riviera travel yacht cruise reviews

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What it’s really like to go on a yacht cruise in Croatia – from idyllic swim stops to local cuisine

Author: Lucy Abbott

Published on: 21 September 2022

Updated on: 26 September 2022

Lucy Abbott joins Riviera Travel to sail the Split, Hvar and the Delights of Dalmatia itinerary, and discovers the beauty of a relaxing yacht cruise.

Standing on the dedicated swim platform at the rear of MS Mendula, I gaze out at the crystal-clear Adriatic sea, as majestic mountains frame the sky and the peaceful rocky beach lies ahead. I can’t help but jump in, breaking the peaceful water and joining an array of colourful fish. I pinch myself to double check this is real life and not an amazing dream that will rudely be interrupted by my alarm clock. Swimming further out, I look back to admire Riviera Travel’s stunning MS Mendula, the 30-guest twin-mastered yacht.

The start of an adventure

I join this vessel on an itinerary that is crafted to sail to lesser-visited ports and one that focuses on relaxation – all of this is delivered and more, helped by the ship’s petite size, which allows us to access ports of call not visited by larger ships. Stepping on board for the first time truly feels like the beginning of an adventure. Although small, with just one dining venue, the ship features everything needed for a week’s adventure and more.

Exploring the ship further, glossy wooden interiors, plush blue seating and expansive open-air areas greet me.

Beyond these public areas, my room (an A-class cabin) is conveniently located in the middle of three decks – on the same level as the dining room and swimming platform.

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There are four other A-class cabins on the same level, featuring a high-pressure shower, twin, double or single bed, air conditioning as well as plenty of under-bed storage for a suitcase. Above on the top deck are three A+ cabins, which are the same size as the A class, each with twin beds. Here, guests can enjoy top deck views through one port hole window and one opening window. The most budget-friendly option is the B class, located in the lower deck, with two porthole windows for plenty of sea gazing and daydreaming. After only a few hours on board, I can safely say this is shaping up to be my dream cruise, and, with a week in which to take it all in, I can finally live out my yacht fantasies.

Soaking up the yacht cruise experience

A massive benefit to sailing on a Riviera Travel yacht cruise itineraries is that all the excursions are included within the price. So, I’m looking forward to a mix of locally guided excursions and cultural experiences in our ports of call – Brac, Bol, Jelsa, Korcula, Vis, Hvar and Trogir. After my morning of a buffet-style breakfast with my newfound friends and a quick swim, we pull into the first port of call – Brac. The main trades in Brac are olive oil and wine, which is evident by the constant flurry of olive oil trees and vineyards we pass. After absorbing the magnificent panoramic view, we head over to a quaint olive oil restaurant to partake in an olive oil tasting. Although I personally cannot stomach the idea of drinking a spoonful of olive oil, when combined with sea salt, fresh tomatoes and soft bread, I feel as if I am in foodie heaven.

The split between guided tours and independent discovery is perfect. On our visit to Bol, we have the choice between exploring quaint alleys and coffee shops in the centre or walking to one of the most famous beaches in Croatia – Zlatni Rat. This perfect balance is crafted by our cruise director, Pina, who possesses so much information about each port of call that I am left in amazement as to how she keeps all this in her head. She also has the ability to think on her feet as she changes our e-bike tour of Hvar to a wine tasting.

In fact, Pina thinks of this cruise itinerary as her “baby”, adding: “There was a huge interest with people who have already travelled in Croatia, so why don’t we come up with a really relaxing journey where it is just us, and we have all that peace.” Speaking of peace and quiet, before we depart to our final port of call, we stop for one last swim. As I float in the serene water dreaming of my next yacht cruise, I wish I could bottle the feeling, as I know this will be an experience I will remember forever.

Win a personalised cruise map from The Cruise Maps

The may/june issue of world of cruising is out now, celebrity apex makes southampton home port debut, star on board: frank bruno mbe, win a no-fly cruise for two to france and belgium, the big interview: holland america line’s karen farndell and nico bleichrodt.

Gloria Gaynor to join Crystal Serenity cruise

Competition: win a seven-night mediterranean cruise with princess cruises, riviera travel unveils new 2024 themed river cruises, carnival firenze christened in long beach, about lucy abbott.

Lucy is a cruise journalist who has sailed on a variety of ships, from expedition to river – with her favourite being expedition cruising.

Lucy is interested in new sustainable ways to cruise as well as how cruising is becoming accessible for all.

She works together with Kaye Holland to keep the World of Cruising website up to date with all the latest cruise news.

Dubrovnik, Split and Jewels of the Dalmatian Coast Yacht Cruise - MV Corona

• 7 nights, departs on the 15 Aug 2024
• Riviera Travel, MV Corona
• Dubrovnik , Mljet Island , Korčula + 5 more

Venice, Split and treasures of the North - MS Stella Maris

• 7 nights, departs on the 06 Jun 2024
• Riviera Travel, MS Stella Maris
• Venice, Venice, Umag, + 5 more

Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca River Cruise - MS Riviera Rose

• 7 nights, departs on the 12 Aug 2025
• Riviera Travel, MS Riviera Rose
• Porto, Régua, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, + 5 more

Douro, Porto and Salamanca River Cruise - MS Douro Elegance

• 7 nights, departs on the 09 Oct 2025
• Riviera Travel, MS Douro Elegance
• Porto, Régua, , + 5 more

Burgundy, the River Rhone and Provence River Cruise with Lake Geneva and Golden Pass Extension - MS William Shakespeare

• 9 nights, departs on the 11 Jul 2024
• Riviera Travel, MS William Shakespeare
• Lyon, Lyon, Mâcon, + 15 more

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Riviera River Cruises   Reviews

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Reviews 4.1.

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Awful Douro cruise

Awful from start to finish cold food at Breakfast Luke warm lunch and dinner poor entertainment excursions not worth going on ship small small cabin nowhere to hang your clothes nowhere to put your shoes very poor value for money in compensation for such a bad experience they offered vouchers off another cruise no cash drinks package£99 per person no choice of wine just wine of the day so if you didnt like it there wasnt an alternative i wouldn't recommend to anyone.

Date of experience : 17 October 2023

Excellent with flawless customer service

Excellent! We took our 3rd Riviera Cruise. This time, we brought along my parents-in-law for a week long cruise along the River Douro in Portugal. The service, particularly that of the wonderful cruise director (Kassima), was nigh perfect from beginning to end. The tours were excellently selected and ensured that we got the most from the sites and port cellars we visited. We have since booked another tour with Riviera for the first quarter of 2024. Highly, highly recommended!

Date of experience : 07 October 2023

Fabulous relatively new ship

Fabulous relatively new ship, very comfortable cabin and beautiful food. Liked the separate bistro restaurant, and at breakfast cooked menu was freshly prepared. Wine also available reasonably by the glass. Initially I was perturbed that at most destinations arrival was not until after lunch. On reflection this was not a bad thing, we had plenty of time at each stop and allowed us to relax more. Two criticisms. 1. Soup without a soup spoon and cereal from a soup bowl is not what you expect from a five star claim (problems of the first world!). 2. More-so, I am majorly critical of the request for gratuities. Firstly most cruise liners include and secondly the cruise company should be paying a proper wage where the employee is not reliant on the generosity of guests. After all we pay substantially and this is the 21st century! Finally this type of river cruise is very much for the older less active clientele, so be warned!

Date of experience : 20 September 2023

Really? Can't bother looking it up yourself? Duoro river.

1. Overall boring. The story of port repeated daily ad nauseum. 2. Food was awful tasteless British cooking, no regional fare, not even the basic - linguisa or salt cod. 3. On ship entertainment was absurd. A phony cooking demo and origami towel folding. Fado? Never heard of it? 4. Several employees treated passengers like children, specifically a director whose name I can't remember - Anthony, Antonio? Childish himself and talked down. 5. Tour leader, male, also can't remember name. Enormous ego. Became rude on an excursion when asked to use the microphone unit before he thought it was needed. 6. All inclusive should mean just that. Don't tell me I must tip and and exactly how much.

Date of experience : 04 November 2022

Not as advertised

Sneaking in a major change to the itinerary, without a word of explanation or apology, meant the boat was berthed in the suburbs of Antwerp for three nights instead of one. The official explanation weeks afterwards ought to form part of their publicity blurb because I for one would not have booked had I known about the unreliability of their river management. Taxis (the drivers were pals of the ship’s crew and had neither sign nor meter) were essential to reach civilisation and cost a fortune. The restaurant staff were exceptional. The “entertainment” was dire as were the packed lunches. All in all, this was not so much a river cruise as a tortuous coach trip.

Date of experience : 04 April 2023

Reply from Riviera River Cruises

would you let me know which departure you are referring to or a booking number.

Riviera River cruise on the Danube

We enjoyed our beautiful stateroom on our Riviera River cruise. The Staff is friendly and accommodating. The food was great. The tour director was helpful and informative. He and his team made sure we really enjoyed our Danube River cruise. We cruised past small Hungarian and Austrian villages, castles and vineyards. The October landscape was gorgeous with fall colors.

Date of experience : 08 October 2022

Fabulous !!!!!

We have recently been on the Budapest to Vienna river cruise. One word - wow!!!!! Loved every single moment - the best holiday ever. The staff were amazing - especially Raoul and Karen - the boat was immaculate and the food was superb. I cannot criticise anything and I wouldn't hesitate to book again- amazing 😻

Date of experience : 21 April 2023

River Duro - Douro Splendour

Can't fault Riviera Travel for an efficient customer service. Through no fault of the Company our cruise had to be changed. All the re-arrangements were made swiftly and smoothly. Although our original dates were for special reasons, we were grateful for the delay as the weather was brilliant! The Cruise itself and excursions were what we had expected and will look to go again sometime in the future. Helena, Andrea, Jose and Daniella to name but a few made our trip so enjoyable and relaxing. The Douro Splendour crew and staff also looked after us well and most obliging. We even had personal message from Phil Hullah apologising for the disappointment of the delay but everything worked in our favour.

Date of experience : 23 April 2023

Thank you so much for taking the time to give us this review. Look forward to welcoming you bak again

Cruise ship: MS William Wordsworth

Cruise: Budapest to Black Sea: the ship was spacious, airy, very comfortable. Staff were professional yet friendly and very welcoming. Food was good, lots of options, and catered well for food allergies. Entertainment ok. Daily briefings plus information sheets were very useful, as was the 'daily news' sheets. It would have been nice if Riviera advertised the 'extras' on Deck 3 as we would have booked that rather than the drinks package which we felt was quite expensive for what and when you could use it. Also, the trip to Bucharest was a waste of time due to heavy traffic - not sure how they could get round this though. All in all a really enjoyable cruise.

Date of experience : 26 May 2023

The entire staff was very polite and…

The entire staff was very polite and friendly, always smiling. They made us happy to be there. The tours were very interesting and each one led by knowledgeable, professional guides. The food was much better than on another river boat company I had chosen (because it was cheaper). It wasn't worth the saving; it's not something you do everyday. I'd choose and recommend Riviera River Cruises again.

Date of experience : 24 October 2022

last minute itinerary change

we are going on our first Riviera river cruise next week and very disappointed that the itinerary is already changed with 3 nights in Antwerp rather than cruising to Gent. if I had wanted a coach holiday I would have booked one. Hope the rest of our experience is better.

Date of experience : 13 April 2023

I am sure you will have a great time on board. Unfortunately the locks/water affects all river cruises not just Riviera. Please review again when you return.

Exceptional experience

Just come off our first ever river cruise on the Emily Brontë from Budapest. It was exceptional from start to finish. From the superb cabin, the staff (lead by the attention to detail Christian and our fabulous tour director Peter) nothing was too much trouble. The excursions, food and amenities were everything we had hoped for. They even laid on shuttle buses to take us into Budapest on our last day, as our flight was late in the evening. Could not fault a thing. We are looking forward to sailing with Riviera again in hopefully, the not too distant future.

Date of experience : 10 October 2022

We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise on the MS Emily Bronte

We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise on the MS Emily Bronte from Budapest. The ship is gorgeous. Although we had done a similar itinerary on another cruise line, the excursions were unique enough we got to experience different sites. We loved the morning in Dürnstein, Austria, what a pretty medieval village. The food was plentiful, with lots of choices. Always delicious . The staff were friendly, attentive and eager to please. Looking forward to another voyage soon!

A Wonderful First Timer Experience

The ship experience was fantastic. The crew were absolutely wonderful. We enjoyed the dining and were particularly impressed with the gluten-free options. The staterooms packed in the amenities and storage. As you are looking to grow the U.S. market, I would focus on pre-travel documents. Most lines will do luggage tags and pre-travel info will be specific to the U.S. My documents said, "As you head back to the UK. As small thing but something to consider for the future.

Thank you Carolyn for taking the time to give us your review. Very good point about the documents and the reference to travelling back to the UK vs US - we will get this implemented moving forward.

We enjoyed the Douro Cruise very much

We enjoyed the Douro Cruise very much. Accommodation and food was very good. The only issue was upon disembarking there was confusion as we were travelling on our own Porto to Lisbon, being picked up at 8.30 a.m. We were told luggage was to be left outside our suite and they would be taken up to reception area. Even though we mentioned this to reception, our luggage was not brought up and we had to bring it up ourselves. To avoid this happpening to someone else, we suggest Reception and Tour Guide are aware of passnegers travelling on their own and not on the Riviera transportation.

Date of experience : 22 May 2022

Riviera River Cruise is the BEST!

Riviera River Cruise is unbelievable well run from start to finish. The accommodations, the staff, the food and the tours were beyond belief. We HIGHLY recommend this cruise line and would be thrilled to travel with them again. There are no hidden fees or EXTRA cost other than if you want the beverage package for alcoholic beverages more than what is offered.

Date of experience : 16 December 2019

Five star luxury on the Oscar Wilde

I have just returned from a Rhine river cruise to Switzerland for solo travellers on the MS Oscar Wilde. Everything about this ship is truly five star. The food is wonderful and the service throughout was exceptional. I cant praise all of the crew highly enough. I have brought back some wonderful memories and have already booked the Douro cruise for next year

Date of experience : 18 July 2023

Thank you Marie for taking the time to write a review on Riviera - i am very proud to work for this company which as you know first hand offers an exceptional product for extremely competitive prices. So glad you have re-booked already. Marilyn Conroy

First River Cruise

Althought not my first cruise, this was my first river cruise. The accommodations were very comfortable and bathroom was spacious. The food and wine was excellent! The staff was very friendly, fun and attentive!! The tours were amazing. I really enjoyed visting so many small towns and historical sites. I can't wait for my next river cruise experience :-)

Date of experience : 19 July 2022

Liked it, but won't do it again

I enjoyed the cruise, but found the staff when I boarded less friendly. The staff seemed to cater to the couples, with chat and smiles, while my food, for instance, was dropped before me with a "bon appetit" on the shoulder. I could hardly wait to get out of the dining room except during buffets. However, the food was wonderful, and the excursions very well organized.

Date of experience : 25 October 2022

Working with Riviera River Cruises is like working with a friend.

Working with Riviera River Cruises is such a pleasure. The staff is knowledgeable and caring. They take things to the next level. Our Croatia Yacht cruise was a once in a lifetime experience. Great staff, fabulous food and a crew that makes your trip a memorable experience from onboad to the shore excursions.

Date of experience : 11 September 2022

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RIVIERA TRAVEL MV CORONA ADRIATIC 7 DAY... - Adriatic Coast

• Europe    
• Croatia    
• Dalmatia    
• Sibenik-Knin County    
• Sibenik    
• Sibenik - Things to Do    
• Adriatic Coast

Wonderful place to relax and unwind. Beautiful vistas, great hiking/walks around the cities... read more

Had no idea that the Adriatic Coast would be as beautiful as it was... knew it would be nice, of... read more

RIVIERA TRAVEL MV CORONA ADRIATIC 7 DAY CRUISE

An excellent holiday from beginning to end on the MV Corona boat along the gorgeous Adriatic coast. SO well organised with a brilliant group leader, Serge, who stayed with us all the time, giving us help and advice and interesting information along the way. The boat was clean, comfortable with friendly crew and tasty meals. The islands, towns and cities we visited were all unspoilt and full of historical atmosphere. Can't wait to return !!

The Croatian Coast was so beautiful and each village we visited was different and unique in its offering. The water is salty and so buoyant so no feat jumping off the back of your boat for a swim. Crystal clear waters and brilliant sunshine everyday! Food was great, service in restaurants friendly and efficient. Prices pretty good!

An interesting part of the world that has a lot more people visiting than say 10 years ago. It definitely has become a hot destination judging by the crowds I experienced in some ports like Split and Dubrovnik.

We were on the new Aquamarin's maiden voyage from Split to Dubrovnik June 10 - 17, 2017. The boat is beautiful and gets a Five Star rating. The Adriatic Coast and the islands we visited were gorgeous. Breakfasts on the boat were good and the crew friendly. The island tours were interesting and the guides very good. Our cabin (#11) was very comfortable with a king size bed. We didn't have any complaints with our cabin or bathroom. The only complaint was our food was not very good. We have been on many small boat cruises and most people, including us, rave about the food. But this trip, the food was not what we have come to expect, probably because the crew was new. Breakfast was good. We had lunch on board every day and only two dinners on board the ship. I think I would book a Katarina cruise again because I think it is the best way to see the Adriatic Coast.

Highly recommend this cruise, ship and crew. This was an 8 day cruise around the islands in the Norther Adriatic leaving from Opatijia. Each day provided a beautiful swimming spot and the overnight stops on different islands were sensational. We had two days of bad weather but our captain found us sheltered spots and always had our safety in mind. We had breakfast and lunch on board and the food was good and plentiful and it was fun n exploring the towns on the islands for dinner. Our cabin was comfortable with a double bed and ensuite, air conditioning and cupboard space. Our cabin was on the deck and I would recommend choosing this option. Being in the north we avoided all the party boats and slept soundly every night. The crew were superb, hard working and friendly, the boat was well maintained with plenty of shade, comfortable seating and sun baking areas. I highly recommend this cruise and in particular this boat and crew.

Scenic roads, beautiful views! Take your time to drive through coast, watch the sunset, enjoy the Adriatic Sea.

CAPTURED TRAVEL

Cruise Review: Riviera Travel – Rhine River Cruise

The Rhine River in Germany evokes romantic feelings, with each twist and turn taking you further into a fairy-tale land voyage. The banks are full of picturesque castles, quaint towns with towering cathedrals and formidable fortresses presiding over the river from the surrounding hilltops.

In the early morning, when a dawn mist wafts gently over the river, you can hear the sound of the birds twitter cheerfully from the riverbanks. Breaking through the mist are castles and ruins of heavenly towers. As the day breaks and the first rays of sunshine shimmer on the gently flowing waters of the Rhine, the sun’s sparkling highlights bounce off the fine droplets of dew covering the vineyards.

The magical and romantic atmosphere of the Rhine is almost impossible to resist. Even around 200 years ago, painters and poets of the Romantic period discovered the fairy-tale beauty of these river landscapes between Lake Constance and the Dutch border. Philosopher Friedrich von Schlegel was impressed by the “proud castles on wild cliffs”, while poet Heinrich von Kleist spoke of the “most beautiful expanse of land in Germany where our great gardeners have so clearly worked con amore”.

Painters such as William Turner picked up their brushes to capture the magic of these landscapes for posterity. Poets including Friedrich Hölderlin and Heinrich Heine were inspired to pen lyrical verses. With artists in the role of pioneers, the Rhine’s reputation as a travel destination grew. By the start of the 19th century, a visit to the Rhine region was the highlight of the “grand tours” by English high society.

The sight of the Middle Rhine between Bingen and Bonn, carving a narrow passage through the Rheinish Slate Mountains, with vine-covered slopes, knight’s castles, magnificent palaces and quaint fishing villages thrilled the hearts of the early romantics. Today, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley from Bingen to Koblenz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Lorelei and the legendary slate rock near St. Goarshausen, on which the blonde-haired woman is said to have sat, are the epitome of Rhine romance. The legend was invented by poet Clemens Brentano, and made famous by his literary colleague Heinrich Heine. In the version widely known today, the hapless maiden sits high on a rock, combing her blonde hair and waiting for ships that she can lure to their doom. She is wreaking revenge on her lover, who had betrayed her and attempted to escape on the Rhine. The story also has a very real background.

The place where Lorelei is said to have wreaked her mischief sits at the narrowest and most hazardous point of the Rhine, and in days gone by countless mariners capsized here in their compact flat wooden boats known as “barks”. Today, the 132-metre-high Lorelei slate rock is a viewpoint with a visitors’ centre. Breathtaking panoramic views over the Rhine Valley, the towns of St. Goarshausen with Katz Castle, and the neighbouring town of St. Goar and Rheinfels Castle are guaranteed.

There is no better way to experience this captivating river region than with Riviera Travel on board a river cruise. The 8-day Rhine, Strasbourg and Heidelberg cruise on MS George Eliot takes you on the Rhine River to explore on guided tours including Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Cologne, Rüdesheim, Boppard, Mainz and Koblenz, and a visit to Colmar.

With all cabins boasting river views, you only need to unpack once while visiting multiple destinations. Everything is taken care of with all meals on board from dinner on your day of arrival through to breakfast on your day of departure, welcome cocktails, a welcome dinner and the Captain’s Dinner.

If you are travelling solo, there are exclusive deals so you won’t feel left out, and between the other guests onboard and the friendly staff, you will never be alone.

Cruise Itinerary Name: Rhine, Strasbourg and Heidelberg departing on 05 October 2022

Cruise Ship: MS George Eliot – Built in 2019 – 36 Crew – 132 Passengers – 5 Star Rating

Departing From: Cologne

Cruising To: Cologne on the Rhine River

Ports of Call: Koblenz, Boppard, Mainz, Mannheim, Heidelberg, Speyer, Strasbourg, Colmar, Rüdesheim, Cologne

Cabin Booked: Diamond Deck (Upper), Cabin Number – 307

Before your departure, Riviera Travel provides you with a detailed portfolio of your cruise. This includes the ship’s contact details, a map of the arrival port and how to get there, the daily itinerary and useful information like health regulations, money, phone, what to pack and more.

Checking in is done on the day onboard the ship, where you will receive your cruise card used as a room key and for going on and off the ship. Guests are asked to contact the ship on the arrival day to re-confirm the mooring point, as these are occasionally subject to change. In this instance, we were told that the ship had not reached the embarkation point on the day and we were to embark at a different city location. The Riviera Travel and ship staff were fantastic in keeping us up to date on this, contacting us constantly via phone and messages.

The five-star MS George Eliot gets her name from one of the leading English novelists of the 19th century. Measuring 110 meters long, the ship is like a luxury floating hotel with its elegant lobby and marble floor. Its exquisite furnishings include sustainable hardwood furniture, intricate wrought-iron work, polished copper and brass railings, soft leather seating and tasteful Italian fabrics.

With different seating areas, inside and outside, there is plenty of space to relax and enjoy your voyage.

The five-star ship is further enhanced by the five-star service from the English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides, including the Riviera Travel cruise director and concierge. In total, there are 36 staff onboard and when full, just 132 guests, making it an intimate cruising experience.

From anywhere on the ship, you have views of the spectacular scenery so you won’t miss a thing. I found the best place to get 360-degree views was the top deck. Here there is plenty of seating ranging from deck chairs to sofa lounges. There is even a plunge pool (heated) and a mini golf course for added entertainment.

Although it is a luxury cruise, there is a casual approach to the dress code with smart/casual acceptable. For those who like to dress up, the Captain’s Dinner offers the opportunity to wear dressier attire.

The electrical sockets on board are all European electrical sockets, 220 volts (except for the socket in your bathroom, which is both 120 and 230 volts). There is a gift shop onboard where you can purchase souvenirs and even a hairdresser, with bookings essential.

Cruising on MS George Eliot is a full-board service, with all meals included. You can purchase a drinks package, allowing the choice of draught beer, non-alcoholic beer, soft drinks, juices, red, white and rosé house wines; and recommended wines from the menu, all by the glass. Drinks on this package are available with lunch and dinner in the ship’s restaurants. Any drinks not listed above along with all drinks ordered in the bar are charged to your onboard account.

In the morning a full buffet breakfast is available, lunch is a buffet and dinner is served a la carte – all on a free seating policy. The welcome dinner and the captain’s dinner are served at a single sitting, whereas other dining times may vary according to your itinerary and daily excursions. The ship caters for most dietary requirements and a vegan menu is always available.

Located on the Diamond Deck (Upper), the Standard cabin is one of the Riviera Plus cabins (upper deck cabin, deluxe or superior suite). These include a little touch of extra luxury with L’Occitane en Provence toiletries in your bathroom, a bottle of chilled prosecco on arrival, a platter of fresh seasonal fruits during the cruise and drink vouchers each evening for a drink outside of the restaurants.

The cabin features floor-to-ceiling glass doors that slide away to create a French balcony to enjoy panoramic river views. At 16 square metres in size, these cabins are spacious and even include a small table and chairs alongside the giant double bed. The bathroom is just as spacious with plenty of room to shower and move around.

Also in the cabin is a smart handset, which is like a mobile phone, loaded with maps, a translator and currency converter and unlimited internet use. This helps when going ashore and using it as a wifi dongle when away from the ship wifi.

In total, there are 70 suites and cabins, which all feature an en-suite bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and facilities for making tea and coffee.

The itinerary begins in Cologne and journeys south to the historic town of Koblenz, sitting at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers before continuing to the beautiful old town of Boppard.  It is then time to wind through the beautiful world-famous Rhine Gorge onto Mainz, which is famous for the ‘Gutenberg’ Bibles. Taking in a guided tour of stunning Heidelberg, this journey follows the route of Europe’s ‘Grand Tour’, nestled by the picturesque river Neckar.

Crossing over from Germany into France, the next stop is Strasbourg, a city with its centre largely unchanged since the 14th century. Wander through the mosaic of winding alleys and lanes lined with quirkily crooked, half-timbered houses. Learn about the history of Strasbourg, which has been both German and French, and today you can see this influence in its language, cuisine and appearance, creating a truly individual city. A stop at Colmar is always a favourite, as this quaint medieval Alsatian town oozes perfection.

Returning downstream of the Rhine, the stops take in Rudesheim before continuing through the Rhine Gorge again to Cologne.

• Don’t forget to pack your swimwear as there is a plunge pool on the top deck that is heated – making it an ideal place for a dip while watching the scenery go by.
• I also recommend spending the day on the top deck when passing through Rhine Gorge as there is a high concentration of historical structures in this region.
• Lastly, don’t miss the famous Lorelei and the legendary slate rock near St. Goarshausen, on which the blonde-haired woman is said to have sat, singing sailors to their watery grave.

To book your Riviera Travel cruise, you can contact them directly at the below details or visit your preferred travel agent to book.

Website: https://www.rivieratravel.com.au/

Phone Number: 1300 857 437

The writer cruised as a guest of Riviera Travel. These opinions and words are a true representation of their experience and have not been endorsed.

Disclosure: The writer Kate cruised as a guest of Riviera Travel. These opinions and words are a true representation of their experience and have not been endorsed.

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Kate Webster

Kate Webster is the founder and owner of Captured Travel Media. She is a world traveller, ocean lover and conservation warrior who is determined to make every moment count for not only herself, but the world around her. An editor and travel journalist, Kate travels the globe in search of vivid imagery and compelling stories that capture the essence of the people and places she visits. She is a passionate conservation advocate, sustainable traveller and always travels with reason and cause.

Great article, Kate. Brings back memories of my trip to the Rhine region pre Covid. Wonderful experience. ❤️

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Cruise Review

Riviera travel: a memorable yacht cruise in croatia.

Lucy Abbott joins Riviera Travel to sail the Split, Hvar and the Delights of Dalmatia itinerary, and discovers the beauty of a relaxing yacht cruise.

Standing on the dedicated swim platform at the rear of MS Mendula , I gaze out at the crystal-clear Adriatic sea, as majestic mountains frame the sky and the peaceful rocky beach.

I can’t help but jump in, breaking the peaceful water and joining an array of colourful fish. I pinch myself to double check this is real life and not an amazing dream that will rudely be interrupted by my alarm clock.

Swimming further out, I look back to admire Riviera Travel’s stunning MS Mendula , the 30-guest twin-mastered yacht.

The start of an adventure

I join this vessel on an itinerary that is crafted to sail to lesser-visited ports and one that focuses on relaxation – all of this is delivered and more, helped by the ship’s petite size, which allows us to access ports of call not visited by larger ships.

Stepping on board for the first time truly feels like the beginning of an adventure. Although small, with just one dining venue, the ship features everything needed for a week’s adventure and more.

Exploring the ship further, glossy wooden interiors, plush blue seating and expansive open-air areas greet me.

Beyond these public areas, my room (an A-class cabin) is conveniently located in the middle of three decks – on the same level as the dining room and swimming platform.

There are four other A-class cabins on the same level, featuring a high-pressure shower, twin, double or single bed, air conditioning as well as plenty of under-bed storage for a suitcase.

Above on the top deck are three A+ cabins, which are the same size as the A class, each with twin beds. Here, guests can enjoy top deck views through one port hole window and one opening window.

The most budget-friendly option is the B class, located in the lower deck, with two porthole windows for plenty of sea gazing and daydreaming.

After only a few hours on board, I can safely say this is shaping up to be my dream cruise, and, with a week in which to take it all in, I can finally live out my yacht fantasies.

Soaking up the yacht cruise experience

A massive benefit to sailing on a  Riviera Travel yacht cruise itineraries is that all the excursions are included within the price. So, I’m looking forward to a mix of locally guided excursions and cultural experiences in our ports of call – Brac, Bol, Jelsa, Korcula, Vis, Hvar and Trogir.

After my morning of a buffet-style breakfast with my newfound friends and a quick swim, we pull into the first port of call – Brac.

The main trades in Brac are olive oil and wine, which is evident by the constant flurry of olive oil trees and vineyards we pass.

After absorbing the magnificent panoramic view, we head over to a quaint olive oil restaurant to partake in an olive oil tasting. Although I personally cannot stomach the idea of drinking a spoonful of olive oil, when combined with sea salt, fresh tomatoes and soft bread, I feel as if I am in foodie heaven.

The split between guided tours and independent discovery is perfect. On our visit to Bol, we have the choice between exploring quaint alleys and coffee shops in the centre or walking to one of the most famous beaches in Croatia – Zlatni Rat.

This perfect balance is crafted by our cruise director, Pina, who possesses so much information about each port of call that I am left in amazement as to how she keeps all this in her head.

She also has the ability to think on her feet as she changes our e-bike tour of Hvar to a wine tasting.

In fact, Pina thinks of this cruise itinerary as her “baby”, adding: “There was a huge interest with people who have already travelled in Croatia, so why don’t we come up with a really relaxing journey where it is just us, and we have all that peace.”

Speaking of peace and quiet, before we depart to our final port of call, we stop for one last swim.

As I float in the serene water dreaming of my next yacht cruise, I wish I could bottle the feeling, as I know this will be an experience I will remember forever.

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Riviera River Cruises   Reviews

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Reviews 4.1.

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Awful Douro cruise

Awful from start to finish cold food at Breakfast Luke warm lunch and dinner poor entertainment excursions not worth going on ship small small cabin nowhere to hang your clothes nowhere to put your shoes very poor value for money in compensation for such a bad experience they offered vouchers off another cruise no cash drinks package£99 per person no choice of wine just wine of the day so if you didnt like it there wasnt an alternative i wouldn't recommend to anyone.

Date of experience : October 17, 2023

Excellent with flawless customer service

Excellent! We took our 3rd Riviera Cruise. This time, we brought along my parents-in-law for a week long cruise along the River Douro in Portugal. The service, particularly that of the wonderful cruise director (Kassima), was nigh perfect from beginning to end. The tours were excellently selected and ensured that we got the most from the sites and port cellars we visited. We have since booked another tour with Riviera for the first quarter of 2024. Highly, highly recommended!

Date of experience : October 07, 2023

Fabulous relatively new ship

Fabulous relatively new ship, very comfortable cabin and beautiful food. Liked the separate bistro restaurant, and at breakfast cooked menu was freshly prepared. Wine also available reasonably by the glass. Initially I was perturbed that at most destinations arrival was not until after lunch. On reflection this was not a bad thing, we had plenty of time at each stop and allowed us to relax more. Two criticisms. 1. Soup without a soup spoon and cereal from a soup bowl is not what you expect from a five star claim (problems of the first world!). 2. More-so, I am majorly critical of the request for gratuities. Firstly most cruise liners include and secondly the cruise company should be paying a proper wage where the employee is not reliant on the generosity of guests. After all we pay substantially and this is the 21st century! Finally this type of river cruise is very much for the older less active clientele, so be warned!

Date of experience : September 20, 2023

Really? Can't bother looking it up yourself? Duoro river.

1. Overall boring. The story of port repeated daily ad nauseum. 2. Food was awful tasteless British cooking, no regional fare, not even the basic - linguisa or salt cod. 3. On ship entertainment was absurd. A phony cooking demo and origami towel folding. Fado? Never heard of it? 4. Several employees treated passengers like children, specifically a director whose name I can't remember - Anthony, Antonio? Childish himself and talked down. 5. Tour leader, male, also can't remember name. Enormous ego. Became rude on an excursion when asked to use the microphone unit before he thought it was needed. 6. All inclusive should mean just that. Don't tell me I must tip and and exactly how much.

Date of experience : November 04, 2022

Not as advertised

Sneaking in a major change to the itinerary, without a word of explanation or apology, meant the boat was berthed in the suburbs of Antwerp for three nights instead of one. The official explanation weeks afterwards ought to form part of their publicity blurb because I for one would not have booked had I known about the unreliability of their river management. Taxis (the drivers were pals of the ship’s crew and had neither sign nor meter) were essential to reach civilisation and cost a fortune. The restaurant staff were exceptional. The “entertainment” was dire as were the packed lunches. All in all, this was not so much a river cruise as a tortuous coach trip.

Date of experience : April 04, 2023

Reply from Riviera River Cruises

would you let me know which departure you are referring to or a booking number.

Riviera River cruise on the Danube

We enjoyed our beautiful stateroom on our Riviera River cruise. The Staff is friendly and accommodating. The food was great. The tour director was helpful and informative. He and his team made sure we really enjoyed our Danube River cruise. We cruised past small Hungarian and Austrian villages, castles and vineyards. The October landscape was gorgeous with fall colors.

Date of experience : October 08, 2022

Fabulous !!!!!

We have recently been on the Budapest to Vienna river cruise. One word - wow!!!!! Loved every single moment - the best holiday ever. The staff were amazing - especially Raoul and Karen - the boat was immaculate and the food was superb. I cannot criticise anything and I wouldn't hesitate to book again- amazing 😻

Date of experience : April 21, 2023

River Duro - Douro Splendour

Can't fault Riviera Travel for an efficient customer service. Through no fault of the Company our cruise had to be changed. All the re-arrangements were made swiftly and smoothly. Although our original dates were for special reasons, we were grateful for the delay as the weather was brilliant! The Cruise itself and excursions were what we had expected and will look to go again sometime in the future. Helena, Andrea, Jose and Daniella to name but a few made our trip so enjoyable and relaxing. The Douro Splendour crew and staff also looked after us well and most obliging. We even had personal message from Phil Hullah apologising for the disappointment of the delay but everything worked in our favour.

Date of experience : April 23, 2023

Thank you so much for taking the time to give us this review. Look forward to welcoming you bak again

Cruise ship: MS William Wordsworth

Cruise: Budapest to Black Sea: the ship was spacious, airy, very comfortable. Staff were professional yet friendly and very welcoming. Food was good, lots of options, and catered well for food allergies. Entertainment ok. Daily briefings plus information sheets were very useful, as was the 'daily news' sheets. It would have been nice if Riviera advertised the 'extras' on Deck 3 as we would have booked that rather than the drinks package which we felt was quite expensive for what and when you could use it. Also, the trip to Bucharest was a waste of time due to heavy traffic - not sure how they could get round this though. All in all a really enjoyable cruise.

Date of experience : May 26, 2023

The entire staff was very polite and…

The entire staff was very polite and friendly, always smiling. They made us happy to be there. The tours were very interesting and each one led by knowledgeable, professional guides. The food was much better than on another river boat company I had chosen (because it was cheaper). It wasn't worth the saving; it's not something you do everyday. I'd choose and recommend Riviera River Cruises again.

Date of experience : October 24, 2022

last minute itinerary change

we are going on our first Riviera river cruise next week and very disappointed that the itinerary is already changed with 3 nights in Antwerp rather than cruising to Gent. if I had wanted a coach holiday I would have booked one. Hope the rest of our experience is better.

Date of experience : April 13, 2023

I am sure you will have a great time on board. Unfortunately the locks/water affects all river cruises not just Riviera. Please review again when you return.

Exceptional experience

Just come off our first ever river cruise on the Emily Brontë from Budapest. It was exceptional from start to finish. From the superb cabin, the staff (lead by the attention to detail Christian and our fabulous tour director Peter) nothing was too much trouble. The excursions, food and amenities were everything we had hoped for. They even laid on shuttle buses to take us into Budapest on our last day, as our flight was late in the evening. Could not fault a thing. We are looking forward to sailing with Riviera again in hopefully, the not too distant future.

Date of experience : October 10, 2022

We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise on the MS Emily Bronte

We thoroughly enjoyed our cruise on the MS Emily Bronte from Budapest. The ship is gorgeous. Although we had done a similar itinerary on another cruise line, the excursions were unique enough we got to experience different sites. We loved the morning in Dürnstein, Austria, what a pretty medieval village. The food was plentiful, with lots of choices. Always delicious . The staff were friendly, attentive and eager to please. Looking forward to another voyage soon!

A Wonderful First Timer Experience

The ship experience was fantastic. The crew were absolutely wonderful. We enjoyed the dining and were particularly impressed with the gluten-free options. The staterooms packed in the amenities and storage. As you are looking to grow the U.S. market, I would focus on pre-travel documents. Most lines will do luggage tags and pre-travel info will be specific to the U.S. My documents said, "As you head back to the UK. As small thing but something to consider for the future.

Thank you Carolyn for taking the time to give us your review. Very good point about the documents and the reference to travelling back to the UK vs US - we will get this implemented moving forward.

We enjoyed the Douro Cruise very much

We enjoyed the Douro Cruise very much. Accommodation and food was very good. The only issue was upon disembarking there was confusion as we were travelling on our own Porto to Lisbon, being picked up at 8.30 a.m. We were told luggage was to be left outside our suite and they would be taken up to reception area. Even though we mentioned this to reception, our luggage was not brought up and we had to bring it up ourselves. To avoid this happpening to someone else, we suggest Reception and Tour Guide are aware of passnegers travelling on their own and not on the Riviera transportation.

Date of experience : May 22, 2022

Riviera River Cruise is the BEST!

Riviera River Cruise is unbelievable well run from start to finish. The accommodations, the staff, the food and the tours were beyond belief. We HIGHLY recommend this cruise line and would be thrilled to travel with them again. There are no hidden fees or EXTRA cost other than if you want the beverage package for alcoholic beverages more than what is offered.

Date of experience : December 16, 2019

Five star luxury on the Oscar Wilde

I have just returned from a Rhine river cruise to Switzerland for solo travellers on the MS Oscar Wilde. Everything about this ship is truly five star. The food is wonderful and the service throughout was exceptional. I cant praise all of the crew highly enough. I have brought back some wonderful memories and have already booked the Douro cruise for next year

Date of experience : July 18, 2023

Thank you Marie for taking the time to write a review on Riviera - i am very proud to work for this company which as you know first hand offers an exceptional product for extremely competitive prices. So glad you have re-booked already. Marilyn Conroy

First River Cruise

Althought not my first cruise, this was my first river cruise. The accommodations were very comfortable and bathroom was spacious. The food and wine was excellent! The staff was very friendly, fun and attentive!! The tours were amazing. I really enjoyed visting so many small towns and historical sites. I can't wait for my next river cruise experience :-)

Date of experience : July 19, 2022

Liked it, but won't do it again

I enjoyed the cruise, but found the staff when I boarded less friendly. The staff seemed to cater to the couples, with chat and smiles, while my food, for instance, was dropped before me with a "bon appetit" on the shoulder. I could hardly wait to get out of the dining room except during buffets. However, the food was wonderful, and the excursions very well organized.

Date of experience : October 25, 2022

Working with Riviera River Cruises is like working with a friend.

Working with Riviera River Cruises is such a pleasure. The staff is knowledgeable and caring. They take things to the next level. Our Croatia Yacht cruise was a once in a lifetime experience. Great staff, fabulous food and a crew that makes your trip a memorable experience from onboad to the shore excursions.

Date of experience : September 11, 2022

Riviera River Cruises Adds Another Adriatic Yacht Sailing for 2025

Riviera River Cruises is expanding its presence in the Adriatic Sea with the launch of an additional yacht cruise and tour itinerary for 2025.

Earlier this year, the company announced three itineraries in the Adriatic Sea for 2025. The newest offering, called the “Dalmatian Islands Yacht Cruise with Dubrovnik & Montenegro Tour,” combines a sailing aboard the MS Mendula with hotel accommodations in Croatia and Montenegro.

Guests will spend 11 days and seven nights onboard the ship, plus three nights in hotels.

“Our new collection of yacht cruises with land extensions in the Adriatic is already growing with a fourth itinerary for next year,” says Marilyn Conroy, executive vice president of salse and marketing for North America for Riviera River Cruises. “Sail among the Dalmatian Islands aboard the twin-masted MS Mendula, and visit historic Dubrovnik and Kotor Bay in nearby Montenegro. These itineraries allow guests to really get to know each destination, by sea and on land.” 

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Saint-Tropez (France Riviera)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Mediterranean - Black Sea

Local Time 2024-05-24 06:27

Port Saint-Tropez cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Saint-Tropez, France Riviera. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Saint-Tropez is a French Riviera cruise port in southeastern France (western Mediterranean). The port is located approx 100 km (62 mi) west of Nice (Var department, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region). The town covers a total area of approx 15 km2 (6 mi2) and has population around 6,000.

The list of  French Riviera (Cote d'Azur)  ports also includes  Antibes ,  Bandol ,  Cannes ,  Cassis ,  Marseille ,  Sanary-sur-Mer ,  St Raphael ,  Toulon ,  Villefranche-sur-Mer (Nice)  and  Monte Carlo (Monaco) .

Among the best tourist attractions are the famous beaches, numerous nightclubs, bars and bistros. Musee de l'Annonciade has a fine art collection. A 16th-18th-century fort is currently serving as a naval museum.

The fame of St Tropez came after the actress Brigitte Bardot starred in the movie "And God Created Woman" (1956). The town is named after a Roman soldier killed for his Christian faith. The well-preserved body of the soldier floated ashore and pilgrims came to pay homage to his burial site, given the name of Saint Tropez.

Port Grimaud in St Tropez bay was built in 1966 by a local architect and yachtsman. The port is a sheltered boat harbor waterway, covering a water area of 27 hectares (67 acres) and with 15 km (9 mi) long quays. The port's min water level is 3,5 m (harbor's entrance) and 2 m (in the canals),

St Tropez port has 2 marinas (800 berths) and serves boats, ferries and cruise ships. In the summer, a regularly scheduled ferry service is offered between St Tropez and Nice, Cannes, St Raphael, Sainte-Maxime. Private yacht chartering is also a popular way of travel along the French Riviera.

Saint-Tropez cruise terminal

Saint-Tropez is a tender port, which means cruise ships anchor in St Tropez Bay and their passengers are transported to Port Grimaud (yacht marinas) via the ship's tender boats.

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Saint-Tropez - user reviews and comments