Discover Europe’s Heartbeat: River Cruises with Riviera Travel 

Cruise Specialists Blog - Cruise Reviews, Updates & Inspiration

Discover Europe’s Heartbeat: River Cruises with Riviera Travel

By Lisa Vongphachanh




Exploring Europe by river is a convenient way to easily explore many of the iconic cities and historic towns in one trip. Gently gliding past fairytale castles, hillside vineyards, and medieval villages, a river cruise is immersive, relaxing and memorable.

Cruise Specialists is proud to partner with Riviera Travel to offer affordable river cruises across Europe’s iconic waterways without compromising on quality or comfort.

SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE

Travel Leaders Image
Couple cruising along the Danube River with Riviera Travel

SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE

What Sets Riviera Travel Apart?

  • Exceptional Value: Riviera’s river cruises are known for being inclusive without the fluff. You won’t find forced gratuities or hidden extras. What you do get: luxurious ships, insightful excursions, expert guides, and delicious onboard cuisine.
  • Unrushed Itineraries: Each voyage is specially crafted to allow you to truly get to know the destinations. Roundtrip cruises from Cologne and Budapest allow ample time to explore iconic cities and landmarks, ensuring the best possible experience.
  • Vacation Happiness Guarantee: If you are not happy by the 2nd day of your vacation, Riviera Travel will bring you home with a full refund of your cruise. This speaks volumes about their confidence in providing an exceptional river cruise.

Explore Europe's Iconic Rivers

Riviera’s award-winning itineraries span the most storied rivers of Europe:

  • The Rhine – Famed for castle-crowned hills, medieval towns and the spectacular Rhine Gorge with steep verdant cliffs.
  • The Danube – From the imperial capitals of Vienna and Budapest to the enchanting Wachau Valley, the Danube delivers culture, history, and timeless scenery.
  • The Seine – Stroll through Paris, taste authentic Parisian dishes, explore the heart of Normandy and admire the lush countryside.
  • The Rhône – Delight in the flavors and landscapes of southern France, with visits to Avignon, Arles, and aromatic lavender fields of Provence.
  • The Douro – Cruise through Portugal’s picturesque river valley, where terraced vineyards climb the hillsides and port wine flows freely.

SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE

Travel Leaders Image
The William Shakespeare cruising the Rhine River

SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE

Enriching Experiences

Every Riviera river cruise has an onboard Cruise Director and Concierge to make sure you get the most out of your cruise and includes excursions led by local guides to bring each destination to life. Whether it's a guided city tour, a local market visit, or time to wander at your own pace, you’ll find a perfect balance between discovery and relaxation.

Onboard, enjoy spacious public areas to take in the river views, locally inspired cuisine, fine regional wines, and enriching talks and performances by locals delighted to share their culture with you.

Luxurious for Less

Typically, luxury and affordability are not intertwined, however Riviera operates 5-star ships that have been rated as some of the finest ships to grace Europe’s waterways, featuring thoughtful touches in Oceanview cabins that feel airy and spacious or deluxe suites with high end finishes, plush bedding, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a French balcony or private veranda.

SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE

Travel Leaders Image
Superior Balcony Suite on the Douro Splendour

SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE

SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE

Travel Leaders Image
Balcony Suite on the Riviera Radiance

SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE

SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE

Travel Leaders Image
Split level lounge and Restaurant on the Riviera Radiance

SELECT & REPLACE WITH ANOTHER TEMPLATE

To keep fares lower, Riviera offers guests the freedom to choose the upgrades that matter most to them, without paying for extras they don’t need.

Let Cruise Specialists Help You Choose

As river cruising grows in popularity, it pays to work with experienced Cruise Consultants. At Cruise Specialists, we will match you with the perfect itinerary, cruise line, and stateroom type. Whether you’re a first-time river cruiser or a seasoned traveler looking for something new, we’ll help make the most of your European adventure.

Explore the rivers of Europe with Riviera Travel >>

SEE ALL CLASSIC BLOGS →
                              
SEARCH ARTICLES
                              

                           
ARTICLE TOPICS
                           
Cruise Destinations ▼
Cruise Lines ▼
Tours, Train, and Resorts ▼

                                    
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
                                    
Guest Contributor
READ MY ARTICLES →
Justin Gibson
READ MY ARTICLES →
Sofia Lust
READ MY ARTICLES →
Steve and Wendy Bodenheimer
READ MY ARTICLES →
Lisa Vongphachanh
READ MY ARTICLES →
John Bell
READ MY ARTICLES →
Kirsten Ulmer and Alex Tokar
READ MY ARTICLES →
Keith and Susie Boyland
READ MY ARTICLES →
Kim Jackson
READ MY ARTICLES →
Kevin LaGraff and Susan Atkins
READ MY ARTICLES →

MORE REVIEWS
A New Era Begins for Crystal Cruises: First New Ship in 25 Years Announced

A New Era Begins for Crystal Cruises: First New Ship in 25 Years Announced

Luxury travelers have something extraordinary to look forward to. Crystal Cruises, a global leader in exceptional ocean voyages, has announced milestone dates for the construction of its first new ship in 25 years, scheduled for delivery in May 2028.

READ MORE →

Introducing Cross-Brand Loyalty Recognition Across the NCLH Family

Introducing Cross-Brand Loyalty Recognition Across the NCLH Family

At Cruise Specialists, we are always looking for ways to help our guests get the most value, flexibility, and recognition from their cruise loyalty programs. Today, we’re pleased to bring exciting news: beginning October 15, 2025, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (which encompasses Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises) will begin honoring loyalty status across all three of its brands.

READ MORE →

Iceland’s Wild West Coast & East Greenland: An Expedition Unlike Any Other

Iceland’s Wild West Coast & East Greenland: An Expedition Unlike Any Other

On July 27, 2025, the 136-guest National Geographic Endurance set sail from Reykjavik on a 12-day expedition to Iceland’s Wild West Coast and East Greenland, returning August 7. Cruise Specialists Cruise Consultants Gillian Clark and Karen McKinstry were aboard, and their firsthand experiences reveal why this was not just a cruise, it was an expedition that transformed how they saw the world.

READ MORE →

TRUSTED BY:
Conde Nast Traveler
Travel + Leisure
Wall Street Journal
CLIA - Official Travel Agency for the Cruise Industry
Forbes