Skip to main content
Lucerne ariel city view under warm-looking sunshine and a background of mountain peaks.

Why River Cruise

Explore

We are more than just a travel company: we are a well-travelled collective - some might even call us "obsessed" - but is that really such a bad thing? 

Our team meticulously plan every step of your river cruise from the moment you arrive at the airport to the moment your feet touch familiar ground - we can even arrange to pick you up and drop you off (find out more about our travel concierge service). So, when we say river cruises are hassle-free you know we mean it.  

To us, every river cruise is a chance to share our favourite places with our favourite people - and we've gotten pretty good at planning the perfect trip. We personally select every aspect of your holiday - you'll mingle with the locals, hear the stories that our history books don't cover and try regional dishes that are hard to pronounce but oh-so-easy to love. 

Taking the road less travelled - or in this case, river - offers a chance to see swathes of rural countryside, tiny towns you've never heard of and some of Europe's most beautiful inland cities from a fresh perspective. With constantly changing scenery river cruises offer a journey that's as memorable as the destinations. From European river cruises that wind their way through vine-clad valleys to worldwide river cruises that open up otherwise hard-to-reach places and open your eyes to new histories, customs, and traditions. 

Unbeatable value, which always includes

  • Direct flights & transfers
  • Five-star ships with impeccable on-board service
  • Itinerary curated by Riviera experts
  • Insightful excursions & visits every day with local guides
  • Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Concierge looking after you throughout
  • Evening entertainment from quizzes to impressive performers
  • Onboard spa & wellness facilities
  • Onboard lounge, bar & restaurant
  • Delicious full board dining, plus Chef's Dinner
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • 20kg+ checked luggage
  • 24/7 support from our UK-based team

Discover more about river cruising with Riviera Travel

Exterior shot of the William Wordsworth cruise ship

Our European River Cruise Ships

Take a closer look at Rivera Travel's fleet of five-star river cruise ships sailing Europe's most beautiful waterways - expect spacious cabins and suites.

Explore European river cruise ships

Meet Our River Cruise Team

Our onboard crew offers a friendly face and an unparalleled standard of service throughout your river cruise. Find out more about our river cruise team here.

Meet our river cruise team
Aerial of Budapest city with view of the the Danube river in Hungary

River Cruise Onshore Experiences

We plan our itineraries to ensure we're catering to those interests that make a culture unique. Perfecting every excursion to ensure you get the most out of your onshore adventures.

Read more about river cruise onshore experiences

Read more about river cruising

Happy senior couple enjoying wine on yacht

Cruise Tips and Tricks for First-Time River Cruisers

Interested in a river cruise and want to know more? Our tips and tricks for first-time river cruisers can help.

Read the full blog
Exterior of the Lord Byron ship sailing in the water

What to Expect on Your First River Cruise

River cruising can have a certain mystique and if you’ve never cruised before, you probably have a lot of questions.

Read the full blog
View of Heidelberg town and University with riverside in Germany

Useful Tips for Life on Board a River Cruise Ship

There’s no doubt that river cruising is one of the most relaxing ways to holiday and if you’ve never considered it, there might be a few things you didn’t know about life on board our ships that’ll tempt you to try it.

Read the full blog