About Riviera Travel
Riviera river cruises are mainly focussed on the excellent waterways that Europe has to offer, but there is also the chance to venture into Asia as you sail on the Mekong and Irrawaddy rivers. Within Europe, you will be able to explore famous rivers such as the Danube, Rhine, Rhone and the beautiful Dutch waterways.
As you travel from port to port, soaking up your surroundings, there will be an apparent feeling that your itinerary has been put together with care. Riviera are proud of their passion for travel and are keen to listen to what their passengers want and incorporate it in the best way possible. The luxury ships are complimented perfectly by the stylish facilities and thoughtful service to create a choice of river cruises that provide an elegant home from home.
Accommodation
The cabins on board your Riviera river cruise will offer space and luxury in abundance. From standard cabins through to deluxe options and all the way up to stupendous suites; there is no end to the comfort you will experience or the stunning views you will enjoy.
Rich mahogany is a feature of many of the staterooms on various different ships, and this works in tandem with plush bedding, warming colours and stylish furniture to create a range of accommodation options to which you will look forward to retiring at the end of a long day of adventures.
All cabins are air-conditioned and come complete with many of the latest mod-cons and en-suite bathroom facilities.
Dining
Thanks to Riviera’s standard ratio of only four guests per crew member, you can rest assured that you will receive the care and attention you deserve. Wherever you are on the ship, you will not be ignored and there will be someone on hand to assist you with whatever you need.
The fine dining restaurants found on board offer exactly that; fine dining. Dinner comes in the form of four lovingly prepared courses, as you delight in the pleasant aromas and make use of the glistening cutlery, polished glassware and stylish European China. Breakfast is another highlight which includes hot and cold buffet options and even a special selection for those early risers that just cannot wait to get their exciting day started.
In the gap between breakfast and dinner, you can help yourself to a buffet lunch, whilst keeping a carefully selected corner of your stomach free for the delicious afternoon tea which is on offer. From the welcome dinner to the captain’s gala dinner, the menus will feature sumptuous dishes from around the world as well as those that are inspired by the ports on your itinerary. And there’s no need to be held back by restrictive dining regulations. Smaller tables feature seating numbers of four or six and the informal ‘free seating’ policy is something that will help you relax and enjoy your trip even more.
Guests sailing on MS Lord Byron, MS William Shakespeare and MS Charles Dickens will also have the chance to eat in the ‘Chef’s Restaurant’ during the evening. This exclusive dining area is only available to book during your river cruise and features a fixed menu which is served to an intimate crowd of just twenty-four guests. Enjoy some of the chef’s own personal recommendations as you take a night off from the main restaurant.
Facilities
Specific facilities will vary from ship to ship, but there are a few staples which are part of the Riviera charm.
The air conditioned decks will be well appreciated on those hot days and the relaxing lounges will provide the perfect setting in which to enjoy the passing scenery. You will become very familiar with the main restaurant as it welcomes you for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and, of course, dinner; whilst the fully stocked bars will serve your favourite drink and offer up a place to socialise and recount the day’s explorations.
In order to take full advantage of the beautiful weather that is often a welcoming feature of the countries you will visit, there are spacious outside areas for you to enjoy too. Take a seat in the comfortable surroundings on the sun deck or unwind with a few holes on the putting green or a game of giant chess.
If all of this has still failed to leave you fully relaxed, then why not book a treatment session in the luxurious spa to leave yourself feeling well and truly rejuvenated.
Excursions
Excursions on a Riviera river cruise are designed to give you the chance to experience some of the most famous sites in each port, whilst also allowing you to explore some lesser known gems that take you off the well-trodden path. This helps you not only get to know the port you have arrived in, but also get a taste for the country as a whole.
Specific excursions include tours of historic cities like Vienna, Berlin and Amsterdam; visits to remarkable buildings such as Melk Abbey, Castelo Rodrigo and Cologne’s Gothic Cathedral; and the chance to explore vibrant places including the floating markets of Cai Be, the vineyards of the Moselle and the lush Ardeche Gorges.