Riviera to launch two new river ships in Europe in 2025

Riviera River Cruises will launch two new ships in Europe next year, the company said Wednesday (Feb. 14).

The line says the new vessels – called Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose – will include the first in a new generation of ships with a split-level bar and restaurant, a third restaurant and the line’s largest-ever suites.

The ships will also share the line’s name for the first time for “improved branding,” the line says.

“With Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose, our new ships launching in 2025, we’re moving away from using the names of famous British authors and proudly putting our own out there on the bow,” said Marilyn Conroy, executive vice-president sales and marketing North America for Riviera River Cruises, in a statement.

“Riviera Radiance will also be a new style of ship representing the height of luxurious river cruising. Its split-level bar and restaurant will give it a spacious feel, its third restaurant will offer unique tasting menus and it will also have the largest suites in our fleet. We’re looking forward to sailing aboard these new ships with you next year.”

Riviera Radiance

The 443-foot Riviera Radiance will feature amenities and cabins spread over four decks, including a new split-level bar and restaurant that provides an airy ambience, a third restaurant and Riviera’s largest-ever suites.

The third restaurant, Mosaic, will offer menus with tasting courses inspired by the rivers of Europe. Amenities will also include a sun deck with pool, a bistro with open kitchen, a fitness center, and a spa and wellness area.

Riviera Radiance’s 89 cabins will accommodate 178 passengers.

All cabins will have double beds that can be converted to twin beds, a bathroom with rain shower, desk with chair, flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, coffee machine, tea kettle and more.

Grand suites will be Riviera’s largest at 344 square feet and will have a balcony with sliding doors and outdoor seating, and a seating area with sofa, lounge chair and small table.

Superior suites will be 258 square feet and will have a French balcony with sliding doors and a seating area with lounge chair and small table.

Double cabins will be 172 square feet and will have a seating area with lounge chair and small table.

Upper- and middle-deck double cabins will have a French balcony with sliding doors, while lower-deck double cabins will have a smaller fixed window.

Riviera Rose

The 262-foot Riviera Rose will feature amenities and cabins spread over four decks, including a sun deck with sky lounge, bar and pool, an intimate yet relaxed restaurant with informal seating and a fitness centre.

Riviera Rose’s 57 cabins will accommodate 114 passengers. 

All cabins will have double beds that can be converted to twin beds, a bathroom with rain shower, desk with chair, flat-screen TV, individually controlled air conditioning, coffee machine, tea kettle and more. Balcony suites will be 258 square feet and will have a French balcony with sliding doors and outdoor seating, and a seating area with sofa, lounge chair and small table.

Standard cabins will be 172 square feet and will have a seating area with lounge chair and small table.

Upper- and middle-deck standard cabins will have a balcony with sliding doors, while lower-deck standard cabins will have a smaller fixed window.

Buoyed by Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, Riviera said it recorded its best month last November for North American bookings since entering the market more than five years ago.

Bookings from Nov. 24 and Nov. 27 last year increased 200 per cent over 2022, the line reported in December.  

Riviera River Cruises offers 22 itineraries on 10 European rivers and waterways throughout the year. 

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