Everything you need to know before you go
Welcome to the Riviera Travel guide to river cruising, an essential read for all first-time cruises. We’re here to help you choose a fantastic holiday – one you’ll remember for many years to come – and to give you an insight into what to expect on a river cruise. Find out more about cultural excursions ashore, world-class dining, luxurious accommodation, socialising on board, and what to wear – our guide is packed full of useful advice and top tips.
Riviera Travel offers inspirational cruises along the most picturesque rivers in Europe, allowing you to visit magnificent destinations and soak up breathtaking scenes from the comfort of your ship. Discover more about the Rhine, Rhone, Danube and Douro or travel further afield and spend time on the Nile, Yangtze or Mekong – the world really is your oyster.
River cruises are becoming more and more popular with holidaymakers of all ages. Browse through our Riviera Travel guide to river cruising and it’ll be easy to see why.
What you'll find inside
- The must-see destinations
- Expert advice on choosing the best time to go
- Ocean vs river cruising - what you need to know
- Guides to all the major European rivers
- what to pack and what to wear
- Insider tips to make the most of your cruise
Cabins
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MS Charles Dickens
Built: 2015
Crew: 35
Passengers: 140
Rating:
Why we love this ship
Launched in 2015, this five-star ship was specially commissioned and designed just for us by one of Europe’s most experienced and respected ship builders. Constructed to the highest standards of comfort, design and security, you can relax into your luxurious surroundings after each day’s sightseeing with peace of mind. With 35 crew members serving just 140 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
The on-board experience
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
- Elegant restaurant
- Lounge & bar with panoramic windows
- Open kitchen bistro
- Lift between middle and upper decks
- Sun deck with comfy chairs & sun loungers
- Splash pool, putting green & giant chess board
- Free tea & coffee station
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry service
- Sauna, fitness equipment & hairdressing service
- Boutique gift shop
- Air conditioning throughout
Your cabin
The beautifully designed cabins and suites on the MS Charles Dickens all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Cabin sizes range from 14 square metres to 22.8 square metres. All middle and upper deck cabins boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe suites offer a small, private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
MS Emily Brontë
Built: 2017
Crew: 44
Passengers: 169
Rating:
Why we love this ship
The five-star, Swiss-built MS Emily Brontë is quickly becoming one of our most popular river cruising vessels. Designed solely with our customers in mind, this luxury floating hotel is the perfect setting to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing. Exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a masterpiece of on-board style and comfort. With 44 crew members serving just 169 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
The on-board experience
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
- Elegant restaurant
- Open-kitchen bistro
- Lounge & bar
- Lift between accommodation decks
- Sun deck with comfy loungers & chairs
- Splash pool & putting green
- Free tea & coffee station
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry service
- Nail salon & hairdressing service
- Boutique gift shop
- Air conditioning throughout
Your suite
On this all-suite ship, the beautifully designed, spacious rooms all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning or heating, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Suite sizes range from 16 square metres to a staggering 25 square metres. All middle and upper deck suites boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe balcony suites offer a private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
MS Jane Austen
Built: 2015
Crew: 36
Passengers: 140
Rating:
Why we love this ship
Launched in 2015 and built just for us by one of the world’s most experienced luxury river ship builders, this vessel is a favourite with our clients as it guarantees a relaxing, comfortable and enjoyable river cruising experience. With 35 crew members serving just 140 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment of your stay on this elegant, floating hotel.
The on-board experience
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
- Restaurant & lido bar
- Lounge & bar with panoramic windows
- Lift between middle and upper decks
- Sun deck with comfy chairs & loungers
- Splash pool, putting green & giant chess board
- Free tea & coffee station
- Sauna, steam room & fitness equipment
- Hairdressing service
- Laundry service
- Boutique gift shop
- Air conditioning throughout
Your cabin
The beautifully designed cabins and suites on-board the MS Jane Austen all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning or heating, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Cabin sizes range from 15 square metres to 22.5 square metres. All middle and upper deck cabins boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony. For added space and luxury, treat yourself to a stay in one of the fabulous deluxe suites.
MS Oscar Wilde
Built: 2017
Crew: 44
Passengers: 169
Rating:
Why we love this ship
We are delighted to present the brand new, five-star MS Oscar Wilde – a truly world-class vessel. Designed solely with our customers in mind, this luxury floating hotel is the perfect setting to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing. Exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a masterpiece of on-board style and comfort. With 44 crew members serving just 169 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
The on-board experience
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:>
- Elegant restaurant
- Open-kitchen bistro
- Lounge & bar
- Lift between accommodation decks
- Sun deck with comfy loungers & chairs
- Splash pool & putting green
- Free tea & coffee station
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry service
- Nail salon & hairdressing service
- Boutique gift shop
- Air conditioning throughout
Your suite
On this all-suite ship, the beautifully designed and spacious rooms all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning or heating, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Suite sizes range from 16 square metres to a staggering 25 square metres. All middle and upper deck suites boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe balcony suites offer a private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
MS Robert Burns
Built: 2018
Crew: 44
Passengers: 169
Rating:
Why we love this ship
We are delighted to present the new, five-star MS Robert Burns - a truly world-class vessel. Designed solely with our customers in mind, this luxury floating hotel is the perfect setting to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing. Exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a masterpiece of on-board style and comfort. With 44 crew members serving just 169 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
The on-board experience
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
- Elegant restaurant
- Open-ktchen bistro
- Lounge & bar
- Lift between accommodation decks
- Sun deck with comfy loungers & chairs
- Splash pool & putting green
- Free tea & coffee station
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry service
- Nail salon & hairdressing service
- Boutique gift shop
- Air conditioning throughout
Your suite
On this all-suite ship, the beautifully designed, spacious rooms all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning or heating, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Suite sizes range from 16 square metres to a staggering 25 square metres. All middle and upper deck suites boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe balcony suites offer a private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
MS Thomas Hardy
Built: 2017
Crew: 44
Passengers: 169
Rating:
Why we love this ship
The five-star, Swiss-built MS Thomas Hardy is quickly becoming one of our most popular river cruising vessels. Designed solely with our customers in mind, this luxury floating hotel is the perfect setting to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing. Exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a masterpiece of on-board style and comfort. With 44 crew members serving just 169 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
The on-board experience
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
- Elegant restaurant
- Open-kitchen bistro
- Lounge & bar
- Lift between accommodation decks
- Sun deck with comfy loungers & chairs
- Splash pool & putting green
- Free tea & coffee station
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry service
- Nail salon & hairdressing service
- Boutique gift shop
- Air conditioning throughout
Your suite
On this all-suite ship, the beautifully designed and spacious rooms all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning or heating, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Suite sizes range from 16 square metres to a staggering 25 square metres. All middle and upper deck suites boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe balcony suites offer a private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
MS William Shakespeare
Built: 2014
Crew: 35
Passengers: 140
Rating:
Why we love this ship
Specially commissioned and designed to our exacting specifications, this vessel is one of the world’s finest river cruise ships. We worked with one of Europe’s most experienced and respected luxury shipbuilders to create the perfect ship. Their exceptional creativity and design has produced a masterpiece of on-board style and comfort. With 35 crew members serving just 140 guests, you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
The on-board experience
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
- Elegant restaurant
- Stern bar
- Lounge & bar with panoramic windows
- Lift between middle and upper decks
- Sun deck with comfy chairs & loungers
- Splash pool, putting green & giant chess board
- Free tea & coffee station
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry service
- Sauna, fitness equipment & hairdressing service
- Boutique gift shop
- Air conditioning throughout
Your cabin
The beautifully designed cabins and suites all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning or heating, a flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Cabin sizes range from 14 square metres to 22.8 square metres. All middle and upper deck cabins boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe suites offer a small, private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
MS William Wordsworth
Built: 2018
Crew: 44
Passengers: 169
Rating:
Why we love this ship
We are delighted to present the brand new, five-star MS William Wordsworth – a truly world-class vessel operated exclusively for us. Designed solely with our customers in mind, this luxury floating hotel is the perfect setting to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing. Exceptional creativity from Europe’s finest design studio has produced a masterpiece of on-board style and comfort, and with 44 crew members serving just 169 guests you’ll receive first class service at every moment.
The on-board experience
Quality dining is an integral part of your cruise experience and the superb cuisine is prepared on-board by our dedicated and talented chefs. Take the early riser’s breakfast or enjoy a heartier option at the sumptuous full breakfast buffet. Enjoy the comprehensive lunch buffet, but be sure to make room for afternoon tea and the chef’s special patisserie. The day’s culinary highlight is the splendid four-course dinner. Menus include a mix of international classics and dishes that reflect the regions we pass, with hand-picked selections from local markets. We are able to provide for vegetarian, gluten-free, low-sugar, lactose-free and vegan diets - just let us know in advance.
This ship is well-equipped with the following facilities for your convenience, comfort and entertainment:
- Elegant restaurant
- Lounge & bar area
- Open kitchen bistro
- Lift between accommodation decks
- Sun deck with comfy loungers
- Splash pool & putting green
- Free tea & coffee station
- Laundry service
- Free Wi-Fi
- Nail salon & hairdressing service
- Boutique gift shop
- Air conditioning throughout
Your suite
On this all-suite ship, the beautifully designed, spacious rooms all have hotel-style beds, crisp cotton linen and your choice of soft or firm pillows, a private bathroom with shower, endless hot water, fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. With free Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and telephone, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay. There are even facilities for making tea and coffee with the well-loved brands you’re used to at home.
Suite sizes range from 16 square metres to a staggering 25 square metres. All middle and upper deck suites boast floor-to-ceiling sliding doors with a Juliet balcony, whilst the deluxe balcony suites offer a private balcony for you to sit outside and watch the world go by.
Built:
Crew:
Passengers:
Rating:
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