I just returned from a fantastic river cruise, sailing along Portugal’s River Douro.

Riviera Travel kindly invited me aboard their newest cruise ship on the Douro, MS Riviera Rose. Positioned as a premium-luxury offering, Riviera Travel is the perfect option for any keen cruiser who wants great food, fantastic service and destination immersion. Put simply, they offer a no-fuss, no-frills approach to river cruising—and I loved every second of it.

I’ve been lucky enough to travel with some ultra-luxury cruise lines but Riviera Travel truly exceeded all of my expectations. If you’re looking for a superb river cruise that ticks all the right boxes—for a reasonable price—you’d do well looking to Riviera for your next cruise holiday.

The service throughout the voyage was fantastic, shore excursions were well organised and immersive, the food was delicious (filet mignon and oysters being the highlights!) and the design of the ship was comfortable, stylish and spacious. Everything you could possibly want or need from a luxury river cruise.

I always have to start with a review of the food on any cruise I go on and I’m happy to report that Riviera Travel did not disappoint. Every meal aboard Riviera Rose was a celebration of both Portuguese flavours and international cuisine. Breakfasts were a delight, with freshly baked pastries, local cheeses and charcuterie, plus made-to-order eggs and avocado toast. Lunches offered vibrant salads, delicious focaccia sandwiches and indulgent desserts, while the evenings offered beautiful a la carte dining that wouldn’t feel out of place in a fine-dining restaurant.

But back to the main focus of this voyage…sailing through the Douro Valley. It honestly was an experience I’ll never forget. The scenery is some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen; rolling hills lined with terraced vineyards, tiny villages perched on the riverbanks and golden light reflecting off the water in the evenings. It may sound cheesy, but it felt like sailing through a living postcard! Some of my favourite quiet moments throughout each day were sitting on the sun deck with a hot chocolate (or an Aperol Spritz!) reading my book and watching the world go by.

Riviera Travel put such a strong focus on destination immersion and the shore excursions were exceptional. While you should expect long coach journeys to each destination (varying between 30 minutes to two hours), the scenery en route is well worth the extra travel.

Vineyard visits were a particular highlight, offering the chance to taste world-famous port wines right where they’re produced and to learn from passionate local winemakers. But if I had to choose one standout excursion, it would be the full-day visit to Salamanca. This stunning Spanish city was a feast for the senses, rich in history and stunning architecture with its golden sandstone buildings and lively plazas. After a guided walking tour, we enjoyed a leisurely afternoon of tapas and wine, followed by an unforgettable flamenco performance that brought the city’s vibrant culture to life.

Throughout the voyage, the crew of the Riviera Rose were nothing short of incredible. From the warm welcome at embarkation to the attentive service in the restaurant and the friendly chats on deck, every member of the team made us feel like valued guests. They struck the perfect balance between professionalism and genuine warmth, and it’s their efforts—alongside the beautiful ship and thoughtfully planned itinerary—that elevated this cruise from great to truly exceptional.

This whole trip truly exceeded every expectation I had and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for an unforgettable river cruise experience in a beautiful part of the world.
 

If you’re dreaming of scenic river views, delicious cuisine, and immersive excursions, a Douro cruise with Riviera Travel is hard to beat. Riviera Rose offered luxury without pretension, incredible service, and unforgettable experiences—everything you could want from a river cruise.

Head over to our website to view some incredible itineraries on the brand-new ship!