MS Thomas Hardy

European river cruise operator Riviera Travel is launching four new ships in 2017 and a fifth ship in spring 2018, doubling the size of its current fleet.

Launching this year are the MS Emily Brontë, MS Thomas Hardy, MS Oscar Wilde and the MS Douro Elegance. Following in 2018 will be the MS Robert Burns.

The MS Emily Brontë, MS Thomas Hardy, MS Oscar Wilde and MS Robert Burns will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers, as well as tributaries, while the MS Douro Elegance will sail the Douro River.

What can groups expect onboard?

The MS Emily Brontë, MS Thomas Hardy, MS Oscar Wilde and MS Robert Burns will all have 88 suites, with a capacity for 169 guests overall. Each of these river cruise ships will have a second restaurant added, to offer what Riviera Travel describes as a ‘more casual dining experience with an open kitchen’.

MS Douro Elegance will be slightly smaller, with 63 cabins and suites, and space for 126 guests overall. This vessel has been purpose-built to fit through each of the River Douro's five locks. Guests can expect floor-to-ceiling windows on all upper and middle deck cabins and suites.

Onboard selected ships, groups can opt for cruise holidays like the eight-day Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg itinerary, which includes visits to the historic town of Koblenz and the beautiful old town of Boppard.

Also available is a five-day Enchanting Rhine & Yuletide Markets river cruise, with highlights such as the dramatic Rhine Gorge and the renowned wine town of Rudesheim to be expected.

Further information

The new ships join Riviera Travel's current fleet which includes the MS Lord Byron, MS Swiss Corona, MS Jane Austen, MS William Shakespeare, and MS Charles Dickens.

Group travel organisers booking a river cruise with Riviera Travel can expect discounts for parties of ten or more people. You can enquire further by e-mailing groups@rivieratravel.co.uk.

For further information visit www.rivieratravel.co.uk.