Riviera River Cruises is expanding its offerings for 2026 with a brand-new ship, a dedicated departure just for solo travelers, and five fresh themed itineraries. The line’s latest vessel, Riviera Resplendence, measures 443 feet and spans four decks with a range of modern amenities, including a split-level bar and restaurant, an additional third restaurant named Mosaic, and the company’s largest-ever suites. Mosaic will present tasting-style dishes inspired by the rivers and culinary traditions of Europe.
The new ship’s amenities are designed for comfort and relaxation. A sun deck with a swimming pool invites guests to unwind outdoors, while a bistro with an open kitchen, a fully equipped fitness center, and a spa and wellness area offer options for dining, exercise, and pampering. Riviera Resplendence features 89 cabins, each equipped with a rain shower, a desk and chair, flatscreen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, a coffee machine and tea kettle, and additional conveniences. The grand suites—Riviera’s largest to date—provide approximately 344 square feet, with sliding doors opening onto a private balcony with outdoor seating, plus an interior living area with a sofa, lounge chair and small table.
“MS Geoffrey Chaucer” © Riviera River Cruises
Alongside the vessel launch, Riviera River Cruises has unveiled a set of themed itineraries for 2026, focused on cuisine, culture and natural beauty. Highlights include:
- Gastronomy of the Danube: An eight-day voyage running April through October 2026 with 15 curated experiences. Guests taste regional favorites such as Leberkäse and Linzer Torte in Linz, sample strudel prepared by a traditional confectioner at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, enjoy Hungarian and Austrian wines in the cellars near Dürnstein and Esztergom Basilica, sample Slovakian beer and specialties in Bratislava, and explore the Central Market in Budapest for a local tasting.
- Gardens & Natural Beauty of the Rhine: Departing May through October, this eight-day journey highlights scenic and botanical sites along the Rhine Gorge. The itinerary includes vineyard visits around Rüdesheim aboard the Winzerexpress, panoramic views from Gedeon’s corner in Boppard, walks through castle gardens in Heidelberg and Schwetzingen, and visits to Koblenz’s Schlosspark and the Butterfly Garden at Sayn Palace.
- Music & Art of the Blue Danube: This cultural cruise combines onboard performances—a string quartet, Hungarian folklore shows and classical concerts—with excursions tied to Europe’s musical heritage. Travelers can trace the lives of composers like Mozart, sail through the historic Nibelungengau, take a behind-the-scenes tour with the Vienna Boys Choir, and choose between visiting the House of Music or the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest.
“MS George Eliot” © Riviera River Cruises
Additional themed options include Gastronomy of the Seine and Gastronomy of the Rhine & Moselle, each focusing on regional flavors and culinary traditions along iconic waterways.
Riviera River Cruises is also launching a solo traveler departure titled Medieval Germany for Solo Travelers. This itinerary highlights historic sites and picturesque towns, with stops at St. Martin’s Cathedral, St. Stephen’s Church in Mainz, Marienberg Fortress, the Baroque palace in Würzburg, and the charming riverside villages of Miltenberg and Wertheim, among other cultural and historical attractions tailored to independent travelers.