Riviera River Cruises Announces New Ship and Itineraries for 2026 – Cruise Industry News

Riviera River Cruises has announced several new offerings for 2026, including the launch of a new ship, five themed itineraries and a sailing dedicated to solo travelers.

According to a press release, the new ship will feature the largest suites ever built by the company and will introduce a third restaurant on board.

New itineraries include Rhine cruises, food and wine experiences across Europe and Danube voyages focusing on music and art. A departure for solo travellers will also be available in Germany.

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Additionally, all 2026 European river cruises are now available for booking with a 50% discount, valid until November 30, 2024.

“As we launch sales for 2026, we have a lot of new offerings, from a spacious ship with a third restaurant to itineraries focused on nature, gardens, gastronomy, music and art, and a Germany cruise for solo travelers,” said Marilyn Conroy, executive vice president of sales and marketing for North America at Riviera River Cruises. “And through November, all 2026 sailings are available at half price. If your clients are considering a European river cruise, now is the perfect time to book.”

The new Riviera Resplendence will offer a range of amenities and accommodations across four decks. Highlights include a new two-level bar and restaurant, a third restaurant, Mosaic, featuring tasting menus inspired by European rivers, and the largest suites Riviera has ever built. Additional amenities include a sun deck with a pool, a bistro with an open kitchen, a fitness center and a spa and wellness area. The ship’s 89 staterooms, accommodating 178 guests, will feature convertible double beds and rain showers. The Grand Suites will be the largest at 344 square feet, with balconies and sitting areas.

The new 2026 thematic routes include:

• Rhine Gardens and Natural Beauties: An eight-day itinerary featuring 11 experiences, departing May through October 2026, from $3,599 per person. Highlights include the Rhine Gorge, Rüdesheim Vineyards, and Saverne Castle Gardens and Rose Garden.
• Danube Gastronomy: This eight-day itinerary, available from April to October 2026, offers 15 culinary experiences starting at $3,399. Guests will enjoy tastings in Vienna, Linz, Bratislava and Budapest.
• Rhine and Moselle Gastronomy: Running from April to August 2026, this eight-day tour offers 11 experiences, including wine tastings and visits to Cologne and Bernkastel, starting at $3,649.
• Gastronomy of the Seine: An eight-day itinerary from April to October 2026, starting at $3,199. Guests will enjoy tastings of wines, cheeses, ciders and macarons from Normandy to Paris.
• Blue Danube Music and Art: This eight-day itinerary, from April to October 2026, starts at $3,199 and includes 12 experiences such as classical music performances, visits to sites related to Mozart and Wagner, and a behind-the-scenes tour with the Vienna Boys’ Choir.

The eight-day “Medieval Germany for Solo Travelers” itinerary begins in August 2026, with prices starting at $4,699 per person. Highlights include St. Martin’s Cathedral and the stained-glass windows of St. Stephen’s Church in Mainz, Marienberg Fortress and the Baroque Palace of Würzburg, Rothenburg Old Town, the medieval villages of Miltenberg and Wertheim, Bamberg Old Town, and St. Lawrence Church and the Central Market in Nuremberg.