Riviera to launch first-ever solos-only river cruise ship in 2027
Riviera Travel has announced plans to launch the first-ever river cruise ship operating exclusively for solo travellers
MS George Eliot is set to enter service in June 2027 alongside Riviera Alba, the brand’s first vessel deployed outside of Europe on the Mekong River.
Riviera CEO Phil Hullah described the move as 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,” he added.
“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.”
MS George Eliot will sail a full season of solo-exclusive departures, increasing capacity for independent travellers with two new 15-day itineraries – the longest solo river cruises ever offered. Itineraries include a 15-day Budapest to the Black Sea cruise from £5,699pp.
It comes as Riviera reports soaring demand for solo river cruises, with a 66 per cent year-on-year increase in solo river cruise bookings via trade partners, with solo travellers now making up nearly 13 per cent of all bookings. Revenue from solo guests has also grown 52 per cent year-on-year.
Meanwhile, Riviera Alba will carry 50 guests across 25 suites, offering panoramic windows, open decks, and a high crew-to-guest ratio.
The vessel will sail a 16-day Vietnam, Cambodia and Mekong River Cruise from £4,799, with flight options from Heathrow, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham, or Newcastle.
