In this article I will answer a frequently asked question: what is included on a Riviera river cruise?

Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to tour the Riviera Geoffrey Chaucer, while she was docked in Amsterdam. From the moment I stepped onboard, I was impressed by the ship’s design. With its spacious cabins, panoramic windows, and luxurious furnishings, the ship feels like a boutique hotel. The crew were warm and friendly and I felt very welcome.

In March 2024 Riviera won a Which? award for Best-value River Cruise when compared to their competitors.

If you are thinking about booking a Riviera river cruise, get in touch and I’ll guide you through the process and help you choose the right option. My service does not cost any extra.

At a glance:

Premium drinks package included
Accommodation on board a five-star ship
Return flights & transfers (cruise only is also available)
Excursions
Breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday
Complimentary on-board tea & coffee
Tea and coffee making facilities in all cabins
Free on-board Wi-Fi
Expert Riviera Cruise Director & Concierge
Port charges & airport taxes
20kg or more luggage allowance

Here’s a breakdown of what is included:

Accommodation

Riviera offers a high standard of accommodation across all of its ships. Cabins are thoughtfully designed with comfort in mind. Most feature French balconies providing stunning views as you cruise through picturesque landscapes. Other features include flat-screen TVs, climate control, and premium toiletries. The rooms are spacious, and the bedding and furnishings are of a quality you’d expect from a luxury hotel.

Gourmet Dining

Dining is a highlight of any Riviera river cruise, with all meals included in your fare. You’ll start each day with a breakfast buffet featuring a range of choices, from freshly baked pastries to eggs cooked to order. Lunch is also buffet-style with a variety of hot and cold dishes and dessert. Dinner is a four course a la carte menu including a selection of international and regional specialities.

Most dietary requirements can be catered for – please ask when you book.

Drinks

Riviera offer complimentary tea, coffee, and water throughout the day.

For all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises, a Superior Drinks Package is included:

At lunchtime, in the restaurant, choose from:

Red, white, rosé and sparkling house wine, including non-alcoholic
Draught beer, including non-alcoholic
A selection of soft drinks and juices

From 6 pm until midnight in our bar and restaurants, enjoy the beverages listed above plus unlimited drinks from a choice of:

The cocktail and mocktail of the day
House spirits and mixers (including gin, rum, vodka, and whisky)
A recommended regional wine served during dinner
Martini & Sherry pre-dinner
Port & Brandy after dinner

Excursions

Riviera include a variety of guided excursions at each port, ensuring you experience the best of the destinations on your itinerary. Led by knowledgeable local guides, these excursions are designed to immerse you in the culture and history of the regions you visit. From walking tours and historic cities to visits to iconic landmarks and cultural institutions, the excursions are both educational and engaging. You’ll also have opportunities for more active pursuits like biking or hiking, depending on the cruise.

A daily itinerary is displayed in reception and delivered to your cabin each evening, detailing the following day’s activities. There will be a good mix of tours and free time to explore on your own.

Onboard Entertainment

While river cruising is primarily about exploring new destinations, there’s still plenty to enjoy onboard. Evening entertainment might include live music, talks from local experts, or cultural performances that reflect the region you’re visiting. Riviera also provides enrichment programmes such as talks on history, art, and culture, helping you get the most out of your experience. For those looking to unwind, the ships offer sun decks, small gyms, and even spa facilities on some vessels.

Personalised Service

Riviera is known for its personalised service, with a high crew-to-guest ratio that ensures you’re well taken care of throughout your journey. The staff are always ready to assist, whether it’s offering suggestions for activities or catering to specific dietary needs. Riviera’s crew is dedicated to making your trip as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere onboard.

Transfers and Gratuities

Riviera makes getting to and from your ship as smooth as possible by including transfers from the airport or train station. Once onboard, you’ll find that gratuities are not automatically included, leaving tipping at your discretion.

If you would like to tip the staff, a good guideline is to give €8-12 per person per day should you feel that is appropriate. Gratuities can be left in the envelope provided on the final evening. Tips are divided between crew members.

In Summary

Riviera offers a luxurious and immersive way to explore Europe’s most beautiful rivers. With everything from high-quality accommodation and gourmet dining to enriching excursions and personalised service included in the fare, you can relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about hidden costs.