New River Cruise Ship for Riviera Travel in 2026

Riviera Travel has announced plans to expand its river cruise fleet in 2026 with the launch of a brand-new ship, the Riviera Resplendence. Accommodating 178 guests, the vessel will be a sister ship to the Riviera Radiance, which is set to debut next year.

New Dining Experiences and Spacious Suites

Riviera Resplendence will offer three dining venues, including a new addition, Mosaic, a restaurant inspired by European rivers. Mosaic will serve bite-sized dishes with a choice between two unique menus – the Market menu, which will feature a selection of meat and fish options, and the Garden menu, designed for vegetarian and vegan guests.

Other standout features of the ship include a split-level lounge and dining room, providing ample space for guests to relax and socialise. The Grand Balcony suites will be Riviera’s largest ever at 32sqm, offering a separate lounge area and a spacious balcony with seating. In addition, Superior Suites and Double Cabins with French balconies will be available, providing a range of luxury options to suit every traveller.

Onboard Amenities and Eco-Friendly Design

The ship will also be equipped with a spa and wellness area, a pool, a bistro with an open kitchen, and a boutique gift shop, ensuring plenty of onboard activities and leisure options for all guests.

Riviera Resplendence is designed to meet the Gold Standard in the Green Awards programme, an independently verified certification that recognises excellence in safety and environmental performance. This eco-friendly approach aligns with Riviera Travel’s commitment to sustainable cruising, ensuring minimal environmental impact while delivering a premium experience.

Growing Demand for Riviera’s Cruises

This exciting announcement comes as Riviera Travel sees a surge in bookings for two ships launching next year, the Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose. Both vessels have seen sales increase by 20% compared to the rest of the fleet since becoming available for booking, reflecting the growing popularity of river cruising.

A Word from Riviera Travel

Will Sarson, Riviera’s product director, commented on the news:

“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.”

He added:

“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.”

Details about Riviera Resplendence’s itineraries are expected to be released soon, with more updates on the ship’s launch scheduled for the coming months.

For more information, visit rivieratravel.co.uk or call 01283 523431.