Riviera Travel has announced that its river cruise ship, MS George Eliot, will become the world’s first vessel to operate exclusively for solo travellers for an entire sailing season. The ship will offer solo-only departures from June to November 2027, with four eight-day itineraries including the Blue Danube, Rhine and Moselle, and Rhine, Strasbourg and Heidelberg. Prices start from £2,449 per person.
The move comes as Riviera Travel reports a 66 per cent year-on-year increase in solo river cruise bookings through travel agents, with solo travellers now representing nearly 13 per cent of all bookings. Almost half of these are repeat customers. The solo sailings will include dedicated cocktail hours and flexible seating arrangements for meals.
As part of the launch, the company is offering a free upgrade from middle to upper deck on European river cruises departing in 2027, excluding long-haul. The offer is valid for bookings made between 17 September and 31 October 2025, and customers must quote “Upgrade 27” when booking. All cruises include flights, transfers, full-board dining, a drinks package, expert-led excursions and onboard wifi.
Riviera Travel also announced that it will sail on the Mekong River in Asia for the first time in 2027 with a new all-suite ship, Riviera Alba, carrying 50 guests. The 16-day Vietnam, Cambodia and Mekong River Cruise starts at £4,799 per person.
Phil Hullah, chief executive of Riviera Travel, said: “This is a landmark moment not only for Riviera but for the river cruise industry as a whole. The launch of MS George Eliot, the first river cruise ship to operate exclusively for solo guests, allows us to offer independent travellers a choice and focus that no other operator provides.”
