Riviera Travel announced an exciting update for anyone buying a summer cruise holiday today.

Bookings will likely be boosted by the news the cruise line will be covering all coronavirus test costs this summer.

The company confirmed this afternoon it will cover the costs of all testing required under the UK government’s traffic light system.

Not all cruises come with this bonus, however.

The offer applies for guests bookings on European river cruises and yacht cruises, departing in July and August 2021.

Free testing applies on new bookings made from now to June 30, 2021.

Riviera continues to be cautious with its destinations.

The cruise line will only sail to Green list countries – namely Portugal under the current green list.

The list is set to be reviewed on June 1, with Grant Shapps announcing today that islands including the Canaries and Majorca will likely be on it.

The news will certainly prove a boost to Riviera bookings – the line has said it will have to amend its itineraries should its Spanish ports of call remain Amber.

Today’s announcement comes after Riviera revealed it was slashing £200 off the price of five river cruises set to sail a Douro, Porto and Salamanca itinerary this summer.

Prices now start at £1,939 for its sailings on July 11, 18, 25 and August 1 and 8.

What’s more, Riviera will also cover the costs of the PCR test needed to enter Portugal for river cruises in July and August.

Riviera is informing cruise passengers well in advance of their cruise of its status.

If their departure is going ahead they will be contacted four to six weeks ahead of travel.

Jim Forward, Riviera Travel chief commercial officer, said: “We recognise the current government tests add to the requirements of booking a holiday, so we’re very happy to cover the associated costs.

“We’ve partnered with The Travel Visa Company who will provide a quick and easy way for our guests to book their required tests, and will be on hand to support throughout the process.

“We’re doing everything we can to get people travelling again and can’t wait to welcome guests on their holidays as soon as it is safe to do so.”

READ MORE: Riviera Travel says guests will need vaccine or negative Covid test to travel

Riviera has strict rules when it comes to vaccinations.

Guests will need both doses of a Covid vaccine, with the second a minimum of seven days before travel.

Those who have not had both doses of the vaccine will be offered a complimentary test to allow their holiday to take place. The operator said the move follows feedback from guests.

Any guest who tests positive prior to their holiday will be able to transfer their booking to an alternative date, free of charge.

The requirements apply to all guests travelling in the same group, as well as Riviera’s river and ocean cruise crew members and tour managers.

In addition, all crew members will have additional daily temperature checks and ongoing health screenings.