New 2027 Dates Now on Sale Across our Festive River Cruises!
Celebrate Christmas and New Year on a Festive European River Cruise
Celebrate the season on Europe's most magical waterways with our festive river cruises for Christmas and New Year 2027, now on sale. From twinkling Christmas markets on the Rhine and Danube to elegant festive sailings on the Seine, these are the holiday journeys guests return to year after year. New for this launch, we’ve also added two brand-new Danube festive vacations for solo travelers – giving independent guests even more ways to celebrate the season in style.
Festive European River Cruises
There is something truly special about Europe during the holiday season. Historic squares glow with lights, Christmas markets fill the air with the scent of gingerbread and mulled wine, and each destination feels even more enchanting when viewed from the river.
Our festive 2027 river cruises are now open for booking, with returning favorites on the Rhine, Danube and Seine, plus more choice for solo travelers than ever before. Whether you’re dreaming of yuletide markets, a Christmas cruise filled with seasonal traditions, or a memorable New Year celebration on the water, now is the perfect time to secure your preferred sailing.
New for this season, solo travelers can now celebrate Christmas on the Danube, Vienna and Budapest, or ring in the New Year on the Danube on dedicated solo festive departures – alongside returning solo favorites on the Rhine and Danube’s imperial cities itineraries
Find Your Festive European River Cruise
- France
- 5* ship
- Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
- 5* ships
- Germany
- 5* ships
- Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
- 5* ships
- France, Germany
- 5* ships
- Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
- 5* ships
- Germany
- 5* ships
- Austria, Hungary, Slovakia
- 5* ships
- Germany
- 5* ships
"I have travelled many times with Riviera and have always been delighted with the experience."
"The communication from beginning to end was excellent. The travel arrangements were well informed. The ship was wonderfully decorated for Christmas. The cabins were always neatly and cleanly presented. Food was first class. The itinerary was well organized, with many interesting places visited. I usually travel as a solo passenger, I was more than happy with the holiday and felt overall it was good value for money. I have noticed Riviera introducing more opportunities, and varied longer length vacations for solo travelers which I wholeheartedly welcome and look forward to many more solo adventures in the future."
-Feefo reivew by guest Mary on our Christmas on the Danube River Cruise - Decmeber 24
Solo River Cruises — No Single Supplement
Explore Europe’s most beautiful rivers with the freedom to travel your way. Enjoy your own spacious cabin, enriching guided excursions, and a welcoming onboard atmosphere — all with no single supplement on selected solo-exclusive sailings.
Group River Cruises Made Easy
Travel together and save. When you book a group of 8 or more on a European river cruise, 1 in every 8 places is free — plus enjoy tailored experiences, dedicated support, and seamless planning from start to finish.
Extend Your River Cruise
Complete your journey with even more time to explore. After your river cruise ends, step straight into the heart of Europe’s most iconic cities — from majestic mountain scenery to vibrant cultural capitals. With our Extend Your Cruise options, you can enjoy additional hotel nights, guided touring, and the freedom to experience more at your own pace.
Book a European Cruise with Confidence
Vacation Happiness Guarantee
If you're not happy by the end of the second day, we'll arrange and cover your return trip and refund the full cost of your vacation.
Your Money is Safe and Secure
No matter what, your money is safe and secure and fully protected.
24/7 Access to Support Team
We're on hand before and during your vacation. If anything were to go awry during your travels, you can call our emergency number at any point.
Unbeatable Value for Money
40 years' experience and historic supplier relationships, together with the scale of our operation, ensures your vacation will always be unbeatable value for money.
Free All-Inclusive Drinks on Your European River Cruise
Enjoy a wide selection of wines, beers, spirits, soft drinks, and hot beverages included throughout your cruise, so you can relax and indulge without worrying about the bill. From a morning coffee to an evening cocktail, every sip is part of the experience.
Popular FAQs
A Riviera Travel European river cruise is a premium, all-inclusive vacation aboard a luxurious river ship sailing through Europe’s inland waterways. You’ll unpack once and enjoy a seamless journey combining cultural discovery, fine dining, and first-class service from beginning to end.
The most popular months for European river cruising are from May through September, when temperatures are pleasant and the scenery is at its most beautiful. Riviera Travel offers departures throughout the season, including cruises over the festive period, so you can choose the perfect time to fit your travel plans.
Every Riviera Travel river cruise includes outstanding value and transparency — no hidden extras. Your fare covers:
- Luxury accommodation in a river-view cabin or suite, mostly featuring French balconies, with selected cabins offering full balconies.
- All meals onboard, prepared by expert chefs and inspired by regional cuisine.
- All-inclusive drinks, plus unlimited tea and coffee throughout the day.
- Daily guided excursions led by English-speaking local experts.
- Professional Cruise Director and Cruise Concierge throughout your journey.
- Free Wi-Fi, onboard entertainment, and port taxes all included.
Most Riviera Travel itineraries last variously between 4 and 16 days — an ideal length for an immersive European getaway.
Riviera’s ships are elegant and intimate, typically accommodating 160–180 guests. Their smaller size allows docking directly in city centers and picturesque villages — meaning more time exploring and less time transferring. You’ll also enjoy a relaxed, personal onboard experience with exceptional attention to detail.
The atmosphere is refined yet informal. During the day, casual clothing is perfect for sightseeing and excursions. Evenings are "smart casual", ideal for dining or socializing in the lounge. There's no requirement for formal wear, though many guests like to dress up for special dinners or the Captain’s Reception.
Yes — Riviera Travel welcomes solo travelers and offers dedicated single cabins or reduced single supplements on select sailings. It’s a wonderful way to see Europe in comfort and meet other like-minded travelers.
Each Riviera cruise includes expertly guided tours in every port, exploring cultural landmarks, architecture, and local life. Onboard, you can enjoy talks, local performances, relaxed entertainment, and time to unwind in the lounge, restaurant, or on deck with panoramic views.
Yes. Riviera Travel caters to most dietary requirements — including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and low-sugar options — with advance notice.
Ships are designed for comfort and convenience, and while most excursions are leisurely, some may involve walking over uneven surfaces. Guests should have a good level of mobility, as boarding may involve walking on gangplanks and crossing between double-moored ships.
Absolutely. Riviera Travel welcomes group bookings and offers generous benefits — when you book as a group of eight or more passengers, one travels free. It’s a fantastic way for families, clubs, or friends to experience a European river cruise together while enjoying added value. Dedicated group support is available to make organizing your trip simple and seamless.
Your Dream European Cruise: Get our Brochure
With so many European river, solo, yacht and grand tour vacations to choose from, it can be hard to pick just one. Get inspired and start planning your next getaway with our latest brochure.
To order a printed copy of our brochure, please click here.