Riviera Travel President Talks Fleet Growth, Solo Cruising & Low Water
British travel operator Riviera Travel’s specialty for 40 years is offering “affordable luxury.” As it continues to expand its fleet of ships on the waterways of Europe, Riviera have also moved to expand their footprint in North America, opening an office in Fort Lauderdale.
Spearheading those efforts is Stuart Milan, president of North America for Riviera Travel River Cruises.
I interviewed Milan about what’s coming up for Riviera, how the cruise line is addressing low-water issues, and its commitment to solo travelers:
Give us some background about the history of Riviera.
“For over 40 years, Riviera Travel River Cruises has provided guests deeply immersive, unforgettable travel experiences on land, rivers and at sea. We expanded onto Europe’s rivers in 2009 and since then, have cultivated an ultra-premium fleet sailing Europe’s most iconic waterways.
“While our business has evolved tremendously over the years, our core promise to our guests remains, as we provide exceptional service and quality, and authentic experiences in each and every destination that we visit.”
How many ships do you currently operate, and where?
“Riviera Travel River Cruises currently operates 13 custom-designed ships across Europe, including the Rhine, Moselle, Danube, Rhône, Seine, Douro and Dutch Waterways.
“Following the recent debut of Riviera Resplendence, we are continuing our fleet expansion with several new ships on the horizon, including Riviera Reflection in 2027, Riviera Rhapsody in 2028, and Riviera Alba, which will mark Riviera’s first debut outside of European waters.
“We will also introduce MS George Eliot in 2027, the world’s first dedicated solo river cruise ship.”
What’s included in the fare, and not included?
“Riviera Travel River Cruises offers five-star accommodations, including full onboard dining (breakfast, lunch and daily four-course à la carte dinners), and an all-inclusive drinks package from 10 a.m. to midnight.
“Guests also enjoy daily guided shore excursions led by local experts, and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi.
“Flights and airport transfers are not included in the base fare, though they can be arranged through Riviera or travel advisors, and gratuities remain entirely at each guest’s discretion. Additional onboard services such as laundry are also not included in the fare.”
What distinguishes Riviera from other river cruises?
“What truly sets Riviera apart is our ability to offer a premium river cruise experience at a more accessible price point, while giving guests the perfect balance of exploring new destinations and having time to relax and enjoy the journey at their own pace.
“We also make river cruising more accessible for solo travelers, with no single supplements (fees for traveling alone) on more than 55 sailings, giving solo guests the opportunity to enjoy their cabin without paying the extra cost.
“In 2027, we’re taking that commitment a step further with the debut of the world’s first dedicated solo river cruise ship.
“For guests traveling in groups, our group program offers added flexibility when planning, including six-week holds, reduced deposits, and a free sailing for every eighth guest.
“Above all, we stand behind our guest experience with an exclusive Happiness Guarantee: if a guest isn’t completely satisfied by the end of Day 2, Riviera will arrange transportation back to the original embarkation point and refund 100% of their vacation.
“Backed by a 97% guest satisfaction rate, Riviera delivers exceptional value, flexibility and total peace of mind for guests.”
What can guests expect on one of your Grand Tour itineraries?
“With our Grand Tour Collection, we offer travelers the ultimate way to experience Europe: a seamless, 15-day journey that pairs seven nights of land exploration in Italy with seven nights aboard one of our ultra-premium river ships.
“We created this collection for guests who want a deeper, multi-dimensional vacation without the headache of complex logistics. It allows guests to spend a week walking cobblestone streets, savoring regional wines, and diving deep into local culture on land before transitioning to the river for the second half of their trip.”
What does Riviera offer the solo traveler?
“Riviera has invested significantly in its solo traveler offerings over the past several years, recognizing that this is a segment of the market that has been historically underserved. Riviera offers no single supplements on more than 55 departures each season, meaning solo travelers enjoy their own room without paying the additional cost that is often associated with traveling alone.
“In 2027, Riviera is taking that commitment to independent travel a step further with the launch of the world’s first dedicated solo river cruise ship, the fully reimagined MS George Eliot. Hosting just 68 guests, this ship offers solo travelers spacious double cabins for single use, with a crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:2. Every guest can expect an unmatched experience of personalized service as they sail on either the Danube, Rhine or Moselle.”
How have the low-water conditions on the Danube affected your cruises?
“Our priority is keeping guests informed while minimizing any impact from changing water levels across Europe.
“To navigate these conditions, Riviera has established a dedicated River Cruise Update Center, providing real-time information on affected sailings and updates for guests as conditions evolve. Across our network, we are actively evaluating options to minimize disruption and ensure guests have the best possible experience when water levels change.”
Are your customers primarily from North America, and has your business been impacted by the increase in airfares to Europe?
“While the UK remains our founding home market, North America is our fastest-growing region, with a rapidly increasing number of U.S. and Canadian guests sailing with us each year.
“Regarding airfare, while rising flight costs affect international travelers industry-wide, demand for our European itineraries remains exceptionally strong. Travelers are looking for predictable value, which plays directly into our core offerings. To maximize their time and investment, many North American guests are also opting for extended travel by pairing their cruise with land extensions before or after sailing.”
Looking ahead, are there plans to expand your fleet or add service to other areas of the world?
“Looking ahead, we continue to expand our world-class fleet with next-generation Radiance Class ships.
Riviera Radiance. Courtesy of Riviera Travel River Cruises. Suite aboard Riviera Radiance. Courtesy of Riviera Travel River Cruises. Cabin aboard Riviera Radiance. Courtesy of Riviera Travel River Cruises. Mosaic restaurant aboard Riviera Radiance. Courtesy of Riviera Travel River Cruises.
“Following the successful July 2026 inaugural sailing of Riviera Resplendence on the Danube, we will welcome Riviera Reflection in 2027 and Riviera Rhapsody in 2028.
“Expanding into boutique long-haul cruising, Riviera Alba will debut on the Mekong River in 2027 with 25 suites across a 14-day Vietnam and Cambodia itinerary.
“That same year, we will launch the world’s first dedicated solo river cruise ship, offering solo travelers the opportunity to explore the Danube, Rhine and Moselle without a single supplement aboard MS George Eliot.“
For more about the Riviera Travel river cruise experience, please also see our review of MS Jane Austin.
