Riviera Travel Solo River Cruises: A Ship Just for You

 

If you’ve ever thought “I wish there were a river cruise just for solos,” Riviera Travel has just answered that dream. In a landmark announcement, the company revealed that from June 2027, one of its ships, the MS George Eliot, will operate for an entire season exclusively for solo travellers. No single supplements. No sharing. No concessions. Just a river cruise experience designed entirely with independent travellers in mind.

This is not simply a set of solo departures added into a regular cruise schedule – it’s the first time that a European river ship is being dedicated full-time to solo travellers.

Why the Switch? The Rise of Solo Cruising

Riviera notes that solo travel across river cruising is no niche market anymore. They’ve seen a 66 % year-on-year increase in solo cruise bookings through trade partners, with solo travellers now making up about 13 % of all bookings.

Historically, solo cruisers often faced two common hurdles:

  1. Single supplements — paying up to 200 % or more of a full cabin fare, because you’re occupying a cabin meant for two.
  2. Fewer cabin choices / less flexibility — the “leftover” cabins for solos often have the least desirable views or layouts.

Riviera’s new sailings onboard MS George Eliot address both issues. Every cabin is for one; there is no supplement.

What’s Inside MS George Eliot (Solo Edition)

The ship is not a brand-new build – it’s a reimagining of an existing vessel. Even so, Riviera promises it will look and feel like a boutique hotel on water – with features tailored for solo cruising.

Here are some of the highlights:

  • All cabins are double-sized, but for single occupancy
  • A large number of cabins come with French balconies (so you get a view and outdoor connection)
  • Elegant public areas including lounge, bar, sun deck – designed to foster socialising if you want, or solitude when you don’t.
  • A higher crew-to-guest ratio than many river ships, meaning more attentive service per guest.
  • All-inclusive design: meals, excursions, onboard drinks, local guides and most of the essentials built in
  • Carefully curated itineraries along Europe’s classic rivers (Danube, Rhine, Moselle) adapted to give solos a balance of scheduled activity and free time

Because the ship was originally built for more passengers, the fact that it will carry fewer solos per voyage means more space, less crowding, more lounge availability – a subtle but significant comfort advantage.

Sample Itineraries – What You Can Expect

Riviera has already unveiled a few of the solo-only itineraries for MS George Eliot in 2027, many of which are familiar river routes but given a fresh twist for solo travellers.

Some examples:

  • Budapest to the Black Sea (Danube Delta route) – this longer itinerary gives huge variety: gorges, rural landscapes, local villages, multiple countries
  • Heart of Europe route: Rhine, Main & Danube – castles, river towns, imperial capitals
  • Classic shorter cruises like Blue Danube or Rhine & Moselle adapted to solo format

Pricing reflects that this is still a luxury product. But when you factor in the absence of single supplement, full inclusion of excursions/meals, and the high levels of service, the value proposition changes.

Things to Ask Before You Book (get in touch with me – I am happy to help and have lots of experience with Riviera):

  1. Cabin layout and view – check which cabins offer balconies or better views; not all will be equal.
  2. Cruise inclusions – drinks package, shore excursions, gratuities.
  3. Free time vs guided time – solos can enjoy balance.
  4. Booking windows & promotions – early booking, upgrades or promotional offers (Riviera is already offering “free deck upgrades” on some 2027 European sails).
  5. Accessibility / mobility — ensure the ship’s design is appropriate for your mobility needs (I can help with this).

Final Thoughts

Riviera’s decision to designate a full river cruise ship to solo travellers may well mark a turning point in the river cruise industry. It affirms that solo travel is no longer a fringe segment – it’s central, worthy of tailor-made vessels and experiences.

If you’ve been waiting for a solo river cruise that treats you as a priority, not an afterthought, MS George Eliot may be the perfect choice. Watch for booking windows, perform your due diligence on cabin choice and inclusions, and imagine the luxury of owning your own space on Europe’s rivers – without paying for two.

Please get in touch for some advice, offers and more details – see enquiry form below…