Riviera unveils largest-ever river cruise programme for 2026

428 sailings are on offer, on 13 river ships, with 31 dedicated solo departures.

A pre-sale event is open from September 18, 2024, with the programme on general release from September 25. This represents the earliest point at which Riviera has put a new booking year on sale, with the launch made in response to overwhelming demand: booked revenue is currently 51% up for 2025 compared to the same period for 2024.

Riviera also confirmed that 2026 departures are frozen at 2025 prices until December 15, 2024.

In addition, a free all-inclusive drinks package is on offer for all 2026 European cruises. This is available daily from 10am until midnight, and includes wines, beers, cocktails and mocktails, soft drinks and juices, spirits, and tea and coffee.

New themed cruises, all eight days in length, comprise:

* Gardens & Natural Beauty of the Rhine
Featuring a scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge Departing May – October 2026, with prices from £2249pp.

 * Gastronomy of the Danube
 Featuring the choice of a guided tour of Linz with a tasting of Leberkas, Linzer Torte and a local beer, or a full-day tour of Salzburg. Departing April – October 2026, with prices from £2149pp.

 * Gastronomy of the Rhine & Moselle
Featuring the choice of a visit to the Lindt Chocolate Museum for a guided tour and tasting, or a tour of Cologne. Departing April – August 2026, with prices from £2299pp.

 * Gastronomy of the Seine
Featuring a tour of the D-day beaches, Arromanches and the 'longest day' museum. Departing April – October 2026, with prices from £1999pp.

 * Music & Art of the Blue Danube
Guided tours in Vienna, Dürnstein, Bratislava and Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. Departing April – October 2026, with prices from £1999pp.

A new 16 days upstream or 15 days downstream Vietnam, Cambodia & Hidden Treasures of the Mekong cruise and tour, will depart January to November 2026. Prices start from £4599pp.

A new eight-day ‘Medieval Germany for Solo Travellers’ river cruise will visit Mainz, Würzburg, Rothenburg, Miltenberg, Wertheim, Bamberg and Nuremberg. Departing August 2026, with prices from £3249pp.