riviera travel yacht cruise reviews

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Riviera Travel   Reviews

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Reviews 4.6.

4,276 total

Most relevant

First class company and staff.

We have used Riviera Travel on many occasions and always found them to be excellent. This year is no exception. Laurie was very personable, professional and a pleasure to speak to. We enquired about this holiday months ago and were assured as soon as the details were released we would be contacted. True to their word that's exactly what happened. Excellent !

Date of experience : August 21, 2024

Reply from Riviera Travel

Thank you for your lovely review Bryan, we are so pleased that Laurie was helpful, your kind words are much appreciated.

Great staff.great holidays

The girls at riviera travel are so nice and very helpful.i had to change a holiday but they were very patient with me booking 2 more to replace the cancelled one.ive used them before and would recommend to anyone

Date of experience : August 06, 2024

Dear Pat, thank you for posting a review. We are glad that we were able to assist you with changing your booking.

A really wonderful experience in every…

A really wonderful experience in every way. Special thanks to Hsu, Violetta, Phil & Sabtian tho all staff were great. Only constructive gripe - can't eat cornflakes out of a thimble! Bigger cereal bowls please!

Date of experience : August 12, 2024

Thank you John, what a lovely review, and we take your point about the cereal bowls, leave that with us! Hope to see you again very soon.

A friendly and helpful booking

Nikki Foster was friendly and helpful, detailing the amount of walking on the itinerary as requested. The phone was answered promptly. The 20% discount for returning clients was a good incentive and was processed efficiently

Date of experience : August 17, 2024

Dear Rosemary, it was wonderful to see that you are travelling with us again and that we were able to provide all the information to ensure you were happy with the itinerary arrangements. We look forward to welcoming you. Kind regards Riviera Travel

Before our departure trip from Australia to our four month trip to the U. K, I was diagnosed with a heart condition and told under no circumstances to consider any flights. We had a number of pre arranged side breaks in The U. K, and a river cruise with Riviera. Every break we had planned were really considerate, and refunded our deposits straight away. When we contacted Riviera they straight off the bat said we would be losing one of our all ready paid for trip amounting to some thousands GBP. We offered to provide all the medical details, but they were addiment that if we read their terms, and conditions is buried some were in the small print. They did offer to book us on the following year, same trip same date in 2024. I explained that we could not begin to accept 2025 because I cannot guarantee that I would be given the all clear to once again fly. After all ways using Rivera on our two year return to the U. K, foe some twenty years we shall never us then again. SO BEWARE if you use them

Date of experience : March 22, 2024

Good morning, Mr Skinner, may we say how sorry we were to learn that became unwell and could no longer travel with us. As your departure date was close to departure, at the point of cancellation, we were committed financially to our suppliers. As such, and regrettably, we were unable to offer a full refund. However, most comprehensive travel insurance will cover cancellation due to illness. May we send you our best wishes for a speedy recovery. Kind regards, Customer Relations, Riviera Travel

Great customer service

I’ve had several holidays with Riviera and have been more than happy with the booking experience as well as the holidays. Customer service has always been excellent, especially Laurie who was pleasant and efficient when sorting my requirements

5 Star Service

My latest trip with Riviera did not disappoint. This is the 7th time I have used this company and I will continue to go back to them. The William Wordsworth was a beautiful ship with an outstanding crew. The trips included in the package were brilliant. The only hidden extra in the cost are the tips for staff. We were only able to secure a lower deck cabin due to availability. This was in no way an issue. The cabin was spacious and bright. Well done Riviera your customer service is second to none.

Date of experience : July 22, 2024

Thank you so much for your lovely review as this is much appreciated. We do hope to welcome you again very soon. Kind regards Riviera Travel

Based on the fact that my booking was a…

Based on the fact that my booking was a last minute decision to book a holiday the service was amazing. The customer service team took all the necessary details and within 48 hours the holiday was set up. Very good communication by all the team. Thank you.

Date of experience : August 09, 2024

Thank you Steve for making a booking with us. We are glad that the process was smooth and easy for you.

Very helpful advice and guidance

Lucia helped us to book a holiday for next year, giving us suggestions for various options we had. She also helped us with queries in a booking we already have, too.

Date of experience : August 13, 2024

That is very kind Susan and we are pleased that Lucia made your booking experience a good one, we look forward to meeting in 2025.

Very happy with the service received

The agent (Gemma G) we spoke to was extremely helpful, engaged well with us and showed full knowledge in helping us make our booking.

Thank you Sue, Gemma will be delighted as are we. Thank you for choosing Riviera Travel and we look forward to welcoming you.

Excellent service

On the one hand, we tried to book online for our Danube river cruise but couldn't complete the booking due to Riviera's website experiencing technical difficulties. We therefore called the booking team and the response was excellent. Very professional and friendly, every aspect of the booking process was clearly explained and made very easy.

Hello Terence, we are sorry to learn that you had some difficulties with our website but delighted our team could assist you and we thank you for choosing Riviera Travel.

Friendly prompt Service

Call was answered promptly and rep, was able to help right away all required information was to hand, I was able to book right away and paid my deposit. All was confirmed with email while on the phone. Excellent service

Thank you Tony, we are delighted to read of your great experience. May we thank you for choosing Riviera Travel and we look forward to welcoming you.

We are currently on our 26th Rivera…

We are currently on our 26th Rivera river cruise aboard the Thomas Hardy. All have been a wonderful experience. Any problems we have had (Non of which have been caused by Rivera ie flight delays/ high water/ rain) have always been addressed by Rivera. The boats ( boats sail on rivers ships on sea) are clean and well maintained. Rivera say it's your holiday holiday to do as you wish. You You don't have to follow the pack. Maps are supplied for all stops. And the crew are usually friendly. When sombody complains that the danube was brown you begin to wonder what planet they are from. The average age of guests is arround 65 and the best part is everyone speaks English. There is no formal dress code but smart casual in the restaurants is just manners although sometimes see the odd personnel wearing shorts which in my mind is inappropriate in any restaurant. You cannot please all of the people all of the time is a wise saying and usually the people who are not pleased look as if theyhavebeensmackedintheface with a wet kipper. Peter Brett

Date of experience : August 11, 2024

Thank you Peter, for posting a review and your continued loyalty to Riviera. We are are pleased that you enjoy our cruises. Our guests feedback is important to us.

Riviera river cruise sales member.

We contacted Riviera to get advice and book a river cruise. We were looked after by sales consultant Laurie, who was very knowledgeable on the cruise we had selected, and found us the best deal and advised us on the best cabin within our price range. He also sent his Riviera phone extension number in case we needed to contact him with any further questions we may have regarding the booked holiday.

Date of experience : August 03, 2024

Thank you for posting a review, we are pleased that Laurie was able to help you with your booking

The Douro, Porto and Salamanca River Cruise

We have recently returned from our third river cruise with Riviera - Douro, Porto and Salamanca on MS Douro Elegance. WOW what can I say? Everything was superb, we couldn't have asked for anything more. One of the highlights was Dinner at Quinta da Pacheca, the views over the Douro were stunning, the property was beautiful, food delicious and so was the wine and port. Cruising through the Douro Valley, it was so beautiful, so peaceful and you even had birds of prey flying alongside you. We thoroughly enjoyed all the tours, everything was well organised and ran too time. Our cabin - upper deck was very well fitted out and very comfortable. The crew, tour managers, guides and bus drivers were fantastic, they couldn't do enough for you. The standard of cuisine on and off board was so tasty and superb. We found the whole experience very relaxing from our initial booking to arriving back home. Would highly recommend this cruise with Riviera. We have already booked our next river cruise with them.

Date of experience : July 30, 2024

Thank you Angela, for you kind words. We are so pleased you enjoyed the Douro River cruise, the scenery is beautiful to sail through. We look forward to seeing you travel with us again.

Easy Booking

Jemma Reid possesses excellent customer service skills. All our queries were dealt with swiftly and patiently. We were able to book with confidence knowing that we are travelling with a reputable company that will resolve any unforeseen issues.

Date of experience : August 08, 2024

Thanks you for acknowledging Gemma's customer service we are glad she was able to assist you.

Professional experience

Our booking was taken by a very helpful, Claire McGuire, who answered all our questions, made sure we were allocated our upgrades and that all our information was correct. It was a thorough interview conducted in a friendly, informative manner.

Thank you for acknowledging your experience with Claire. We are pleased that she was able to assist with your booking.

next year sorted

Laurie was extremely helpful and explained everything very clearly so I booked through him rather than online really looking forward to my next cruise

Thank you for your kind comments regarding Laurie as this is much appreciated. We are very much looking forward to seeing you again soon. Best wishes, Riviera Travel

Just booked a tour to South Africa with…

Just booked a tour to South Africa with Riviera for next Spring. Nicki was extremely helpful and well informed about our choice. She answered all my queries including an upgrade with Virgin Airlines. My husband and I have booked Riviera before and have never been disappointed with our holiday.

Date of experience : August 01, 2024

Thank you for your booking and for your praise for Nicki, we look forward to seeing you both in South Africa.

Use an individual Travel Agent not Riviera

Lack of individual attention when booking. Why don’t you get given a nominated handler. I have much better service from an individual Travel Agent No senior person to deal with if you have a query or problem. You are told queries will be dealt with in 4 weeks. Too long !

Dear Gillian, we are very sorry to read that you encountered some difficulties. Please do reply to our request for more information as we offer assurance that we do not have a 4 weeks wait for assistance and senior managers are available everyday. Once we have your details we will call you and gain more information. Best regards,

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What it’s really like to go on a yacht cruise in Croatia – from idyllic swim stops to local cuisine

Author: Lucy Abbott

Published on: 21 September 2022

Updated on: 26 September 2022

Lucy Abbott joins Riviera Travel to sail the Split, Hvar and the Delights of Dalmatia itinerary, and discovers the beauty of a relaxing yacht cruise.

Standing on the dedicated swim platform at the rear of MS Mendula, I gaze out at the crystal-clear Adriatic sea, as majestic mountains frame the sky and the peaceful rocky beach lies ahead. I can’t help but jump in, breaking the peaceful water and joining an array of colourful fish. I pinch myself to double check this is real life and not an amazing dream that will rudely be interrupted by my alarm clock. Swimming further out, I look back to admire Riviera Travel’s stunning MS Mendula, the 30-guest twin-mastered yacht.

The start of an adventure

I join this vessel on an itinerary that is crafted to sail to lesser-visited ports and one that focuses on relaxation – all of this is delivered and more, helped by the ship’s petite size, which allows us to access ports of call not visited by larger ships. Stepping on board for the first time truly feels like the beginning of an adventure. Although small, with just one dining venue, the ship features everything needed for a week’s adventure and more.

Exploring the ship further, glossy wooden interiors, plush blue seating and expansive open-air areas greet me.

Beyond these public areas, my room (an A-class cabin) is conveniently located in the middle of three decks – on the same level as the dining room and swimming platform.

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There are four other A-class cabins on the same level, featuring a high-pressure shower, twin, double or single bed, air conditioning as well as plenty of under-bed storage for a suitcase. Above on the top deck are three A+ cabins, which are the same size as the A class, each with twin beds. Here, guests can enjoy top deck views through one port hole window and one opening window. The most budget-friendly option is the B class, located in the lower deck, with two porthole windows for plenty of sea gazing and daydreaming. After only a few hours on board, I can safely say this is shaping up to be my dream cruise, and, with a week in which to take it all in, I can finally live out my yacht fantasies.

Soaking up the yacht cruise experience

A massive benefit to sailing on a Riviera Travel yacht cruise itineraries is that all the excursions are included within the price. So, I’m looking forward to a mix of locally guided excursions and cultural experiences in our ports of call – Brac, Bol, Jelsa, Korcula, Vis, Hvar and Trogir. After my morning of a buffet-style breakfast with my newfound friends and a quick swim, we pull into the first port of call – Brac. The main trades in Brac are olive oil and wine, which is evident by the constant flurry of olive oil trees and vineyards we pass. After absorbing the magnificent panoramic view, we head over to a quaint olive oil restaurant to partake in an olive oil tasting. Although I personally cannot stomach the idea of drinking a spoonful of olive oil, when combined with sea salt, fresh tomatoes and soft bread, I feel as if I am in foodie heaven.

The split between guided tours and independent discovery is perfect. On our visit to Bol, we have the choice between exploring quaint alleys and coffee shops in the centre or walking to one of the most famous beaches in Croatia – Zlatni Rat. This perfect balance is crafted by our cruise director, Pina, who possesses so much information about each port of call that I am left in amazement as to how she keeps all this in her head. She also has the ability to think on her feet as she changes our e-bike tour of Hvar to a wine tasting.

In fact, Pina thinks of this cruise itinerary as her “baby”, adding: “There was a huge interest with people who have already travelled in Croatia, so why don’t we come up with a really relaxing journey where it is just us, and we have all that peace.” Speaking of peace and quiet, before we depart to our final port of call, we stop for one last swim. As I float in the serene water dreaming of my next yacht cruise, I wish I could bottle the feeling, as I know this will be an experience I will remember forever.

Celestyal Cruises rewards Team GB Olympic medallists with complimentary cruises

Riviera travel boosts 2026 tall-ship programme, breaking new ground: viking team discover a new colony of penguins, royal caribbean’s icon of the seas to star in channel 4 documentary, seabourn adds extra antartica sailing for 2026, p&o cruises announces new partnership with southampton fc, windstar cruises marks 40 years of small ship sailing, gary barlow and p&o cruises team up to launch talent competition, seabourn reshapes spring 2025 season to avoid red sea, the july/august issue of world of cruising is out now, about lucy abbott.

Lucy is a cruise journalist who has sailed on a variety of ships, from expedition to river – with her favourite being expedition cruising.

Lucy is interested in new sustainable ways to cruise as well as how cruising is becoming accessible for all.

She works together with Kaye Holland to keep the World of Cruising website up to date with all the latest cruise news.

The Blue Danube River Cruise - MS Oscar Wilde

• 7 nights, departs on the 11 Jun 2025
• Riviera Travel, MS Oscar Wilde

Douro, Porto and Salamanca River Cruise - MS Douro Elegance

• 7 nights, departs on the 19 Jun 2025
• Riviera Travel, MS Douro Elegance
• Porto, Régua, , + 5 more

Split, Zadar and Secrets of the North Yacht Cruise - MS Adriatic Sky

• 7 nights, departs on the 25 Sep 2025
• Riviera Travel, MS Adriatic Sky
• Split, Sibenik, Vodice, + 5 more

Split, Rab and Undiscovered Islands of the North Yacht Cruise - MS Il Mare

• 7 nights, departs on the 21 Sep 2025
• Riviera Travel, MS II Mare
• Split, Trogir, Zadar, + 5 more

Gastronomy of the Douro - from Portugal to Spain - MS Douro Splendour

• 5 nights, departs on the 28 Jul 2025
• Riviera Travel, MS Douro Splendour
• Régua, , Salamanca, + 3 more

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Riviera River Cruises   Reviews

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Reviews 4.3.

Most relevant

Absolutely fantastic cruise on Porto…

Absolutely fantastic cruise on Porto Mirante Duoro valley amazing views from the river,,,great excursions and Michelin Star food. We had a great time on this beautiful new ship. The cruise director Carmem was great,,,,,staff very helpful and always had time for us. We would like to thank you for looking after my husbands allergy to the kitchen staff specially chef Made Reinal comiss chef,,,your food was very high standard. Thank you to lovely staff Diane,Ivan,Vladimir,,,our cabin attendant Elvis,Priscilla and the receptionist for amazing job they doing. The all staff was 5*. Also thank you to our beautiful guide Philippa. Your care and help was absolutely amazing. Only one complaint we have,,,the included drinks. They not very good quality and not worth the money we’ve paid. We wish you all the best! And keep the fire burning. With lots of love for you all Margaret and Vlodek

Date of experience : 08 August 2024

Rhine Cruise Cologne to Basel

Aboard the MS George Eliot, my friends and I enjoyed a wonderful time, superb service on board and all well organised including our flights. Cruise Director Karen and Concierge Raoul kept us informed and entertained. Food delicious, plenty of it and lots of choice. We were made to feel welcome at all times and the ship was immaculate. We booked early and got an upgrade to the Diamond Deck. Free tea/coffee/iced water station included. There were off shore walking tours of Koblenz, Rudesheim, Speyer, Strasbourg and Breisach (with audio sets provided so that we could hear the guide at all times) or we could just walk as we wished, or stay on board. The excursion to Lucerne and into the alps meant quite a long time spent travelling by coach/local train but the view was spectacular. We had a couple of days of drizzle or rain but mostly good weather. We were very impressed with the whole experience and would certainly consider Riviera again.

Date of experience : 02 August 2024

Really? Can't bother looking it up yourself? Duoro river.

1. Overall boring. The story of port repeated daily ad nauseum. 2. Food was awful tasteless British cooking, no regional fare, not even the basic - linguisa or salt cod. 3. On ship entertainment was absurd. A phony cooking demo and origami towel folding. Fado? Never heard of it? 4. Several employees treated passengers like children, specifically a director whose name I can't remember - Anthony, Antonio? Childish himself and talked down. 5. Tour leader, male, also can't remember name. Enormous ego. Became rude on an excursion when asked to use the microphone unit before he thought it was needed. 6. All inclusive should mean just that. Don't tell me I must tip and and exactly how much.

Date of experience : 04 November 2022

Riviera River cruise on the Danube

We enjoyed our beautiful stateroom on our Riviera River cruise. The Staff is friendly and accommodating. The food was great. The tour director was helpful and informative. He and his team made sure we really enjoyed our Danube River cruise. We cruised past small Hungarian and Austrian villages, castles and vineyards. The October landscape was gorgeous with fall colors.

Date of experience : 08 October 2022

Excellent with flawless customer service

Excellent! We took our 3rd Riviera Cruise. This time, we brought along my parents-in-law for a week long cruise along the River Douro in Portugal. The service, particularly that of the wonderful cruise director (Kassima), was nigh perfect from beginning to end. The tours were excellently selected and ensured that we got the most from the sites and port cellars we visited. We have since booked another tour with Riviera for the first quarter of 2024. Highly, highly recommended!

Date of experience : 07 October 2023

The entire staff was very polite and…

The entire staff was very polite and friendly, always smiling. They made us happy to be there. The tours were very interesting and each one led by knowledgeable, professional guides. The food was much better than on another river boat company I had chosen (because it was cheaper). It wasn't worth the saving; it's not something you do everyday. I'd choose and recommend Riviera River Cruises again.

Date of experience : 24 October 2022

Fabulous !!!!!

We have recently been on the Budapest to Vienna river cruise. One word - wow!!!!! Loved every single moment - the best holiday ever. The staff were amazing - especially Raoul and Karen - the boat was immaculate and the food was superb. I cannot criticise anything and I wouldn't hesitate to book again- amazing 😻

Date of experience : 21 April 2023

Exceptional experience

Just come off our first ever river cruise on the Emily Brontë from Budapest. It was exceptional from start to finish. From the superb cabin, the staff (lead by the attention to detail Christian and our fabulous tour director Peter) nothing was too much trouble. The excursions, food and amenities were everything we had hoped for. They even laid on shuttle buses to take us into Budapest on our last day, as our flight was late in the evening. Could not fault a thing. We are looking forward to sailing with Riviera again in hopefully, the not too distant future.

Date of experience : 10 October 2022

Riviera River Cruise is the BEST!

Riviera River Cruise is unbelievable well run from start to finish. The accommodations, the staff, the food and the tours were beyond belief. We HIGHLY recommend this cruise line and would be thrilled to travel with them again. There are no hidden fees or EXTRA cost other than if you want the beverage package for alcoholic beverages more than what is offered.

Date of experience : 16 December 2019

River Duro - Douro Splendour

Can't fault Riviera Travel for an efficient customer service. Through no fault of the Company our cruise had to be changed. All the re-arrangements were made swiftly and smoothly. Although our original dates were for special reasons, we were grateful for the delay as the weather was brilliant! The Cruise itself and excursions were what we had expected and will look to go again sometime in the future. Helena, Andrea, Jose and Daniella to name but a few made our trip so enjoyable and relaxing. The Douro Splendour crew and staff also looked after us well and most obliging. We even had personal message from Phil Hullah apologising for the disappointment of the delay but everything worked in our favour.

Date of experience : 23 April 2023

Reply from Riviera River Cruises

Thank you so much for taking the time to give us this review. Look forward to welcoming you bak again

We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise on the MS Emily Bronte

We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise on the MS Emily Bronte from Budapest. The ship is gorgeous. Although we had done a similar itinerary on another cruise line, the excursions were unique enough we got to experience different sites. We loved the morning in Dürnstein, Austria, what a pretty medieval village. The food was plentiful, with lots of choices. Always delicious . The staff were friendly, attentive and eager to please. Looking forward to another voyage soon!

Fabulous relatively new ship

Fabulous relatively new ship, very comfortable cabin and beautiful food. Liked the separate bistro restaurant, and at breakfast cooked menu was freshly prepared. Wine also available reasonably by the glass. Initially I was perturbed that at most destinations arrival was not until after lunch. On reflection this was not a bad thing, we had plenty of time at each stop and allowed us to relax more. Two criticisms. 1. Soup without a soup spoon and cereal from a soup bowl is not what you expect from a five star claim (problems of the first world!). 2. More-so, I am majorly critical of the request for gratuities. Firstly most cruise liners include and secondly the cruise company should be paying a proper wage where the employee is not reliant on the generosity of guests. After all we pay substantially and this is the 21st century! Finally this type of river cruise is very much for the older less active clientele, so be warned!

Date of experience : 20 September 2023

A Wonderful First Timer Experience

The ship experience was fantastic. The crew were absolutely wonderful. We enjoyed the dining and were particularly impressed with the gluten-free options. The staterooms packed in the amenities and storage. As you are looking to grow the U.S. market, I would focus on pre-travel documents. Most lines will do luggage tags and pre-travel info will be specific to the U.S. My documents said, "As you head back to the UK. As small thing but something to consider for the future.

Thank you Carolyn for taking the time to give us your review. Very good point about the documents and the reference to travelling back to the UK vs US - we will get this implemented moving forward.

First River Cruise

Althought not my first cruise, this was my first river cruise. The accommodations were very comfortable and bathroom was spacious. The food and wine was excellent! The staff was very friendly, fun and attentive!! The tours were amazing. I really enjoyed visting so many small towns and historical sites. I can't wait for my next river cruise experience :-)

Date of experience : 19 July 2022

Working with Riviera River Cruises is like working with a friend.

Working with Riviera River Cruises is such a pleasure. The staff is knowledgeable and caring. They take things to the next level. Our Croatia Yacht cruise was a once in a lifetime experience. Great staff, fabulous food and a crew that makes your trip a memorable experience from onboad to the shore excursions.

Date of experience : 11 September 2022

We enjoyed the Douro Cruise very much

We enjoyed the Douro Cruise very much. Accommodation and food was very good. The only issue was upon disembarking there was confusion as we were travelling on our own Porto to Lisbon, being picked up at 8.30 a.m. We were told luggage was to be left outside our suite and they would be taken up to reception area. Even though we mentioned this to reception, our luggage was not brought up and we had to bring it up ourselves. To avoid this happpening to someone else, we suggest Reception and Tour Guide are aware of passnegers travelling on their own and not on the Riviera transportation.

Date of experience : 22 May 2022

Not as advertised

Sneaking in a major change to the itinerary, without a word of explanation or apology, meant the boat was berthed in the suburbs of Antwerp for three nights instead of one. The official explanation weeks afterwards ought to form part of their publicity blurb because I for one would not have booked had I known about the unreliability of their river management. Taxis (the drivers were pals of the ship’s crew and had neither sign nor meter) were essential to reach civilisation and cost a fortune. The restaurant staff were exceptional. The “entertainment” was dire as were the packed lunches. All in all, this was not so much a river cruise as a tortuous coach trip.

Date of experience : 04 April 2023

would you let me know which departure you are referring to or a booking number.

Medieval Magic

Much enjoyed a week's cruising on the George Eliot - a new addition to the fleet and beautifully decorated. The crew were lovely, attentive and worked hard to make sure we kept safe (masks etc.) whilst giving us a good time. Food was out of this world - nothing too much trouble. Mostly enjoyed the guided tours but would have liked a bit more free time at some destinations but also appreciate that a schedule had to be kept as there are many locks en route. If you want less engine noise, make sure you book a room to the front of the ship.

Date of experience : 09 October 2021

Cruise ship: MS William Wordsworth

Cruise: Budapest to Black Sea: the ship was spacious, airy, very comfortable. Staff were professional yet friendly and very welcoming. Food was good, lots of options, and catered well for food allergies. Entertainment ok. Daily briefings plus information sheets were very useful, as was the 'daily news' sheets. It would have been nice if Riviera advertised the 'extras' on Deck 3 as we would have booked that rather than the drinks package which we felt was quite expensive for what and when you could use it. Also, the trip to Bucharest was a waste of time due to heavy traffic - not sure how they could get round this though. All in all a really enjoyable cruise.

Date of experience : 26 May 2023

last minute itinerary change

we are going on our first Riviera river cruise next week and very disappointed that the itinerary is already changed with 3 nights in Antwerp rather than cruising to Gent. if I had wanted a coach holiday I would have booked one. Hope the rest of our experience is better.

Date of experience : 13 April 2023

I am sure you will have a great time on board. Unfortunately the locks/water affects all river cruises not just Riviera. Please review again when you return.

Cruise Review

Riviera travel: a memorable yacht cruise in croatia.

Lucy Abbott joins Riviera Travel to sail the Split, Hvar and the Delights of Dalmatia itinerary, and discovers the beauty of a relaxing yacht cruise.

Standing on the dedicated swim platform at the rear of MS Mendula , I gaze out at the crystal-clear Adriatic sea, as majestic mountains frame the sky and the peaceful rocky beach.

I can’t help but jump in, breaking the peaceful water and joining an array of colourful fish. I pinch myself to double check this is real life and not an amazing dream that will rudely be interrupted by my alarm clock.

Swimming further out, I look back to admire Riviera Travel’s stunning MS Mendula , the 30-guest twin-mastered yacht.

The start of an adventure

I join this vessel on an itinerary that is crafted to sail to lesser-visited ports and one that focuses on relaxation – all of this is delivered and more, helped by the ship’s petite size, which allows us to access ports of call not visited by larger ships.

Stepping on board for the first time truly feels like the beginning of an adventure. Although small, with just one dining venue, the ship features everything needed for a week’s adventure and more.

Exploring the ship further, glossy wooden interiors, plush blue seating and expansive open-air areas greet me.

Beyond these public areas, my room (an A-class cabin) is conveniently located in the middle of three decks – on the same level as the dining room and swimming platform.

There are four other A-class cabins on the same level, featuring a high-pressure shower, twin, double or single bed, air conditioning as well as plenty of under-bed storage for a suitcase.

Above on the top deck are three A+ cabins, which are the same size as the A class, each with twin beds. Here, guests can enjoy top deck views through one port hole window and one opening window.

The most budget-friendly option is the B class, located in the lower deck, with two porthole windows for plenty of sea gazing and daydreaming.

After only a few hours on board, I can safely say this is shaping up to be my dream cruise, and, with a week in which to take it all in, I can finally live out my yacht fantasies.

Soaking up the yacht cruise experience

A massive benefit to sailing on a  Riviera Travel yacht cruise itineraries is that all the excursions are included within the price. So, I’m looking forward to a mix of locally guided excursions and cultural experiences in our ports of call – Brac, Bol, Jelsa, Korcula, Vis, Hvar and Trogir.

After my morning of a buffet-style breakfast with my newfound friends and a quick swim, we pull into the first port of call – Brac.

The main trades in Brac are olive oil and wine, which is evident by the constant flurry of olive oil trees and vineyards we pass.

After absorbing the magnificent panoramic view, we head over to a quaint olive oil restaurant to partake in an olive oil tasting. Although I personally cannot stomach the idea of drinking a spoonful of olive oil, when combined with sea salt, fresh tomatoes and soft bread, I feel as if I am in foodie heaven.

The split between guided tours and independent discovery is perfect. On our visit to Bol, we have the choice between exploring quaint alleys and coffee shops in the centre or walking to one of the most famous beaches in Croatia – Zlatni Rat.

This perfect balance is crafted by our cruise director, Pina, who possesses so much information about each port of call that I am left in amazement as to how she keeps all this in her head.

She also has the ability to think on her feet as she changes our e-bike tour of Hvar to a wine tasting.

In fact, Pina thinks of this cruise itinerary as her “baby”, adding: “There was a huge interest with people who have already travelled in Croatia, so why don’t we come up with a really relaxing journey where it is just us, and we have all that peace.”

Speaking of peace and quiet, before we depart to our final port of call, we stop for one last swim.

As I float in the serene water dreaming of my next yacht cruise, I wish I could bottle the feeling, as I know this will be an experience I will remember forever.

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TERMS PRIVACY

REVIEW: RIVIERA RIVER CRUISES ~BASEL-TO-COLOGNE RHINE RIVER CRUISE ON THE MS GEOFFREY CHAUCER

In mid-October, my travel buddy, Judy, and I flew to Zurich to embark on a Basel to Cologne Rhine Cruise offered by Riviera Cruises. Our transportation was not included, so we flew to Zurich and then took a train to Basel, where we boarded the ship.

Evaluating the Cruise

Scoring is done for each category with a maximum of 10 points each.

10/10  Boarding and Disembarkation: Upon landing, guests with airline packages from Riviera are transferred to a coach and brought directly to the ship docked in Basel, Switzerland. Others arrive on their own by taxi. On the final morning of the cruise, all guests disembark in  Cologne., Germany. Their luggage gets picked up outside staterooms, transferred to a holding area, and rechecked with each guest before departing. Seamless!

Why choose Riviera:  I’ve taken two Riviera cruises, and they successfully provide a high-end cruising experience at a value price. They offer very similar facilities and destinations when compared to luxury brands. I would not hesitate to recommend and would love to take another Riviera River Cruise.

10/10  Ship Design: The Geoffrey Chaucer, Riviera’s newest boat, is an ‘all suite’ ship, Swiss-operated, and genuinely world-class. The ship carries a crew of 44 who serve 169 guests. The public areas include surrounding glass windows, so you always keep sight of what’s outside. The upper Sun Deck offers a splash pool, putting green, and 360-degree views. The ship also has a fitness center, sauna, steam room, and an elevator between floors.

10/10  Staterooms:   Cabins measure 183 square feet, among the largest on any cruiser gracing any European river. Rooms were designed to offer a place for everything. The floor-to-ceiling windows slide open, so you feel like you are standing outdoors even without a balcony. Marble bathrooms are compact but functional.

10/10 Drinks: Complementary wine, beer, and soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner. Guests on the Diamond Deck (upper) receive a coupon for a complimentary cocktail each day. Bartenders are very knowledgeable.

5/10  Shopping: River cruise itineraries highlight historic and cultural sites, making shopping less important. The ship contains a small gift shop. Guests receive limited time to buy items in the Black Forest, Strasbourg, Rudesheim, and Lucerne when ashore.

5/10 Entertainment: Evening entertainment on this river cruise is limited. Occasionally, a local musician or dancer performs. The resident piano player was good, but his voice could have been better. Most guests retire after dinner to prepare for the next day’s activities.

10/10 Staff Attitude:   All the staff and crew were very friendly and helpful. Servers in the dining room quickly learned individual preferences. Housekeeping staff cleaned cabins twice a day. The cruise director gives daily informative presentations about upcoming excursions in the lounge. FYI:  Staff tips are not included, so envelopes are distributed at the end of the cruise.

10/10 Communication: Riviera’s online communication was easy and efficient. A packet of travel documents was sent ahead of time that answered every question. Emergency numbers were provided if a guest encountered delays in arrival. Wi-Fi onboard was free and surprisingly good.

9/10 Dining Aboard the Geoffrey Chaucer:

The Main Dining Room can accommodate everyone in one sitting. Riviera’s policy is open seating, so when you enter the dining room, you can find your own table or join others.

The central area serves a breakfast and lunch buffet. In the morning, the buffet presents just about every breakfast food you can imagine. There’s an omelet station at one end, or you can order breakfast off the menu.

Lunch brings a full salad bar, a variety of bread and cold cuts, a pasta of the day station, and a choice of other daily menu features (always including a hamburger). Of course, you may choose among many delicious desserts.

Dinners are more gourmet four-course meals (appetizer, soup, entrée, and dessert) and wine (included in the drinks package.) You may choose from three entrees of the day (one is vegetarian) or pick from the always-available salmon and beef dinners. Anyone still hungry may ask for seconds. The dining room staff are friendly and most helpful.

A smaller dining room option on the Diamond Deck is the Chef’s Restaurant. Guests can reserve a spot for dinner, but lunch here is first come, first served. Diners can watch the chef prepare entrées from the open kitchen. I felt this intimate restaurant offered a higher quality meal. Early risers will find pastries available before the main restaurant opens.

10/10 Ports of Call:  One of the best benefits of a Riviera cruise is that all shore excursions are included. Typically, they involve a walking or a bus tour at least once a day. Expert local guides lead the tours in each city. Passengers board the ship in Basel. Switzerland. They spend the following day in the Bernese Alps. Half-day excursions include the Black Forest, Strasbourg, Speyer, Rüdesheim, Koblenz, and Cologne, Germany.

Switzerland – The journey through the Bernese Alps, some of Switzerland’s most iconic countryside, is absolutely outstanding. The cogwheel train to the summit at Schynige Platte brought breathtaking sights. It’s impossible to describe the picture and emotion of standing before the legendary triumvirate of Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau. As a bonus, participants were greeted by two men dressed in traditional costumes playing Alphorns, those lengthy musical instruments.

Black Forest – This excursion begins with an early afternoon drive through the picturesque Black Forest to the crystal clear Titisee Lake. We stopped in the town of Titisee, where we saw a demonstration about cuckoo clocks. Some stopped for a slice of iconic Black Forest cake. Unfortunately, Titisee doesn’t offer much more than souvenir shops, so I was disappointed.

Strasbourg, France –  We were extremely lucky in Strasbourg because our guide moved our group into the empty cathedral directly in front of the famous astronomical clock. We were the only people there! The group was fortunate to see the clock in all its glory and watch the movement when it chimed on the hour. We also walked past the city’s canals and around the area called Le Petite France. Afterward, the outing included free time to explore and shop. Strasbourg offers fascinating history, detailed architecture, a fabulous cathedral, and fun shops.

Speyer – The boat traveled overnight, and the following morning, we visited Speyer. Unfortunately, it was Sunday, so many places were closed. We took a guided tour of the picturesque medieval town, highlighted by the city’s stunning Romanesque cathedral, founded in 1030. It contains a unique crypt and the tombs of eight German emperors, kings, and three empresses. However, mass was underway at the cathedral, so we couldn’t go in. In 1981, Speyer’s cathedral was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the largest and most important Romanesque structures.

Rüdesheim –  This stop brought a guided tour of the charming wine city of Rüdesheim, including the Drosselgasse, the heart of the old town, and Brömserburg Castle, dating back to 1275. Those who paid a bit extra were delighted by a tour through ‘Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet.’ Before returning to the ship, we enjoyed a special Rudesheim coffee made with Asbach brandy over three sugar cubes, hot coffee, and whipped cream with chocolate shavings. Yummy!

Koblenz – Rain was falling when we arrived in Koblenz, where Rhine and Moselle’s rivers meet. Nevertheless, I took an excellent guided tour of the historic center. I wish we’d had a chance to go up to the fortress, but we sailed onward toward Cologne in the early morning.

Rhine Gorge: – The afternoon brought one of the cruise highlights: castles. We passed through the famous Rhine Gorge, seeing picturesque riverside views of many castles. It’s no wonder the region is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cologne – We docked in the late afternoon, and many rode the coach as far as permitted and then walked to the cathedral. Cologne’s Gothic Cathedral stands a whopping 515 feet tall. The foundation was laid in 1248 and gradually added on until 1520. But, the church remained unfinished until the 19th century. The exterior suffers from pollution and needs cleaning. The interior is also rather dark.

Areas for Possible Improvement

The short time allotted in Lucerne is not long enough to allow participants to take in the memorable city highlights. The box lunch for this full-day Switzerland excursion could have been more hardy. Riviera offered no guided tours of Cologne’s cathedral, which would have been welcomed.

About Riviera River Cruises:

Riviera River Cruises offers river journeys through Europe on the   Danube, Douro, Main, Moselle, Rhine, Rhone and Seine rivers .  The company also offers small ship ocean cruises in the Adriatic.

Riviera attracts nearly all their guests from the United Kingdom, typically 50+ year-old couples. However, you’ll find some Americans and other English-speaking individuals aboard. The cruises focus on visits to historical and cultural sites. Guests are prepped for excursions by experienced cruise directors. The tours are led by local guides who are caring, professional, and highly knowledgeable. They are passionate about sharing what they know.

Why choose Riviera

I’ve taken two Riviera cruises, and they successfully provide a high-end cruising experience at a value price. They offer very similar facilities and destinations when compared to luxury brands. I would not hesitate to recommend and would love to take another Riviera River Cruise.

Photos credit Debi Lander

Cover photo: Castles on the Rhine

Thank you to Riviera River Cruises and All Things Cruise.

See Riviera River Cruises (cruisecompete.com)

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