Riviera River Cruises is a relative newcomer to the U.S. market (though it has been offering river cruises in Europe for decades), but the brand has already made waves as a leader in value.
“We’re at the top of the premium category with less-than-premium pricing,” said Marilyn Conroy, executive vice president of sales and marketing for North America at Riviera River Cruises.
Furthermore, the line does not tack on any hidden fees to its fares, and it leaves the choice of purchasing drink packages and applying gratuities to guests’ discretion.
That New Riverboat Smell
Conroy also points out that Riviera boasts one of the youngest fleets in Europe, and offers some of the most spacious staterooms and suites. For instance, suites with French balconies measure 183 square feet.
The current Riviera fleet comprises 11 vessels, the newest of which is Geoffrey Chaucer, which launched in 2022. By chartering its riverboats, the company can replace them every six to seven years to ensure the fleet remains one of the freshest in operation.
Nuremberg, Germany, makes for a picturesque river cruise stop.
Credit: 2023 Riviera River CruisesIdeal Itineraries
Another selling point for the line? Its special spin on itineraries.
“Our itineraries often have a twist that makes them more unique,” Conroy said.
She explained that other lines offer Rhine River cruises from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland — but Riviera takes a different approach. Instead, it heads from Cologne, Germany, to Basel in order to avoid the more industrial section between Amsterdam and Cologne, and to permit passengers to spend two nights in Basel and thus accommodate a full-day excursion to properly see the Alps.
New for 2024 will be a trio of 11-day sailings on the Seine River, the Rhine River and the Rhine and Moselle rivers combined.
“Our guests were asking for longer departures than our weeklong itineraries, but not as long as our two-week itineraries,” she said.
Guests can visit Honfleur, France, with Riviera.
Credit: 2023 Riviera River CruisesEach is based on a shorter itinerary but introduces new destinations. On the Seine, these include Normandy’s Etretat chalk cliffs; Chateau d’Auvers and the cemetery where Van Gogh is buried in Auvers-sur-Oise; the Castle of La Roche-Guyon; and Chateau de Malmaison near Mantes-la-Jolie. On the Rhine, guests can now see Andernach and Braubach in Germany. And new offerings on the combined Rhine and Moselle cruise include Luxembourg; Worms, Germany; the Schwetzingen Palace garden; Marksburg Castle; and Bonn, Germany.
Dedicated to Travel Advisors
Travel advisors will want to note that Riviera has promotions running through the end of May. For new 2023 reservations, a savings of $650 per person on eight-day voyages and $1,500 per person on 15-day sailings are available. Also, clients can save 10% on middle- and upper-deck cabins for 2024 bookings. Discounts are deducted from the website-listed price.
Plus, the line recently improved its group policy.
“Now, a free tour conductor bed is awarded after seven guests are booked, instead of 10,” Conroy said. “This is great for smaller groups like families.”
The discounts above do not apply to the updated group policy. However, they are available for groups when a complimentary tour conductor berth is awarded following the booking of 10 passengers.
