A Guide to Riviera Travel's New Ships

When it comes to river cruising, Riviera Travel have really nailed the formula. Immersive excursions designed to take you to the heart of each destination, a thriving onboard community, modern vessels exuding a sense of understated luxury…what’s not to love? 

If you count yourself among Riviera’s legion of dedicated fans—good news! Things are only set to get better with a string of exciting launches on the horizon. 

Riviera Resplendence – July 2026

Last year, Riviera unveiled the first ship in their all-new Radiance-class, the aptly named Riviera Radiance. Marrying Riviera’s signature cultural immersion, fine dining and elegant design with an increased sense of space, choice and amenities, it’s hardly surprising that Radiance rapidly became the line’s most popular vessel. 

This year, a second Radiance-class ship joins the fleet in the form of Riviera Resplendence, who will be joining her sister on the Danube, with additional voyages scheduled on the Rhine and the Moselle. 

Any guest stepping aboard this 1350-metre beauty will be instantly taken in by the sweeping, airy spaces bathed in natural light, the iconic split-level lounge and dining space first seen on Riviera Radiance and the two speciality restaurants—small-plate style tasting menus at Mosaic and the Bistro, for more casual fare.

That’s all before you even get to the suites, which are the largest in Riviera’s fleet. 80% of Resplendence’s staterooms feature French balconies and with a range of options from the 172 sq ft entry level cabin all the way to the vast 344 sq ft Grand Balcony suite, guests will be utterly spoilt for choice. 

“Riviera Radiance was the first ship to debut in the Radiance Class, and it has received an incredible response from both travellers and advisors,” says Stuart Milan, president of North America for Riviera Travel. “As we continue to enhance the Riviera Travel experience, we are proud to expand our fleet with a ship that truly embodies the spirit of refined travel.”

The launch of Riviera Radiance represented a lot of ‘firsts’ for Riviera Travel, the most significant of which was perhaps qualifying for Gold Standard as part of the Green Award Programme. Riviera Resplendence is set to follow in her sister’s footsteps, taking the line ever further in their quest for sustainable travel. 

Riviera Reflection – September 2027

Riviera’s Radiance revolution continues with the third vessel in the series, Riviera Reflection, scheduled for a September 2027 launch. A triplet to both Radiance and Resplendence, the furnishings, fixtures and features will be largely the same as those of her predecessors, accommodating up to 178 passengers across 89 cabins, in keeping with the rest of the class.

“Riviera Reflection takes its name from the moments guests and travel advisors will remember long after their journeys end,” according to Riviera. “From sunsets over the Danube to the discovery of new cities, each onboard experience is designed to create lasting memories worth reflecting on.”

And it doesn’t end there. Following the launch of Riviera Resplendence in 2026 and Riviera Reflection in 2027, a fourth Radiance-class vessel is on order for 2028, though it is as yet unnamed. 

Riviera Alba – September 2027

Already a force to be reckoned with on the European waterways, expanding into the exotic market is the obvious next step for Riviera Travel.

That being said…all aboard for the Mekong!

That’s right, 2027 will also see the launch of Riviera’s first ship outside of Europe, the purpose-built Riviera Alba. Accommodating a maximum of 50 guests across 25 staterooms, this is truly small-ship luxury at its best, allowing guests to explore the vibrant culture and lush landscapes of the Mekong in style.

Indeed, when it comes to the onboard experience ‘style’ is the name of the game, with spacious staterooms, tranquil colour palettes, extensive wellness facilities and authentic Asian cuisine all coming together to create the ultimate luxurious experience.

Carefully designed with a low draft, Riviera Alba will sit higher in the water than most river ships, making her perfect for navigating the shallower waters between Saigon and Siem Reap. She will also be able to dock right in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, one of the only vessels able to do so. This – alongside a contemporary design comprising open decks, floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views – means that when it comes to exploring this region, it doesn’t get more immersive than this.

MS George Eliot – June 2027

Ok, so this is technically not a new ship. However, in 2027 Riviera’s beloved MS George Eliot is set to usher in an entirely new concept for Riviera Travel, and so we thought it was still worth mentioning. 

It’s no secret that solo travel is only becoming more popular and given the low passenger numbers, small vessels and fuss-free nature of river cruising, it’s the perfect option for those wanting to take the plunge. 

Recognising the huge potential here, Riviera have done what they do best and blazed an innovative trail, announcing that from June 2027, MS George Eliot will become the world’s first solo traveller-exclusive river cruise ship. Those setting sail can look forward to an ultra-personalised onboard experience, numerous opportunities for mingling, 70 well-appointed solo cabins (with double beds!), spacious public areas and of course, no solo supplement. 

Riviera Travel CEO Phil Hullah described the new ship as a turning point not only for the line themselves, “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,” he added.

It's safe to say that it’s a very exciting time to be a fan of Riviera Travel, with more opportunities than ever before to explore Europe (and beyond!) in true comfort, style and luxury. You can find out more here.