Riviera Travel, the UK’s leading river cruise operator, is setting sail into a bold new era with the launch of its 2027 season, headlined by an industry first: MS George Eliot, the world’s first river cruise ship operating exclusively for solo travellers.

Joining her is Riviera Alba, a brand-new long-haul vessel bringing Riviera Travel’s award-winning river cruises to Asia for the first time, navigating the legendary Mekong River. Together, these groundbreaking launches mark a transformative moment for river cruising, showcasing Riviera’s commitment to innovation, choice, and unforgettable travel experiences.

Phil Hullah, CEO of Riviera Travel, says: “This is a landmark moment not only for Riviera but for the river cruise industry as a whole.

“The launch of MS George Eliot, the first river cruise ship to operate exclusively for solo guests, allows us to offer independent travellers a choice and focus that no other operator provides. Alongside this, the debut of Riviera Alba on the Mekong marks our first step beyond Europe, expanding our horizons and giving our guests the opportunity to experience Asia’s most iconic waterways with the same trusted Riviera service.

“These milestones mark a bold new chapter for river cruising.”

The highlights:

MS George Eliot - Solo Travel Redefined:

  • The world’s first river cruise ship operating exclusively for solo guests, with the first sailing

           departing June 2027.

  • A full season of solo-exclusive departures, dramatically increasing capacity for

           independent travellers and putting them centre stage.

  • Two brand-new 15-day itineraries - the longest solo river cruises ever offered.
  • Early booking bonus: free upgrade from middle to upper deck on 2027 European river

           cruises (book by 31 October 2025). Riviera Alba - A New Dawn on the Mekong

  • Riviera Travel’s first-ever ship outside Europe, marking the beginning of a new era for the

           brand.

  • Her name, Alba, meaning “dawn” in Latin, symbolises a new era for Riviera, marking its

           first ship outside Europe and opening Asia’s iconic waterways to the company’s award-

           winning service.

  • A boutique-style vessel carrying just 50 guests in 25 beautifully appointed suites, with

           panoramic windows, open decks, and a high crew-to-guest ratio.

  • Delivers personalised service and immersive experiences along one of Asia’s most iconic

           waterways.

Solo travel takes centre stage in Europe: Demand for solo river cruises is soaring. Riviera Travel has seen a 66% year-on-year increase in solo river cruise bookings via trade partners, with solo travellers now making up nearly 13% of all bookings.

Almost half of these guests are repeat travellers, reflecting strong satisfaction, and the programme boasts a 61 Net Promoter Score. Revenue from solo guests has also grown 52% year-on-year, highlighting the rising popularity of independent travel. With 64% of solo travellers preferring a solo-exclusive trip, it’s clear that more and more people are embracing the freedom of exploring alone while enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded adventurers.

Operating exclusively for solo travellers, MS George Eliot expands Riviera Travel’s solo programme with a full season of dedicated departures. Classic itineraries now sailing on the ship include:

  • The Blue Danube for Solo Travellers - Vienna, Budapest & Salzburg: 8 days from

   £2,899pp

  • Rhine Cruise to Switzerland for Solo Travellers: 8 days from £3,499pp
  • Rhine & Moselle for Solo Travellers: 8 days from £2,449pp
  • Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg for Solo Travellers: 8 days from £3,499pp

Riviera Travel is also introducing two brand-new 15-day solo itineraries, the longest ever for river cruising alone:

  • Budapest to the Black Sea: 15 days from £5,699pp
  • Cruise the Heart of Europe - Rhine, Main & Danube: 15 days from £5,599pp

To celebrate the launch, Riviera Travel is offering a free upgrade from middle to upper deck on European river cruises departing in 2027 (excluding long-haul).

The offer is valid for bookings made between 17th September and 31st October 2025, and travellers must quote ‘Upgrade 27’ when booking to redeem. Offer applies to standard cabins and is subject to availability.

Riviera Alba opens a new chapter in long-haul river cruising: Expanding its horizons beyond Europe, Riviera Travel is introducing three new long-haul river cruise itineraries, including the launch of Riviera Alba on the Mekong River.

These 2027 itineraries give travellers the chance to explore Asia’s most iconic waterways while enjoying the same award-winning Riviera service.

The new worldwide itineraries include:

  • Vietnam, Cambodia and Mekong River Cruise: Explore the Mekong on Riviera Alba, a

   brand-new ship, over 16 days from £4,799. Fly from London Heathrow, Manchester,

   Glasgow, Birmingham, or Newcastle. Highlights include cruising the Hooghly River from

   Kolkata, discovering Saigon, Hanoi, and Siem Reap, and visiting charming rural Mekong

   villages.

  • Panoramas of China (Yangtze River Cruise with Beijing and Shanghai): Spend 16 days on

   the Century Legend from £5,999, flying from London Heathrow or Manchester. Experience

   Beijing, including the Forbidden City and Great Wall, and cruise through six provinces, four

   cities, and six ancient towns.

  • India’s Golden Triangle and Ganges River Cruise: A 14-day journey on MV Bengal Ganga

   from £4,099, flying from London Heathrow. Cruise along the historic Hooghly River and

   explore Delhi, the Taj Mahal, and Jaipur’s Amber Fort.

With MS George Eliot, the world’s first ship dedicated solely to solo travellers, and Riviera Alba, opening up Asia for the very first time, Riviera Travel’s 2027 season offers guests more choice than ever before.

From intimate solo journeys through Europe to epic long-haul adventures in Asia, guests can expect unrivalled comfort, exceptional service, and unforgettable experiences.