The two ships, setting sail in 2025, will feature several ‘firsts’ for the river cruise line. 

A beautiful view of Salzburg, and the river, at dusk

Featured among the itineraries for Riviera Radiance is the beautiful city of Salzburg in Austria. 

Announcing the inaugural itineraries for Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose, Riviera’s head of product Will Sarson said they will allow guests to “immerse themselves in some of Europe’s finest destinations”. 

About Riviera Radiance

The 178-guest ship will operate six different voyages on the Danube with a total of 35 departures across the season.

Riviera Travel's Riviera Radiance cruise ship

Riviera Radiance is home to the operator’s biggest suites yet - the Grand Suites are 32 square metres and feature a full balcony. 

These include: 

  • Blue Danube: an eight-day holiday visiting Vienna, Dürnstein, Budapest and Bratislava, departing April to October 2025. 
  • Budapest to the Black Sea: this 15-day itinerary features guided tours of Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanassi, the Churches of Ivanovo, Belogradchik Rock and Mesolithic Lepenski Vir. Sailings depart in May, June and September next year. 
  • New Year on the Danube: a six day cruise with New Year’s celebrations in Vienna and ports of call in Budapest and Bratislava, departing in December 2025. 
  • Christmas on the Danube: eight days, departing December 2025, visiting Bratislava, Wachau Valley, Melk, Salzburg, Linz, Vienna and Budapest. 
  • Danube’s Imperial Cities & Yuletide Markets: this six-day itinerary, also departing December 2025, takes in Budapest, Vienna and Bratislava. 

Its biggest ever festive programme

The operator has also launched a total of 37 festive departures available next year, across six itineraries on the Rhine and Danube. The programme includes a five-day Enchanting Rhine & Yuletide Markets itinerary visiting Cologne, Bonn and Koblenz as well as Christmas on the Danube, an eight-day sailing taking in Budapest, Melk Abbey, Salzburg and Vienna. 

About Riviera Rose

Accommodating 114 guests, this ship will operate on the Douro, with a Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca cruise. A total of 30 departures are on offer, with the first setting sail in April 2025. 

A historical building in Salamanca, Spain

Guests sailing on board Riviera Rose will get to see the sights of Salamanca in Spain. 

Featuring tours of Porto’s old town, Mateus Palace and Castelo Rodrigo, highlights of the eight-day cruise include port tastings and a stop in Salamanca. 

Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose - launching in March and April 2025, respectively - will feature several firsts for the river cruise line, including bearing the Riviera name on their bows.

Riviera’s head of product Will Sarson said: “Voyages on Riviera Radiance on the Danube are ideal for both our experienced travellers and those who are yet to try a river cruise… we can now also expand our operations on the Douro with Riviera Rose.

Riviera Travel's new Riviera Rose cruise ship on the river

Riviera Rose, launching in 2025, will operate on the Douro river and accommodate 114 guests.

“The river is a firm favourite with guests and the ship’s eight-day cruise will showcase magnificent architecture and provide plenty of opportunities to sample the famous port on offer.”

Across the 2024/25 season, Riviera will have seven ships operating on the Danube and the Douro, with 163 departures on offer. River cruises are also available on the Rhine, Seine and Rhone.

For more information about itineraries as well as group benefits and booking information, visit rivieratravel.co.uk or call 01283 742 322. 

Topics