elegant main dining room with panoramic river views and open seating

Breakfast: Full buffet and à la carte options including fresh pastries, hot dishes, and continental selections

Lunch: Multi-course meals with regionally inspired dishes and lighter buffet alternatives

Afternoon Tea: Freshly baked cakes and pastries served in the lounge

Dinner: Four-course gourmet dinners featuring local and international cuisine with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks

Special dietary requirements are accommodated with advance notice, and the culinary team sources fresh, local ingredients at ports along the route.

Riviera River Cruises sails Europe’s most celebrated waterways. Cruise the Rhine through Germany’s castled gorges and vineyard-draped hillsides. Glide along the Danube from Budapest to Passau, passing through Vienna and Bratislava. Explore Portugal’s stunning Douro Valley, the lavender fields of Provence along the Rhône, or the artistic treasures of Paris on the Seine.

Additional itineraries cover the Moselle, Main, and the charming waterways of Holland and Belgium – each carefully designed to showcase the best of each region’s culture, cuisine, and history.

Cruise Search

Five-Star Ships on Europe’s Greatest Waterways

Award-Winning, Purpose-Built Vessels

Riviera’s fleet of purpose-built river cruise ships features stylish, contemporary design with spacious public areas and panoramic lounges that bring Europe’s stunning scenery right to your fingertips. Every ship boasts a sun deck with comfortable loungers, an elegant restaurant, a well-stocked bar, and beautifully appointed cabins. With typically around 140-170 guests per sailing, the atmosphere is intimate and social – the perfect size for exploring Europe’s waterways in comfort and style.

Exceptional Dining Onboard

Dining aboard a Riviera River Cruises ship is a true highlight. Start each day with a generous breakfast buffet featuring fresh pastries, hot dishes, and continental favorites. Enjoy leisurely multi-course lunches with regionally inspired dishes, then savor four-course gourmet dinners in the elegant restaurant – all accompanied by complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks. Between meals, indulge in afternoon tea with freshly baked cakes. The culinary team takes pride in sourcing local ingredients at ports along the route, ensuring every meal reflects the flavors of the region you’re exploring.

A river cruise ship, the Geoffrey Chaucer, navigates a wide European waterway with modern high-rise
The MS Thomas Hardy, a modern river cruise ship operated by Riviera River Cruises, navigates

Immersive Shore Excursions Included

Every Riviera River Cruises itinerary includes a carefully curated selection of shore excursions led by expert local guides – at no additional cost. Wander through medieval old towns, visit iconic cathedrals and palaces, taste wines at family-run vineyards, and explore vibrant local markets. Each excursion is thoughtfully designed to bring Europe’s rich history, culture, and traditions to life. For those who prefer to explore independently, the ship’s cruise director is always on hand with helpful local recommendations to help you make the most of every port.

The Riviera Experience

Outstanding Value

Riviera delivers genuine five-star river cruising at a price that represents remarkable value. With meals, drinks at mealtimes, shore excursions, and Wi-Fi all included, you’ll enjoy a premium experience without hidden costs or surprise extras.

Gourmet Cuisine

From hearty breakfasts and leisurely lunches to elegant four-course dinners, every meal is expertly prepared using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks accompany lunch and dinner, with afternoon tea served daily.

Europe’s Iconic Rivers

Cruise the Rhine, Danube, Douro, Rhône, Seine, Moselle, and the waterways of Holland and Belgium. Each itinerary is expertly crafted with included shore excursions led by knowledgeable local guides who bring every destination to life.

The MS Emily Brontë, a Riviera River Cruises vessel, is moored at a riverside dock adorned

Cabins with a View of Europe

Riviera offers a range of comfortable cabin categories across the fleet. Standard cabins on the lower deck feature fixed windows and represent the best value, while larger cabins and suites on the middle and upper decks come with French balconies – floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to the river breeze. All cabins are well-appointed with hotel-style beds, en-suite bathrooms, individual climate control, flat-screen TVs, and ample storage. Wondering which deck or category makes sense for your sailing? Our experienced agents can compare cabin placement and upgrade costs to find the best fit and value.

Gallery

The Riviera Fleet

Frequently Asked Questions

Riviera River Cruises has earned multiple awards for delivering five-star European river cruising at exceptional value. Their adults-only policy creates a refined, relaxed atmosphere, and their modern, purpose-built ships feature elegant contemporary design with spacious public areas. With included shore excursions, all meals, complimentary drinks at mealtimes, and Wi-Fi, Riviera provides a premium experience without the premium price tag – something that sets them apart from many competitors.

Your fare includes all meals onboard (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and four-course dinner), complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, included shore excursions with expert local guides at every port, complimentary Wi-Fi, Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Dinners with premium drinks, use of the sun deck and fitness facilities, and the services of an experienced cruise director. When you book through SmartCruiser.com, you also benefit from exclusive group rates and value-added amenities on top of what Riviera includes.

Yes, Riviera River Cruises is exclusively for adults, ensuring a sophisticated and peaceful atmosphere throughout every voyage. This makes Riviera an excellent choice for couples, friends traveling together, and solo travelers who appreciate a refined, relaxed environment without children onboard.

Riviera offers a range of comfortable cabin categories across their fleet. Options typically include standard cabins on the lower deck with fixed windows, as well as larger cabins and suites on the middle and upper decks featuring French balconies (floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors). All cabins are well-appointed with hotel-style beds, en-suite bathrooms, individual climate control, flat-screen TVs, and ample storage. Our experienced agents can help you select the perfect cabin location and category for your preferences.

Riviera sails Europe’s most celebrated waterways, including the Rhine through Germany’s castled gorges, the Danube from Budapest to Passau, Portugal’s stunning Douro Valley, the Rhône through Provence, the Seine from Paris to Normandy, the Moselle, and the charming waterways of Holland and Belgium. Each itinerary is carefully crafted to showcase the best cultural highlights, scenic beauty, and culinary traditions of the region.

Dining is a highlight of every Riviera voyage, and guests often tell us it exceeded their expectations. The day begins with a generous breakfast buffet, followed by multi-course lunches that draw on regional flavors. Four-course dinners are served in the elegant restaurant with complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks. Afternoon tea with freshly baked cakes rounds out the day. What makes Riviera’s dining stand out is the culinary team’s commitment to sourcing ingredients at each port – so the menu genuinely evolves as you travel. Special dietary needs are happily accommodated with advance notice.

Every Riviera itinerary includes a thoughtfully curated selection of shore excursions at no additional cost. These are led by expert local guides and typically include guided walking tours of historic cities, visits to iconic landmarks and cultural sites, wine tastings at local vineyards, and explorations of charming towns and villages. Optional premium excursions are also available for an additional charge. Your cruise director is always on hand with helpful local recommendations for independent exploration too.

The dress code aboard Riviera River Cruises is smart casual throughout the voyage – think comfortable, elegant attire that you’d wear to a nice restaurant. There’s no formal night or black-tie requirement, making packing easy and the atmosphere relaxed yet refined. The Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Dinners are slightly more dressy occasions, but still smart casual rather than formal.

Absolutely. Riviera is an excellent choice for solo travelers. The intimate ship size and open-seating dining make it easy to meet fellow guests and form friendships. Riviera also offers dedicated single cabins on many itineraries at reduced or no single supplement, making solo travel more accessible and affordable. The adults-only atmosphere and included excursions create a sociable, welcoming environment.

When you book Riviera through SmartCruiser.com, Division of Oasis Travel Network, you work with a dedicated, experienced agent – never a random reservations line. Our cruise experts have over 30 years under the same management and can guide you through itinerary choices, cabin selection, and sailing dates with firsthand knowledge of European river cruising. You get access to exclusive group rates and amenities, with savings that can reach $1500 or more depending on the time of year and destination. See a lower price elsewhere? Ask and we’ll do our best to price match. Your dedicated agent stays with you from your first inquiry through disembarkation and beyond.

Ready to Explore Europe by River?

Europe’s iconic waterways are waiting, and a Riviera five-star ship is one of the most rewarding ways to see them. When you’re ready for a refined, relaxing river cruise, the cruise experts at SmartCruiser.com, Division of Oasis Travel Network are here to match you with the right itinerary, ship, and cabin. With exclusive group rates, valuable amenities, and a dedicated agent guiding every step, your river cruise starts with a conversation. Call us at 1-800-444-1560 to get started.