With Riviera Rose preparing to launch this April, here are five reasons why this is exciting news for both cruise-goers and agents

With its verdant green landscapes, neatly pleated vineyards and traditional villages of red-roofed houses and church spires, it’s no surprise why the Douro is fast becoming one of the most sought-after river cruise destinations. Demand is set to soar even higher this April when Riviera Travel brings its new state-of-the-art ship, Riviera Rose, to the Unesco-protected region.

The luxury 80-metre-long floating boutique hotel can host up to 114 passengers for intimate cruises through northern Portugal, with two culture-rich itineraries currently on sale for the 2025/26 season. To bring you up to speed, we’ve shared five reasons why the launch of Riviera Rose is great news for your river cruise-loving clients.

1. Guests will rest easy

A variety of spacious cabins are spread over three decks, with each offering individually controlled air-conditioning, contemporary bathrooms fitted with rain showers and either double or twin beds. And with nine categories of cabin to choose from, all tastes and budgets are catered for.

Each of the ship’s middle deck cabins boast floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies allowing guests to watch the Douro’s painterly riverside landscapes drift by, while guests eager to cruise in the lap of luxury can treat themselves to a stay in one of the upper-deck suites, the largest of which comes with its own private balcony and seating area. The inside lounge area boasts the kind of high-quality fittings you’d find in any five-star hotel.

2. There’s plenty of ways to relax onboard

They say the most enjoyable part of a river cruise is putting your feet up onboard and watching the world go by. Whether your clients like to spend their holiday downtime curled up with a book or with a refreshing G&T out in the sun, Riviera has ensured that both are well catered for.

Riviera Rose’s open-air Sun Deck is the spot for some vitamin D replenishment thanks to the splash pool and a selection of comfy chairs and sun loungers – both in and out of the shade.

Over in the Diamond Upper Deck, where the ship’s balcony suites are situated, guests can gather for after dinner drinks to discuss the highlights of the day in the main social hub where they, accompanied by the ship’s live pianist. And those eager to work off the sumptuous meals served in the main dining room can do so in the fitness centre on the Emerald Lower Deck.

3. Foodies are well catered for

The ship’s restaurant can be found on the Ruby Deck and, in line with the rest of Riviera’s fleet, will serve up regional and international specialties each night. Seasonal menus are paired with wine from a carefully curated list, which always features a selection of regional favourites that are hard to find back home.

Riviera prides itself on its ever-changing list of regional dishes, many of which are based on recipes passed down from a local Italian nonna or a French grand-père. By the end of the cruise, guests will be begging to take those recipes home with them.

4. Guests can experience the best of Portugal

Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe and its northern region – where you’ll find Porto, its second-largest city and the birthplace of the eponymous fortified wine – is where many of the most enriching excursions and sightseeing opportunities await.

Riviera Rose’s eight-day itinerary encompasses the best of the city, where guests can xplore the port warehouses and take in the palatial baroque architecture of São Francisco Church. After, they can sample Portgual’s sparkling wine, Raposeira, in Lamego. There’s also an opportunity to venture over the Spanish border to the visit historic Salamanca, a Unesco site and one of Iberia’s oldest university towns.

5. Agents can get onboard too

The launch of Riviera Rose coincides with the largest investment in digital trade support in the line’s history, with Riviera Explorer featuring news, updates and bite-size training modules. Since going online in October last year, the platform has seen more than 1,700 agents sign up, half of whom are new to selling Riviera.

Agents can learn more about the line’s latest ships and itineraries, with special modules tailored to those who are new to selling Riviera cruises. Agents can complete the training programme in approximately four to five hours to become a certified Riviera Expert, at which point they can quality for fam trips and other prizes.

Experience Riviera Rose for yourself

Riviera Travel will be running a fam trip on Riviera Rose in July 2025 for ‘Riviera Experts’. Agents looking to secure their spot can find more information on Riviera’s trade Facebook page and regular newsletters. The trip is open to agents who have completed Riviera Explorer modules only.

For more information, visit rivieratravel.co.uk/agents