Riviera Travel has announced that MS George Eliot will become the world's first river cruise ship operating exclusively for solo travellers for an entire sailing season from 2027. The ship will offer a full season of solo-exclusive departures, increasing capacity for independent holidaymakers.
The company reported a 66 per cent year-on-year increase in solo river cruise bookings through travel agents, with solo travellers now making up almost 13 per cent of all bookings. Nearly half of these are repeat guests.
Four eight-day itineraries will sail between June and November 2027. These include a 'Blue Danube for Solo Travellers' sailing visiting Vienna, Budapest and Salzburg from £2,899 per person, a Rhine and Moselle sailing from £2,449, and a Rhine, Strasbourg and Heidelberg cruise from £3,499. A 15-day Budapest to Black Sea cruise is also available from £5,699 per person.
The solo sailings will offer opportunities for guests to mingle during cocktail hours and sit together during meals or on their own if they prefer. As part of the launch, Riviera Travel is offering a free upgrade from middle to upper deck on European river cruises departing in 2027, excluding long-haul, for bookings made between 17 September and 31 October 2025, quoting 'Upgrade 27'.
All Riviera Travel cruises include flights and transfers from London and regional airports, full-board dining with a free drinks package, expert-led excursions and onboard wifi. The company will continue offering solo sailings on other ships.
Riviera Travel also announced it will sail on the Mekong River in Asia for the first time in 2027 with the launch of a new ship, Riviera Alba, an all-suite vessel for 50 guests. A 16-day Vietnam, Cambodia and Mekong River Cruise starts from £4,799 per person.
