Main Restuarant

Lounge and Bar

forward you will find the magnificent lounge and bar, the very heart of the ship, styled by a leading Portuguese designer – your holiday starts here! A well-stocked bar with friendly professional staff taking delight in attending to your every wish in sampling local wines or preparing whatever takes your fancy completes the convivial scene. 

So just sit back and enjoy the stunning view from the magnificent panoramic windows as the ever-changing river scenery slips effortlessly by. When evening falls, the subdued lighting creates the most gentile ambience so unwind over a digestif or perhaps take a turn on the dance floor to the soothing tones of the resident musician. There really can be few holidays quite as relaxing as this! 

Boutique Gift Shop

There is a small boutique stocking a selection of essentials and souvenirs.

The Sun Deck

Accessed by stairs from the Upper Deck, head on up to the magnificent and spacious Sun Deck from where you can enjoy the stunning 360 degree views as they glide past from the comfort of your sun lounger whilst sipping a long refreshing drink or chatting with your fellow companions. You might choose to enjoy a glimpse of the wizardry ‘on the bridge’ as the Captain skilfully negotiates the twisting river with reassuring ease. When the temperature rises you will feel the benefit of the fantastic outdoor swimming pool – a rarity on a river cruiser. For many though, just to lean against the ship’s rail and breathe in the invigorating river breeze whilst casting a relaxed eye over the fascinating scenes of life ashore or the wonderful river wildlife all around you, is what it’s all about; this is surely the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life so let us take you on the cruise of your dreams!

Please note: The Sun Deck is only accessible by stairs.

Reception

Reception area open 24hrs

Gymnasium

For something a little more energetic, you will find a small fitness room on the Lower Deck – ideal for working off the ship’s wonderful cuisine!

Spa

If you feel like a little extra indulgence during your cruise why not book in for a special treatment in the ship’s Spa.

Pool

When the temperature rises you will feel the benefit of the fantastic outdoor swimming pool – a rarity on a river cruiser. 

Excursions

We are a well-travelled collective – made up of our guests as well as our team. We’ll admit it – we’re obsessed with travel.

But that’s not our only interest. We also love architecture, history, the arts, and gastronomy – everything that makes a culture unique. And we plan our itineraries to ensure we’re catering to those interests. Perfecting every excursion to ensure you get the most out of your onshore adventures.

Most days are filled with full or half-day excursions. Whether that’s a city tour, an introduction to a brand-new town or a more in-depth visit to a specific landmark or attraction. You’ll see the very best of every destination. Not just the legendary locations, we’ll uncover the top-secret local spots too.

World-famous landmarks
You’ll get to experience some world-famous destinations in the company of our passionate local guides. Sites like the Benedictine Melk Abbey on the Danube, spectacular Pont du Gard on the Rhône, Keukenhof Gardens – the world’s largest flower gardens – on the Dutch Waterways and Cologne with its cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe.

A taste of your destination
Food has the uncanny ability to reveal the softer parts of the destination most tourists overlook. Recipes passed down through the generations slowly become ingrained within a culture, featuring fresh local produce and traditional cooking techniques. Our excursions often include delicious local produce perfected over centuries – sample cheese in Switzerland and chocolate in Germany (it’s not a cruise for those watching their weight), wine tasting in the world-famous wine region of Burgundy and port in the port wine cellars of Porto.

For even more, why not choose one of our Gastronomy themed departures?

Authentic cultural experiences
Our river cruise itineraries deliver authentic and engaging moments to fully immerse you in the culture. You’ll remember being seduced by the fiery passion of flamenco dancing after a cruise along the Douro. Hold on to that feeling of wonder you felt as you watch the glassblower creating the most beautiful vase out of a glowing mass. And tell the stories you heard during a Hungarian folklore show to your grandchildren at bedtime. The memory of these authentic cultural experiences will last a lifetime. 

Disabled Facilities

We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us or call us on 01283 688 518 to discuss these concerns.

Mooring

Due to the popularity of river cruising at some mooring places, or where our ship is moored alongside another vessel, access to the ship may be via the sun deck and require the navigation of steps so passengers must be able to walk on and off the ship themselves, without the use of crutches or other aids, as gangplanks can be positioned at a steep angle.

On board

Our ships are not adapted for wheelchair access; if you are intending to take a wheelchair or mobility scooter with you, it is essential that you please contact us to let us know. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be used on excursions however cannot be used on board the ships due to safety reasons and must not be left in corridors, the lounge or restaurant or any other public areas, but must be stored at reception.

River cruises operate with a smaller crew than ocean cruises and do not have the crew available to personally attend to passengers with reduced mobility; therefore, a travelling companion would need to be able to help with any physical needs.

Whilst most of our ships have a lift on board, it does not operate to all decks.

River cruising on European rivers offers the opportunity to take in the scenery from the comfort of the ship. If you are unable to do some of the shore excursions, your river cruise can still be enjoyable and worthwhile, so please contact us with any concerns or questions you may have.

Shore Excursions

For our river cruises which include an extension and feature a hotel stay, the hotels we use have been chosen due to their location and standard, the facilities offered can differ, it is therefore important that we make the appropriate enquiries with our suppliers on your behalf to ensure any special needs or requests can be catered for.

Accommodation

For our river cruises which include an extension and feature a hotel stay, the hotels we use have been chosen due to their location and standard, the facilities offered can differ, it is therefore important that we make the appropriate enquiries with our suppliers on your behalf to ensure any special needs or requests can be catered for.

Overseas Transport Arrangements

All of our tours involve coach travel. The coaches we use have not been adapted for wheelchair access.

Air Travel

We are able to arrange airport assistance, from the check-in desk to the plane, for anyone with reduced mobility. This is a free service which must be arranged with the airline prior to travel. If you would like us to arrange this assistance for you it needs to be pre-booked more than 48 hours before your flight departs.

Eurostar

If you have reduced mobility and are travelling by Eurostar to your cruise, please contact us. Should you need to travel in your own wheelchair, Eurostar does have specially adapted wheelchair spaces which need to be pre-booked. If you would like assistance at St. Pancras, we can provide you with information and contact details for Eurostar Assist, although we cannot reserve this service for you directly.

Special Dietary Requirements

The minimum age limit is 12 years old at the date of departure.

We reserve the right to limit the number of children on any particular cruise.

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.

Dress Code

There is no requirement to bring formal dress – smart/casual is acceptable for both day and evening as there is no dress code enforced.

However, men are requested not to wear shorts for dinner or vest tops at any time in the dining room. You may wish to wear a jacket and tie for dinner.

The Chef’s Dinner offers the opportunity, should you wish, for more special attire

Medical Facilities

There are no on-board medical personnel, although specific crew members will have basic first aid training. However, the ship can stop at any time to transfer any passenger requiring emergency medical attention to local medical facilities.

If you have any concerns about your health whilst on tour, please see your Cruise Director or Concierge. They will be able to advise you about chemists and availability of doctors, etc.

In an emergency you could always phone our emergency number as issued on your itinerary. 

Laundry Service

A limited laundry service is available on board, except on the day of disembarkation. A dry cleaning service is not available.

Smoking and E-Cigarette Policy

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

More and more countries in Europe are adopting a stricter legislation on smoking in public places. Smoking is not allowed on any public transport and there may be other restrictions in hotels, bars and restaurants.

Age Restrictions

The minimum age limit is 12 years old at the date of departure.

We reserve the right to limit the number of children on any particular cruise.

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.

Air Conditioning

Our ships are fully air-conditioned throughout. Each cabin has individual air-conditioning and heating controls.

Drinks Packages

We have a drinks package included for all European river cruises in 2024, 2025 and 2026.

Superior Drinks Package

• For all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises:
• Over lunch in our restaurants enjoy unlimited drinks from a choice of:
• Red, white, rosé and sparkling house wine, including non-alcoholic
• Draught beer, including non-alcoholic
• A selection of soft drinks and juices

Then from 6 pm until midnight in our bar and restaurants, enjoy all of the above, plus unlimited drinks from a choice of:

• Our cocktail and mocktail of the day
• House spirits and mixers (including gin, vodka, rum and whisky)
• A recommended regional wine during dinner
• Martini & Sherry pre-dinner
• Port & Brandy after dinner

All-inclusive drinks package

• Available on 2026 European river cruise departures
• Available from 10am to midnight each day:
• Red, white, rosé and sparkling house wine, including non-alcoholic​
• A choice of draught beer, including non-alcoholic​
• A selection of soft drinks and juices​​
• Our cocktail and mocktail of the day​
• House spirits and mixers including vodka, gin, rum, whisky, martini, sherry, brandy, port and Baileys (excluding liqueurs)
• Daily recommended wines ​
• Tea and coffee from the bar 

Responsible Travel

As a travel company that curates holidays across the globe, we’re acutely aware of how important it is to look after the world we live and travel in.

We see the impact that travel can have when it’s used as a force for good to give back the destinations we visit. It’s essential to protect the world we love exploring for future generations to enjoy.

As the UK’s leading curated tour and river cruise operator, we have an important role to play. We have an ethical obligation to ensure the way we work is based around a solid Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy (excuse the jargon! We prefer to call it ‘Doing The Right Thing’) and we’re also in a privileged position to be able to influence our partners and suppliers to ensure our efforts aren’t just surface level.

Responsible Travel has become increasingly important to both Riviera Travel’s guests and staff, but we absolutely want to avoid greenwashing – the act of making it seem like a company is being sustainable and ethical to attract eco-conscious travellers – and do something that’s genuinely impactful and meaningful. This is one of our guiding principles. The other fundamental principle is that we don’t want to compromise Riviera Travel guests experience. Your enjoyment of your holiday is our top priority, so we’ve put a lot of time and effort into creating four Responsible Travel Pillars that considers both our guests’ experiences and our impact on the planet.

Our Responsible Travel Pillars

Sustainability
Our goal: Halve our business use of paper and plastics

Our ambition is to reduce our paper and plastics usage by 50% by 2025 by better using technology to allow us to rely less on printed materials, developing an enhanced digital brochure, and replacing plastic luggage tags with quality reusable tags.

Operating Ethically
Our goal: Setting high standards for ourselves and our suppliers

We’re rolling out a Supplier Ethics Policy which sets out our minimum standards of how our partners should conduct themselves, as well as a Hotel Sustainability Checklist, to gauge the sustainability efforts of our hotel partners.

Carbon Footprint
Our goal: Reduce our carbon footprint by 20% within 5 years

Working with eCollective, our ambition is to reduce our carbon footprint by 20% by 2028 – including customer travel and within our business – by setting short- and long-term goals both at our office and on our holidays.

Charity
Our goal: Make a meaningful contribution to a charity we believe in

We will be supporting our new charity partner Practical Action with £1 donated for every guest who travels with us, and also offering our customers the opportunity to round up their booking to give an additional donation if they wish.

Responsible Travel

As a travel company that curates holidays across the globe, we’re acutely aware of how important it is to look after the world we live and travel in.

We see the impact that travel can have when it’s used as a force for good to give back the destinations we visit. It’s essential to protect the world we love exploring for future generations to enjoy.

As the UK’s leading curated tour and river cruise operator, we have an important role to play. We have an ethical obligation to ensure the way we work is based around a solid Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy (excuse the jargon! We prefer to call it ‘Doing The Right Thing’) and we’re also in a privileged position to be able to influence our partners and suppliers to ensure our efforts aren’t just surface level.

Responsible Travel has become increasingly important to both Riviera Travel’s guests and staff, but we absolutely want to avoid greenwashing – the act of making it seem like a company is being sustainable and ethical to attract eco-conscious travellers – and do something that’s genuinely impactful and meaningful. This is one of our guiding principles. The other fundamental principle is that we don’t want to compromise Riviera Travel guests experience. Your enjoyment of your holiday is our top priority, so we’ve put a lot of time and effort into creating four Responsible Travel Pillars that considers both our guests’ experiences and our impact on the planet.

Our Responsible Travel Pillars

Sustainability
Our goal: Halve our business use of paper and plastics

Our ambition is to reduce our paper and plastics usage by 50% by 2025 by better using technology to allow us to rely less on printed materials, developing an enhanced digital brochure, and replacing plastic luggage tags with quality reusable tags.

Operating Ethically
Our goal: Setting high standards for ourselves and our suppliers

We’re rolling out a Supplier Ethics Policy which sets out our minimum standards of how our partners should conduct themselves, as well as a Hotel Sustainability Checklist, to gauge the sustainability efforts of our hotel partners.

Carbon Footprint
Our goal: Reduce our carbon footprint by 20% within 5 years

Working with eCollective, our ambition is to reduce our carbon footprint by 20% by 2028 – including customer travel and within our business – by setting short- and long-term goals both at our office and on our holidays.

Charity
Our goal: Make a meaningful contribution to a charity we believe in

We will be supporting our new charity partner Practical Action with £1 donated for every guest who travels with us, and also offering our customers the opportunity to round up their booking to give an additional donation if they wish.