I recently sailed on Riviera’s MS William Wordsworth in December along the Danube. As a first time river cruiser, I wanted to share the things I noticed about sailing with Riviera Travel, along with a few helpful tips if you are considering a cruise with them in the future.
First Impressions and Attention to Detail
The attention to detail on board really stood out. The ship was beautifully decorated for Christmas and felt very festive throughout the cruise. After just one meal, the waiters already knew our drinks preferences, including which wine we liked.
The staff were both professional and friendly, which immediately made the experience feel relaxed and welcoming. Each evening there was chocolate left on the pillow, and the Captain introduced the crew so we knew who everyone was, which was a lovely personal touch.
Onboard Entertainment and Atmosphere
Entertainment on a river cruise is very different to an ocean cruise. There is not a lot happening during the day if you are looking to be constantly entertained. In the evenings, there was a resident singer and pianist, a couple of quizzes, and a string quartet while we were in Vienna. After the singer finished, there was a disco each evening.
If you enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, the entertainment works really well. The mood on board was very nice, and the other passengers were friendly and chatty. I would be quite happy to do this type of cruise as a solo traveller.
Food and Dining Experience
The food on board was great. Breakfast offered a very good buffet selection, while lunch and dinner had a couple of menu choices. The meals were beautifully presented and very tasty.
If you have any dietary requirements, these would need to be advised to the operator in advance, as main meals would need to be specially catered and tailored to suit.
Excursions and Guided Tours
The only excursions offered on our cruise were city sightseeing tours and walking trips, and I found both to be very good. The coach journeys were not too long and gave you a good feel for each city.
The guides were fluent in English, so there was no issue understanding the commentary. Their knowledge was excellent, and they shared interesting facts and details that you would not discover if you were exploring on your own. I would definitely recommend taking part in these excursions.
Service on Board
The service from all the staff was exceptional. I felt completely comfortable asking for help or making requests. The cabin attendant helped me with my coffee machine when I was pressing the wrong button (whoops!), and the bar staff always did their best to accommodate requests, including making Baby Guinness shots that were not on the menu.
One afternoon, we took a bottle of champagne from our cabin and sat in the lounge. The staff brought us an ice bucket and glasses without us even asking. Reception staff were also very helpful when booking treatments in the spa.
Practical Tips to Consider
One important thing to consider is mobility. Because of the way river ships dock, anyone with severe mobility issues may not be able to leave the ship, so it is worth checking suitability before booking.
The drinks included were plenty in my view. The bar was not open in the afternoon, but drinks were included with lunch and from 6pm onwards. Tea and coffee were available all day. Riviera are moving to an all-inclusive offering from 2026 on most of their cruises too.
Cabins and Onboard Facilities
We stayed in a suite with a French balcony, which was lovely as it allowed fresh air into the cabin. Personally, I would not mind which cabin grade I stayed in, as we did not spend a huge amount of time in the cabin. I think in the summer, a balcony cabin would be nice if you wanted some quiet time and to enjoy the views.
In summer, I imagine these cruises would be beautiful, sitting on the sun deck with a drink and a book, watching the world go by. The pools are very small whirlpools, so they are not suitable if you are looking for large pools or lots of onboard activities. These cruises are really about relaxation and being docked in towns so you can easily step off and explore. They have an exclusive, boutique feel.
Festive Cruises and Christmas Markets
If you enjoy Christmas markets, festive themed cruises are a great option. You dock right in the town, and the markets are usually only a very short walk from the ship, which makes them easy and enjoyable to visit.
If you’re feeling inspired to book your own river cruise or want to know a bit more about river cruising – I’d be happy to help, just send over a message or give me a call!