Riviera Travel to launch new river ship in 2026

The 178-guest Riviera Resplendence will be a sister ship to Riviera Radiance, which launches next year.

Riviera Resplendence will feature three dining venues, including a new restaurant called Mosaic, offering a selection of bite-sized options inspired by the rivers of Europe. Guests will be able to choose from the Market menu – comprising meat and fish dishes – or the vegetarian and vegan-focused Garden menu.

Elsewhere, a split-level lounge and dining room will provide more guest space.

The ship’s Grand Balcony suites will measure 32sqm, the operator’s largest ever, with a separate lounge area and balcony with seating. Superior Suites and Double Cabins with a French balcony will also be available.

Other facilities include a spa and wellness area, pool, bistro with an open kitchen and a boutique gift shop.

As with Riviera Radiance, the ship is also designed to qualify for the Gold Standard in the Green Awards programme for shipping, which sets out independently verified standards in safety and environmental performance.

Itinerary information will be unveiled shortly.

The announcement comes as Riviera has also revealed that sales for its two ships which launch next year - Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose - are 20% up on the rest of the fleet since they went live.

Will Sarson, product director at Riviera, said: “We’re thrilled to reveal this latest addition to our river cruise fleet, which further underlines our commitment to delivering a high-quality onboard experience for our guests. There will be a wealth of new facilities and features to enjoy, while we’ll also ensure we maintain the distinct elements of a Riviera ship that have proved so popular over the years.

“We are determined to keep pace with ever-increasing demand for our cruises, and at the same time making certain everything we do – both on and off our ships – is unmistakably Riviera.”