Charter Guide

Go With The Experts

As the UK’s leading river cruise line, Riviera Travel brings over 40 years of experience designing exceptional journeys through the heart of Europe. Our deep expertise, awardwinning service, and curated itineraries make us the trusted choice for travelers who expect more from their vacation.

That same standard of excellence makes Riviera Travel the perfect partner for private charters. Whether you’re hosting clients, celebrating a milestone, or rewarding a team, a private charter offers an exclusive, immersive experience shaped entirely around your needs.

From custom itineraries and sailing lengths to onboard branding, menus, entertainment, and presentations, every detail is tailored to you. Host meetings in elegant lounges equipped with A/V, stream personalized content to in-suite TVs and showcase your brand across signage, keycards, and amenities.

With Riviera Travel’s expert team handling every detail, you can focus on what matters most: delivering an unforgettable journey for your guests.

Included On Every Cruise

Every charter includes Riviera Travel’s signature service, premium comforts, and the flexibility to tailor your experience to your group’s goals.

Cruise Experience & Itinerary

• Expertly Guided Excursions With English-Speaking Local Guides

• Optional Bespoke Tours and Curated Experiences Based on Your Group’s Interests

• Ample Free Time for Independent Exploration in Each Destination Onboard Dining & Beverages

• Full Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

• In-Room Dining Available for Breakfast

• All-Inclusive Drinks Packages Available

• Optional Open Bar Available from 10am to Midnight Onboard Services & Entertainment

• Dedicated Cruise Director and Onboard Team Managing All Logistics and Guest Support

• Live Local Entertainment and Evening Social Programming (or Create Your Own)

• Educational Talks, Cultural Commentary, and Optional Lectures

• Complimentary High-Speed Wi-Fi Throughout the Ship

Custom Event Capabilities

• Elegant Meeting and Event Spaces

• A/V Equipment, Including Projectors, Microphones, and Sound Systems

• In-Room TVs Can Be Programmed With Your Personalized Content

Dining Designed Around You

From fresh breakfasts to multi-course dinners in the Main Restaurant, every meal onboard is an opportunity to gather, unwind, and enjoy. Our culinary team delivers flavorful dishes with Riviera Travel’s signature care and attention. Menus can be customized to match your group’s tastes, your itinerary, or the occasion, so every dining moment feels just right.

Onboard Dining Includes:

• Multiple Dining Venues Available Throughout Most of Our Fleet

• Full Breakfast With Made-to-Order Eggs, Fresh Pastries, and Hot Items

• Lunch With Hot Dishes, Salads, and Carving Stations

• À La Carte Multi-Course Dinners

• Room Service Available for Breakfast

• Picnic Boxes Available for Onshore Excursions

• Special Dietary Accommodations Upon Request

Drink Packages

For an additional charge, optional drink packages can include daily happy hours, cocktail receptions, or full all-inclusive service, customized to suit your charter.

Choose Your Own Journey

When you charter with Riviera Travel, the itinerary is yours to shape. Choose the route, the pace, and the experiences that make sense for your group, whether that’s classic sightseeing, hands-on local encounters, or a mix of both. Our team works with you to design a custom journey that balances structure with flexibility, allowing guests to explore in the way that suits them best.

Classic

For those who love timeless landmarks and rich history, our classic excursions offer guided tours led by local experts. Explore charming old towns, grand cathedrals, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and legendary cities, each one brought to life with storytelling and cultural insight.

Immersive

For guests who want to dive deeper, or move faster, our immersive excursions go beyond the traditional. Think vineyard tastings, cooking classes, nature walks, or cycling routes. These experiences bring destinations to life through motion, flavor, and first-hand connection with local life.

Even More On Board

Chartering with Riviera Travel means every onboard moment is an opportunity, whether it’s a private dinner, a professional seminar, or an unforgettable celebration.

Onboard Programming

Looking to delight your guests between destinations?

We help you create a tailored schedule of onboard experiences that go beyond the expected. From morning wellness sessions to evening entertainment, each moment can be designed to engage, energize, or simply bring people together.

SAMPLE PROGRAMMING INCLUDES:

• Wine and Whiskey Tastings With Regional Experts

• Cooking Demonstrations and Chef Q&As

• Live Performances: Jazz, Classical, and Contemporary

• Wellness Offerings Like Yoga and Guided Stretching

• Trivia Nights, Movie Screenings, and Karaoke

• Expert Panels, Guest Speakers, and Fireside Chats

Our team works with you to design a fully personalized onboard experience that aligns with your purpose, your guests, and your vision.

Private Events

Whether you’re planning a welcome reception, a midcruise milestone celebration, or a formal gala dinner, our elegant onboard venues offer the ideal setting. Décor, timing, entertainment, and menus can all be customized to suit your event’s tone and purpose.

TYPES OF PRIVATE EVENTS INCLUDE:

• Cocktail Receptions and Wine Pairings

• Farewell Dinners and Anniversary Celebrations

• Awards Ceremonies and Company Recognitions

• Networking Mixers and Social Hours

• Themed Evenings and Entertainment-Led Gatherings

A/V Amenities & Venues

From speeches to full-scale celebrations, our ships are equipped to bring your ideas to life.

Our A/V capabilities ensure every event is seamlessly executed.

AVAILABLE AMENITIES INCLUDE:

• Large-Screen TVs for Presentations and Video

• Integrated Sound System With Two Wireless Microphones

• Electric Piano for Live Performances

• PA System for Announcements and Hosted Events

• Full Support for Entertainment of Your Choice

Come Together

Every ship in the Riviera Travel fleet offers thoughtfully designed spaces for dining, gathering, presenting, and celebrating. Whether you’re planning a formal dinner or an informal mixer, you’ll find a venue perfectly suited to your event.

Riverview Kitchen

ACCOMMODATES 34 GUESTS

CINEMA STYLE: 25 GUESTS | U-SHAPE | 18 GUESTS

Available on most of our ships, this alternative dining venue offers a casual atmosphere with panoramic views and a live cooking station. Ideal for intimate meals, themed dinners, or culinary demonstrations.

La Brasserie

ACCOMMODATES 20 GUESTS

CINEMA STYLE: 15 GUESTS | U-SHAPE: 10 GUESTS

Located on MS Jane Austen and MS Lord Byron, La Brasserie is an intimate dining space offering private service in a relaxed, elegant setting. Perfect for VIP dinners, small celebrations, or leadership meetings.

Mosaic

ACCOMMODATES 60 GUESTS

Found on MS Riviera Radiance and MS Riviera Resplendence, Mosaic is a mid-size venue designed for versatile use. Its sleek interior and river views create a stylish, comfortable setting. Layout cannot be changed.

Rio Restaurant

ACCOMMODATES 36 GUESTS

Exclusive to MS Riviera Rose, Rio offers a warm, modern space with river-facing views and a more boutique dining feel. It’s a great option for celebratory meals, group discussions, or curated tasting experiences. Layout cannot be changed.

Sun Deck

The Sun Deck offers panoramic views, comfortable loungers, and shaded areas. It’s an open-air space ideal for relaxed programming, informal gatherings, or taking in the scenery with a drink in hand. Available on all ships.

Panorama Bar and Lounge

ACCOMMODATES 60 GUESTS

Located on the Diamond Deck, the Panorama Bar and Lounge is the ship’s social centerpiece. It features floor-to-ceiling windows, elegant seating, a full bar, and a dance floor—perfect for receptions, talks, and evening entertainment. Available on all ships.

Main Restaurant

The Main Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a refined, open-seating dining room. Accommodates full ship capacity on all ships, except for MS Resplendence and MS Radiance, which accommodate up to 130 guests. Layout cannot be changed.

MS Riviera Rose

Cruise the rivers of Europe on the brand-new, beautifully crafted MS Riviera Rose, a luxurious 80-metre-long boutique hotel. It’s the perfect place to unwind between onshore adventures.

The brand-new MS Riviera Rose has been expertly designed with your comfort in mind. The spacious suites feature air conditioning, hairdryer, safe, TV, telephone, a desk, double wardrobe and tea/coffeemaking facilities available in every room. The hotel-style beds can be configured as a double or twin and the bathrooms feature a rain shower.

Balcony Suites | 4 Available

Located on our Diamond Deck, these suites feature a balcony with outdoor seating.

Superior Suites | 34 Available

Located on our Diamond and Ruby Decks, these suites feature a larger living area and French balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors.

Standard French Balcony | 6 Available

Located on our Diamond and Ruby Decks, these suites feature a French balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors.

Standard Suites | 11 Available

Located on the Emerald Deck, these suites feature smaller fixed windows to take in your scenic surroundings.

MS Riviera Radiance

MS Riviera Resplendence

With more space than ever before, the brand-new MS Riviera Radiance and MS Riviera Resplendence are brilliantly designed for the perfect balance of contemporary and cozy.

Home to our largest suites, MS Riviera Radiance and MS Riviera Resplendence provide an even more airy experience. With three restaurants to choose from for dinner, a well-furnished bar and lounge and an inviting sun deck, there are plenty of places to relax between stops along one of Europe’s most beautiful waterways. All suites feature air conditioning, hairdryer, safe, flat screen TV, minibar, telephone and tea and coffeemaking facilities.

Grand Balcony Suites | 4 Available

Located on our Diamond Deck, these suites feature a balcony with outdoor seating and floor-to-ceiling glass doors as well as separate bedroom and lounge areas.

Superior Suites | 8 Available

At an impressive 24 square meters, these suites feature a French balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors.

Double Suites | 77 Available

Suites on the Diamond and Ruby Decks feature a French balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Suites on the Emerald Deck feature smaller fixed windows.

16sq.m/172sq.ft

MS Douro Elegance MS Douro Splendour

On our Douro ships, you will find your well-appointed suite, and elegantly styled public spaces, featuring everything you need for the most relaxing stay on board.

Suites feature air conditioning, hairdryer, safe, TV, telephone, bathrobes and tea/coffee-making facilities. Beds can be configured as double or twin and marble bathrooms feature a shower with screen. Deluxe Suites have a walk-in wardrobe, larger living area and bathroom with double sinks and separate lavatory. Superior Suites have a larger living area with table and chairs, spacious bathroom and separate lavatory.

Douro Elegance Deluxe Suites & Superior Suites | 8 Available

These suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows and a full-length window, which opens halfway down to create a Juliet balcony, complete with a table for two.

Douro Splendour Deluxe Balcony Suites & Superior Balcony Suites | 8 Available

These suite feature floor-to-ceiling windows, sliding doors extend onto a private balcony with table and chairs.

Standard Suites | 55 Available

Suites on our Diamond and Ruby Decks feature floor-to-ceiling windows that slide down half-way. Suites on our Diamond Deck feature smaller fixed windows.

MS George Eliot

Smaller in size and designed for a more intimate cruising experience, the five-star MS George Eliot offers the ambience of a luxury boutique hotel on the water.

With just 132 guests served by 36 attentive crew members, every detail feels personal. From the elegant marble-floored lobby to the soft leather furnishings and polished copper accents, the ship showcases refined European craftsmanship and thoughtful design. Onboard, guests enjoy 70 beautifully appointed suites and suites, all with modern amenities and en-suite bathrooms, plus complimentary Wi-Fi throughout.

Deluxe Balcony Suites | 4 Available

These suites on the Diamond Deck have floor-toceiling windows plus sliding doors on to a balcony with a table.

Superior Suites | 6 Available

These suites on the Diamond and Ruby Decks, have a larger living area, French balcony and floorto-ceiling sliding glass doors. Superior Suites on Emerald Deck have a larger living area but smaller fixed windows.

Standard French Balcony | 22 Available

These suites on the Diamond Deck feature full floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a French balcony.

Standard Suites | 38 Available

These suites on the Ruby Deck feature full floor-toceiling glass doors and a French balcony. Suites on the Emerald Deck have smaller fixed windows.

MS Geoffrey Chaucer MS Emily Brontë MS Thomas Hardy MS Oscar Wilde

MS William Wordsworth

With imaginatively furnished suites amongst the largest and most comfortable you will find on any European river cruiser, our ‘boutique style’ ships are truly world-class.

All magnificent suites enjoy a river view and seating area with two chairs and a table. Hotel-style beds can be configured as double or twin and spacious marble bathrooms feature a powerful shower and complimentary cosmetics. All suites feature air conditioning, hairdryer, safe, minibar, flat screen TV, telephone, complimentary bathrobes and slippers and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Balcony Suites | 4 Available

These suites on the Diamond Deck feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors which open out on to a private balcony. These suites are completed with a table and two chairs.

Superior Suites | 6 Available

These suites on the Diamond and Ruby Decks feature a French balcony and panoramic floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors.

Standard French Balcony

27 Available

These suites on the Diamond Deck feature full floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a French balcony.

Standard Suites | 51 Available

These suites on the Ruby Deck feature full floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a French balcony. Suites on the Emerald Deck have smaller fixed windows.

MS Jane Austen MS Lord Byron

Stylishly furnished and with the facilities you would expect from a luxury boutique hotel, the MS Jane Austin and MS Lord Byron were designed with your utmost comfort in mind.

Exquisite design and a generous seating area with two chairs makes your chic suite a stylish home away from home. Hotel style beds can be configured as double or twin and spacious marble bathrooms feature a fully glazed shower. All suites feature air conditioning, hairdryer, safe, flat screen TV, minibar, telephone, complimentary bathrobes and slippers and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Balcony Suites | 4 Available

These suites on the Diamond Deck, are 50% larger than standard suites, beautifully appointed and feature sliding floor-to-ceiling glass doors.

Standard French Balcony | 7 Available

Suites on the Diamond and Ruby Decks enjoy floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a French balcony.

Standard Suite | 63 Available

These suites on the Diamond and Ruby Deck feature full floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a French balcony. Suites on the Emerald Deck have smaller fixed windows.

Our Rivers

From the picturesque countryside to historic landmarks, our guests enjoy a different perspective on over 40 itineraries across 10 major European rivers.

The Dutch Waterways

On the delta of the Rhine, Maas, and Scheldt, glide past windmills, colorful bulb fields, and the old Zuidersee.

The Rhine Swathed in myth, the famous Rhine follows the path of fairytale castles, medieval towns, and verdant vineyards.

The Moselle Meander along the serene river valley past ancient ruined castles, steep vineyards, and sleepy halftimbered villages

The Main Wander around bends and lush green landscapes, strewn with medieval villages and quaint timber houses.

The Danube

Take in breathtaking views of baroque cities, as well as the natural beauty of the Danube Delta and Iron Gates Gorge.

Main-Danube Canal

From Bomberg to Kelheim, this is an amazing feat of German engineering with many iconic locks.

The Douro Weave through one of the most photogenic river valleys past vineyards, terraces, and hillside villages.

The Rhône Sail through the landscape of Provence, past sun-baked vineyards, charming villages, and fields of wildflowers.

The Saône Sail through the Burgundy wine region with wonderful views of vine-clad hills and medieval villages.

The Seine From Paris to the heart of Normandy, venture around sweeping bends, past chalk cliffs, and through lush countrysides.

NETHERLANDS

Core Cruises

From the romantic Rhine to the sun-drenched Douro, each of Riviera Travel’s river cruises is crafted to showcase the heart of Europe. Browse our core voyages below and find the perfect river and rhythm for your next adventure.

Amsterdam, Kinderdijk & the Dutch Bulbfields

Celebrate the arrival of spring with a vibrant journey through the Netherlands, from the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk to the breathtaking floral displays of Keukenhof Gardens. Along the way, explore historic harbor towns, Amsterdam’s charming canals, and the maritime heritage of the Ijsselmeer and Rotterdam.

Uncover one of Europe’s hidden gems as you sail through Portugal’s breathtaking Douro Valley, where vineyard-covered hills, medieval towns, and quiet villages remain beautifully untouched by time. From the port wine cellars of Porto to the golden city of Salamanca, this journey offers a rich blend of culture, history, and spectacular scenery.

Bruges, Medieval Flanders, Amsterdam & the Dutch Bulbfields

Sail through Belgium and the Netherlands during peak bloom season, visiting the world-renowned Keukenhof Gardens, historic war sites, and charming cities like Amsterdam, Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp. With floral displays, moving memorials, and enchanting canals, this itinerary is perfect for travelers drawn to both beauty and history.

Cruise the Main and Main-Danube Canal through the heart of Bavaria, exploring half-timbered villages, fairytale castles, and cities rich in imperial and wartime history. From Mainz and Miltenberg to Bamberg and Nuremberg, this journey brings Germany’s medieval past vividly to life. Medieval Germany

Rhine & Moselle

Sail through the heart of Germany along the scenic Rhine and Moselle, where ancient castles, steep vineyards, and charming wine villages line the riverbanks. From Roman Trier to medieval Bernkastell and the dramatic Rhine Gorge, this cruise blends rich history, natural beauty, and old-world charm.

Seine, Paris & Normandy

Sail through the heart of Normandy along the Seine, exploring medieval towns, D-Day landing sites, Monet’s gardens in Giverny, and the flavors of rural France. From charming villages and historic Rouen to iconic Paris, this journey blends culture, history, and beauty at every bend.

Sail through the heart of Burgundy and Provence on this captivating journey along the Rhône and Saône, where Roman ruins, vineyard-lined hills, and medieval cities await. With guided tours in Lyon, Beaune, Arles, and Avignon, this cruise offers a rich blend of history, architecture, and French countryside charm.

Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg

Discover the contrasts of the Rhine on this scenic journey from Cologne to Strasbourg, with stops in historic Koblenz, charming Boppard, and storybook Heidelberg. Cruise through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, explore medieval towns and cities, and experience the rich culture and architecture of the Alsace region.

Sail through Portugal’s stunning Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage region known for its terraced vineyards, timeless villages, and rich winemaking heritage. From the historic streets of Porto to Salamanca’s golden sandstone and the medieval charm of Castelo Rodrigo, this itinerary blends culture, scenery, and authentic Portuguese flavor.

Sail through the scenic Rhine Valley, exploring medieval towns, the dramatic Rhine Gorge, and the charming cities of Strasbourg and Speyer. Complete your journey with a breathtaking mountain rail adventure into the Swiss Alps, offering unforgettable views of the Bernese Oberland and picturesque Lucerne. Rhine Cruise to Switzerland

Paris, Normandy & Historic Treasures of the Seine

Uncover the rich history, art, and scenic charm of northern France as you sail from Paris through the heart of Normandy. From Monet’s gardens and medieval abbeys to WWII landing beaches and the grandeur of Versailles, this journey blends cultural icons with timeless French elegance.

Rhône & the Camargue

Celebrate the arrival of spring with a vibrant journey through the Netherlands, from the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk to the breathtaking floral displays of Keukenhof Gardens. Along the way, explore historic harbor towns, Amsterdam’s charming canals, and the maritime heritage of the Ijsselmeer and Rotterdam.

Budapest

Journey through the heart of the Balkans along the Danube, from the dramatic Iron Gates Gorge to the romantic charm of Bucharest and the wild beauty of the UNESCO-listed Danube Delta. Along the way, explore historic cities, ancient fortresses, and captivating landscapes before concluding in the imperial capital of Budapest.

The Moselle, Luxembourg & the Majestic Rhine

Sail through the heart of the Middle Rhine and Moselle Valleys on this extended journey, exploring charming villages, fairytale castles, and historic cities like Trier, Bernkastell, and Luxembourg. With guided tours, wine tastings, and scenic cruising through the Rhine Gorge, this itinerary offers a rich mix of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Cologne, the Rhine Gorge & Medieval Germa

Celebrate the arrival of spring with a vibrant journey through the Netherlands, from the iconic windmills of Kinderdijk to the breathtaking floral displays of Keukenhof Gardens. Along the way, explore historic harbor towns, Amsterdam’s charming canals, and the maritime heritage of the Ijsselmeer and Rotterdam.

Sail from Cologne to Budapest on this epic three-river journey through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, visiting medieval towns, imperial capitals, and stunning natural landmarks along the way. From the Rhine Gorge to the Main-Danube Canal and the cultural treasures of Vienna and Budapest, this itinerary offers a rich blend of history, scenery, and unforgettable experiences.

Festive Cruises Themed Cruises

Celebrate the season in style with a festive river cruise through Europe’s twinkling towns, grand cities, and timeless Christmas markets, all wrapped in old-world charm and holiday cheer.

These themed river cruises add expert insight and passion to each itinerary. Whether you love music, food, gardens, or history, there’s a journey waiting for you.

Magical Paris & Festive Seine River Cruise

Celebrate Christmas on the Seine with visits to festive châteaux, mulled wine on deck, and Parisian holiday charm—all wrapped in winter’s magic.

The Danube’s Imperial Cities & Yuletide Markets

Cruise the wintry Danube Bend with festive stops in Budapest and Bratislava. Explore historic sights, charming Christmas markets, and scenic river views.

5 DAYS

Enchanting Rhine & Yuletide Markets

Sail through the Rhineland’s snowy beauty and visit festive Christmas markets in Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Bonn, and Cologne—each full of seasonal charm and tradition.

Christmas on the Rhine 8

Cruise through festive towns and villages, enjoy Germany’s magical Christmas markets, and celebrate with a gala dinner on this unforgettable holiday journey.

Art & Music of the Blue Danube

Journey along the Danube through Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, and Salzburg—where Mozart, Strauss, and Beethoven found inspiration. Explore grand concert halls, world-class galleries, and artistic treasures from Raphael to Velázquez in the heart of Europe.

Gardens & Natural Beauty of the Rhône

From Lyon to Avignon, explore historic gardens, lavender fields, and sun-soaked vineyards with local guides. Perfect for nature lovers and daydreamers alike.

Gastronomy of the Douro—From Portugal to Spain

Portugal’s

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Our Commitment to Responsible River Cruising

At Riviera Travel, we believe that exploring the world should never come at the expense of the places we visit. That’s why we’re committed to delivering exceptional travel experiences while protecting the environments and communities we sail throughs

Sustainable Ship Design

Our modern fleet is built with energy-efficient technology and state-of-the-art engineering to reduce fuel consumption and environmental impact. Many of our ships are equipped with:

• Low-Emission Engines That Meet or Exceed EU Standards

• Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems

• LED Lighting and Motion-Sensor Energy Controls

• Shore Power Connectivity to Reduce Fuel Use While Docked

Reducing Waste & Single-Use Plastics

We’re actively working to eliminate unnecessary waste onboard. Across our fleet, we’ve:

• Replaced Most Single-Use Plastic Items With Sustainable Alternatives

• Minimized Printed Materials With Digital Programs and Announcements

• Provided Filtered Water Stations Throughout the Ship

Smaller Ships, Lighter Footprint

With fewer than 170 guests on most sailings, our river cruises offer a more intimate, less disruptive way to explore historic cities, rural villages, and UNESCO-listed landscapes. Unlike mega ships, our vessels can dock in the heart of towns, supporting local economies while minimizing over-tourism.