Riviera Travel will bolster its fleet with a new ship in 2026, which will coincide with the line’s largest-ever river cruise programme

The 178-guest Riviera Resplendence will be the sister ship to Riviera Radiance, which launches next year, and will feature three dining venues, including a brand-new restaurant concept called Mosaic, Grand Balcony suites and a split-level lounge to provide more guest space.

This is the third new ship in Riviera’s pipeline, with the line revealing that sales for Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose are up by 20 per cent on the rest of the fleet ahead of their launch next year.

The news coincides with the unveiling of Riviera’s 2026 cruise programme – the largest in the line’s history with 428 sailings on 13 river ships, as well as 31 dedicated solo departures.

It’s been a buoyant year for Riviera Travel, having celebrated its 40th anniversary in May, with river cruise line and tour operator stating that booked revenue is currently 51 per cent up for 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

Will Sarson, product director at Riviera, said: “The 2026 programme is our biggest ever, as we keep pace with the current exceptional demand for our river cruises. They include a wealth of exciting exploration opportunities at unbeatable value.

“We are determined to keep pace with ever-increasing demand for our cruises, and at the same time making certain everything we do – both on and off our ships – is unmistakably Riviera.”

“The trade has been phenomenal”

A pre-sale event will be open from 18 September 2024, with the programme going on general release from 25 September 2024.

Departures will be frozen at 2025 prices until 15 December 2024, and agents who make a 2026 booking between 18 September and 31 October will qualify for a £50 booking incentive. A free all-inclusive drinks package is also on offer for all 2026 European cruises.

Sarson added: “We’re excited to offer all departures currently on offer at the same price as our 2025 sailings. And our free all-inclusive drinks package includes our widest ever range of options, giving guests the perfect excuse to raise a glass or two to mark their getaway.”

A raft of new itineraries for 2026 include a scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge, visiting the castle gardens of Heidelberg and Schwetzingen; as well as a wide variety of gastronomy-themed experiences, such as guided tours of the Lindt Chocolate Museum and Koblenz Wine and Sparkling Wine Museum.

Vicky Billing, head of trade and partnerships UK & Ireland at Riviera, said: “The trade has been phenomenal at selling our 2025 European river cruises and continue to do so, so what better way to launch 2026 than by rewarding them with a rich incentive.”