How to sell the Rhone, by agents on a Riviera fam trip

Commenting on the ship’s new look, Travel Counsellor Tracie Cooke says: “I am pleasantly surprised by Lord Byron. I love the restful colour palette and seamless blend of contemporary styling with the use of wood and brass, ensuring a more traditional “ship-like” feel. I also appreciate the space and being able to move between tables and chairs without encroaching on other guests’ space. The ship never feels overcrowded.”

Carol Smith, Your Holiday Booking, agrees: “The ship has lots of spacious places to lounge, dine and indulge in activities, whether you want to be alone or mix with fellow passengers. The lounge area is the go-to for meeting up with fellow cruisers.”

The beauty of sailing with Riviera is that there are no hidden costs, everything is included: flights and transfers, luggage, WiFi and daily onshore excursions with engaging local guides, something Riviera prides itself on. On the Burgundy, River Rhone and Provence cruise, guests can experience a guided walking tour of Lyon; take a cruise along the Saone; enjoy tasting sessions in Burgundy’s wine capital Beaune; and enjoy trips to the mighty Ardeche Gorges and captivating Arles. There’s also an excursion to the Pont du Gard, where we swim in the river underneath the incredible Roman aqueduct, a real highlight for us all.

Talking about the excursions, Jacqueline Davis of The Holiday Village, says: “Arles was one of my favourite places to visit. Our guide for the morning was lovely, engaging and very knowledgeable. It was Van Gogh’s city, where the legendary artist stopped off one night on the way to Marseille and never left. He made it his home and painted his famous work there.”

She adds: “Pont du Gard – oh, my! Definitely one to visit. Take a walk across the aqueduct, where the views of the gorge are just stunning. I cooled down with a swim in the River Gardon. There are some steep steps down to the river, so less-able guests may struggle, however it’s well worth the effort.”

DINE IN STYLE

Back onboard, guests can indulge in fine dining. Breakfast and evening dinner are taken on the Ruby Deck, home to the main restaurant. Here, chefs create enticing daily menus that change throughout the eight-day cruise. Breakfast combines buffet with a la carte options, while for lunch there’s a la carte and a live cooking station. In the evening, the space is transformed into an elegant dining spot. There’s no set table plan or reservations, giving guests the flexibility to mix things up throughout the cruise. For those who don’t want the full three-course lunch offering, a light lunch is served every day in the magnificent panoramic observation lounge on the Diamond Deck.

Reflecting on the food, Hays Travel Leanne Buckingham says: “The food is fantastic and service is very attentive without feeling stuffy. Waiters are very accommodating of fussy eaters and are happy to adapt dishes to suit.”

With its centrepiece bar, the Diamond Deck is the hub of the ship. It’s here that guests meet for daily briefings about excursions, socialise with fellow travellers and take in the magnificent views of the Rhone. Whether travelling as a couple, group or solo, it’s a friendly, welcoming space. By day a pianist entertains guests, but by evening time entertainment is more mixed with quizzes, singers and live music.

Carolyn Ellis of Designer Travel comments: “It would be nice to see a little more variety in terms of entertainment although it seemed very fitting for the clientele.”

However, there is alternative entertainment in the form of the waterways’ locks. “We were lucky to pass through the Bollene Lock around 11pm one night and we were all out on the forward viewing area of the Sun Deck. It’s the deepest lock in France and can hold over 50 million litres of water. A fellow passenger put on a water-themed playlist to enhance this amazing experience and it’s something I’ll never forget,” recalls Carol Smith.

UNFORGETTABLE VIEWS

The Sun Deck is a highlight for many of the agents, with plenty of sunbeds, comfortable chairs and tables, a small plunge pool, deck games and a putting green. Leanne Buckingham says: “The sundeck is a delightful place to watch the world go by. I’ve always been able to get a sun lounger and I like being able to pop down to the bistro for a coffee at any time. The pace onboard the ship feels very relaxing. It’s a very friendly environment with other passengers and crew always happy to chat.”

Tracie Cooke adds: “I am pleasantly surprised by the amount of space on the sun deck. I really like the pool for a refreshing dip and the putting green is popular with guests. It’s a really convivial deck, somewhere to appreciate the peace and relax while you cruise along the river.”

From start to finish, it’s the staff that really enhance the Riviera journey. Every staff member works hard front of house and behind the scenes to ensure a faultless guest experience. Carol Smith says: “All the staff on the ship are hospitable and kind, nothing is too much trouble for them. They are a credit to the Lord Byron – it’s been excellent service all round.”

Book it: Riviera Travel offers the eight-day Burgundy, River Rhone & Provence itinerary from April to October 2025 from £1,699pp, based on twin-share and departure on 23 October 2025. Includes all meals onboard and superior drinks package, five guided tours, plus return flights from a selection of regional airports or return Eurostar/TGV from London St Pancras; rivieratravel.co.uk/agents