Riviera Travel will introduce a new river cruise ship in 2026, when it will also switch to offering free all-inclusive drinks packages on all European river cruises.
The brand new 178-guest Riviera Resplendence will be a sister ship to Riviera Radiance, one of two new vessels launching next year.
Resplendence will be Riviera’s biggest ship, with Grand Balcony suites measuring 32sqm, also the cruise line’s largest ever, each with a separate lounge area. It will also offer superior suites and double cabins with a French balcony.
There will be three dining venues, including a new restaurant called Mosaic offering a selection of bite-sized options, plus a split-level lounge and dining room.
Other facilities include a spa and wellness area, pool, bistro with an open kitchen and a boutique gift shop.
Details of the Resplendence itinerary will be unveiled shortly, said the cruise line, which has seen sales for its two new ships launching next year – Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose – up 20% on the rest of the fleet.
Trading Director Stuart Milan said: “2024 has been an amazing year for us and 2025 has just exploded, off the blocks, it’s been fantastic.”
Revenue for the year to date is up 24% on 2023, while its solo product is up 57%, he said, adding: “That is a massive growth area for us and proves there is a lot of solo capacity out there that we want to take advantage of.”
Revenue through travel agents is up 40% year on year, following a boost in its trade marketing and support teams, including four new account managers.
For 2025, Riviera is 42% ahead of this point last year for 2024, added Stuart. “That has mainly been in river cruise, we are in a really positive position, hence why we are trying to get some 2026 capacity out there as soon as possible to take advantage of that.”
Launching Riviera’s 2026 programme, Product Director Will Sarson also revealed the cruise line will offer free all-inclusive drinks packages from 10am till midnight.
A total of 428 sailings are on offer, including 31 dedicated solo departures. A pre-sale event is open from 18 September 18, with the programme going on general release from 25 September. Prices are frozen at 2025 levels until 18 December.
A £50 per booking incentive on all Europe 2026 river cruise bookings is available for agents from 18 September to 31 October.
Head of Trade and Partnerships for the UK Vicky Billing said the operator is also keen to grow its long-haul business alongside river cruises, so it will be putting on more long-haul fam trips next year.
She also revealed there will be ‘a big launch for the trade’ on 3 October, so watch this space.
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The brand new 178-guest Riviera Resplendence will be a sister ship to Riviera Radiance, one of two new vessels launching next year.
Resplendence will be Riviera’s biggest ship, with Grand Balcony suites measuring 32sqm, also the cruise line’s largest ever, each with a separate lounge area. It will also offer superior suites and double cabins with a French balcony.
There will be three dining venues, including a new restaurant called Mosaic offering a selection of bite-sized options, plus a split-level lounge and dining room.
Other facilities include a spa and wellness area, pool, bistro with an open kitchen and a boutique gift shop.
Details of the Resplendence itinerary will be unveiled shortly, said the cruise line, which has seen sales for its two new ships launching next year – Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose – up 20% on the rest of the fleet.
Trading Director Stuart Milan said: “2024 has been an amazing year for us and 2025 has just exploded, off the blocks, it’s been fantastic.”
Revenue for the year to date is up 24% on 2023, while its solo product is up 57%, he said, adding: “That is a massive growth area for us and proves there is a lot of solo capacity out there that we want to take advantage of.”
Revenue through travel agents is up 40% year on year, following a boost in its trade marketing and support teams, including four new account managers.
For 2025, Riviera is 42% ahead of this point last year for 2024, added Stuart. “That has mainly been in river cruise, we are in a really positive position, hence why we are trying to get some 2026 capacity out there as soon as possible to take advantage of that.”
Launching Riviera’s 2026 programme, Product Director Will Sarson also revealed the cruise line will offer free all-inclusive drinks packages from 10am till midnight.
A total of 428 sailings are on offer, including 31 dedicated solo departures. A pre-sale event is open from 18 September 18, with the programme going on general release from 25 September. Prices are frozen at 2025 levels until 18 December.
A £50 per booking incentive on all Europe 2026 river cruise bookings is available for agents from 18 September to 31 October.
Head of Trade and Partnerships for the UK Vicky Billing said the operator is also keen to grow its long-haul business alongside river cruises, so it will be putting on more long-haul fam trips next year.
She also revealed there will be ‘a big launch for the trade’ on 3 October, so watch this space.
The post Riviera reveals new ship for 2026 and free all-inclusive drinks packages appeared first on Travel Gossip.
Continue reading...
