riviera travel yacht cruise reviews

Ship review: MV Corona, Riviera Travel

Croatia dropped all Covid-19 restrictions for travellers on May 1, and in June, Florence Derrick headed to the Dalmatian Coast on Riviera Travel’s MV Corona – to test out one of the Mediterranean’s most intimate yacht cruises. 

Unique selling point

Moored in Croatia and touring up and down the Dalmatian Coast, the MV Corona delivers a special cruising experience thanks to its small size. A yacht cruiser designed especially for Croatian waters, and operated by a family that’s been seafaring for three generations (when we were there, the captain’s son was on board learning the ropes), it provides an authentically Croatian experience that’s sometimes lacking on bigger liners. And at just 44m long, it’s easily small enough to berth in some of the Dalmatian islands’ most charming and tiny ports.

The elegant teak decking, wooden panelling and clean, cosy communal areas only add to the charm.

MV Corona. Image credit: Ella Munn-Giddings.

The ship in numbers The four-star MV Corona was built in 2015 and has space for 38 passengers, to be tended to by a crew of just seven.

Cabins There are three types of cabins on MV Corona, all of which have air conditioning, an en-suite WC and shower room, safe, hairdryer, desk and chair. Category A+ is the most luxurious (and pricey), set on the main, salon and sun decks. On the main deck, category A have double or twin beds and two opening windows, while Category B – on the lower deck – have portholes instead of windows. Some have additional sofa beds.

Food and drink Tours on the MV Corona include daily breakfasts, five lunches and one dinner, plus the all-important Captain’s Dinner. They’re all prepared by a chef and sous-chef, who work tirelessly every day to pick up fresh produce at each stop-off point, and rustle up three-course meals that rely on Croatian food traditions but blend in familiar holiday fare.

Breakfast is served from 7-9am and is simple: continental-style salami, sliced cheese, hunks of bread, fruit platters and cereal. Lunch can be asparagus risotto, truffle pasta or vegetable soup, while main courses at dinner usually feature meat (vegetarian options are available) – a hunk of beef with pureed potatoes and spiced carrots, or freshly caught seabass with rich tomato ratatouille. Pudding is simple, too: think bowls piled high with chocolate ice cream or panna cotta.

Facilities There’s air conditioning in every inside area of the ship, which can be individually controlled in the cabins. On the sun deck, there’s enough sun loungers and cushions for all, either in blazing sunshine or shaded under a canopy. Directly below is the salon deck – an extension of the restaurant room – with shaded armchairs and a bar fully stocked with beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks. And below that is the swimming deck, where you can leap off into the crystalline water at designated swim spots.

Excursions Every day, the MV Corona moors at a different harbour along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast at around 2pm – just after lunch – and everybody is invited on a guided walking tour of that day’s destination. In Dubrovnik, there’s a short coach journey from the ship to and from the Old Town, but every other tour guide meets the guests directly off the gangway. Each excursion is led by a different local expert, from a historian specialising in Diocletian in Split to a national park guide in Mljet.

Split. Image credit: Ella Munn-Giddings.

Sample package The MV Corona is only available in one package: Dubrovnik, Split and Jewels of the Dalmatian Coast Yacht Cruise . The eight-day tour starts and ends in Dubrovnik, looping around the craggy coves and sparkling waters of the Dalmatian islands including Hvar, Korčula and Brač. It costs from £1,599pp and includes flights, the care of a tour manager, daily swim stops and guided tours.

Hvar. Image credit: Ella Munn-Giddings.

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Riviera River Cruises Review ~MS Jane Austen~ The Seine, Paris and Normandy

Paris called to me with its iconic sights, outstanding museums, fantastic architecture, and fine French food and wine. No wonder it is one of Europe’s main draws.

When I read the Riviera River Cruises itinerary that starts and ends in Paris, with stops in Normandy, I knew it was for me. I’d visit wondrous destinations in Normandy I’d longed to see:  the Rouen Cathedral, Bayeux Tapestry, and the D-Day landing sites. Plus, I’d get to revisit Monet’s Gardens.

I flew to Paris with my boyfriend, John, and we boarded the Jane Austen around 5 pm. MS Jane Austen, built in 2015, holds a maximum of 140 passengers, an ideal size boat as far as I’m concerned. I much prefer small river cruise boats to mega ocean liners. The other passengers become friends as you run into them during meals and excursions.

If you are wondering about the name, Riviera River Cruises boats are traditionally named after famous authors: Emily Bronte, Thomas Hardy, Oscar Wilde, Geoffrey Chaucer, George Eliot, Lord Byron, William Shakespeare, and William Wordsworth.

Book this cruise yourself! MS Jane Austen MS Jane Austen (cruisecompete.com)

2022 Sails:  Aug 23 ,  Aug 30 ,  Sep 6 ,  Sep 13 ,  Sep 20 ,  Sep 27 ,  Oct 11 ,  Oct 25 2023 Sails:  Apr 4 ,  Apr 11 ,  Apr 18 ,  Apr 25 ,  May 2 ,  May 9 ,  May 16 ,  May 23 ,  May 30 ,  Jun 6 ,  Jun 13 ,  Jun 20 ,  Jun 27 ,  Jul 4 ,  Jul 11 ,  Jul 18 ,  Jul 25 ,  Aug 1 ,  Aug 8 ,  Aug 15 ,  Aug 22 ,  Aug 29 ,  Sep 5 ,  Sep 12 ,  Sep 19 ,  Sep 26 ,  Oct 3 ,  Oct 10 ,  Oct 17 ,  Oct 24 See all  River Cruises departing from Paris This cruise visits: Europe River Cruises ,  Seine River Cruises Europe Shore Excursions

We were warmly welcomed into the sparkling lobby, registered, and escorted to our cabin on the upper Diamond Deck. This deck also includes an air-conditioned observation lounge and bar. We found a queen-sized bed, floor to ceiling windows that slide open. There isn’t a balcony area, but you almost feel like you are standing outdoors when you open the sliding doors.

We took a few moments to unpack and settle. One of the significant advantages of cruising is not having to transfer luggage constantly.

Our bathroom was small, as expected, but functional. When you aren’t taking a shower, leaving the doors open gives more room, or it at least feels that way. L’Occitane accessories, a French luxury line, were provided.

A welcome bottle of champagne arrived that we opened immediately. What a lovely way to celebrate the beginning of a cruise.

We were soon ready for dinner, as it had been a long travel day. The main restaurant rests on the mid-deck, below our cabin. It is lined with big windows. Riviera’s policy is open seating, so they won’t assign tables. The restaurant was not busy as many passengers arrived late, so we had a table to ourselves and enjoyed a delicious multi-course meal and wine (included in the drinks package at lunch and dinner.) We noticed the central area is used for breakfast and lunch buffets.

While we were tired enough to go to bed, at 10 pm, the captain would begin our adventure and move the boat closer to the small replica of the statue of Liberty (remember, the N.Y. lady was given to us from France) and the glittering Eiffel Tower in the distance. It’s magical to see the illuminated icon sparkling like a fireworks display.

The following day, we reached the village of Les Andelys, seeing Chateau Galliard on the hillside. The buildings are ruins of Richard the Lionhearted castle built between 1196-1198 (yes, that old!). This Riviera cruise features nine included visits and tours. On this day, Riviera took two groups of guests on an excursion to the site in the afternoon. One group chose to view the ruins from an overlook and then hike to explore them. The second group just overlooked the castle. My group walked downhill and back up, then explored the ruins with superb panoramic views. When ready, we strolled downhill into the charming town with half-timbered buildings. I’d never heard of Les Andelys before this cruise but was charmed.

Later we enjoyed another four-course dinner, always with table linens, silver service, and wine. You may choose from three entrees of the day (one is vegetarian) or pick from the always-available salmon and beef dinners. The dining room staff were extremely friendly and helpful.

We left the dock in Les Andelys early because a sound and light show would be projected onto the façade of Rouen Cathedral at 11pm. Oh dear, another late night! However, don’t miss it if you get the chance. The explosion of vibrant colors and technological mastery mesmerized the audience, who watched in stunned silence. Incredible! What an unexpected bonus and fantastic day.

The next morning, John and I got up early to walk into town so I could photograph the cathedral before the area became crowded with tourists. We returned in time to take Riviera’s guided walking tour of the city, learning about the cathedral’s long history and Joan of Arc. Joan was burned at stake in Rouen after her trial. A modern church stands on the site, architecturally unappealing to me, but once inside, aglow with a beautiful wall of stained glass windows. We lingered at the end of the tour, enjoying a coffee, and shopping.

After lunch, our cruise continued sailing down the Seine towards Caudebec. Many passengers spent time relaxing on the Sun Deck, and gazing at the limestone cliffs and villages along the river. Later in the afternoon, but before cocktail hour, the Riviera Cruise Director, Anette, provided an overview of the next day’s excursion. This is most helpful, along with the maps and detailed descriptions of the sites in the tour packet supplied in each cabin. The package is comprehensive and a lovely souvenir to recall your trip.

The guests were bused to Bayeux the following morning- a two-hour ride. The little town contains another magnificent cathedral, but its calling card is the priceless 950-year-old Bayeux Tapestry. Having done needlework in my younger years, I appreciated the intricate detail and symmetry throughout the 230-foot-long exquisite masterpiece. It tells the story of William the Conqueror and the Battle of Hasting.

Since we would be out all day, Riviera provided bag lunches. I hate to admit it, but the white bread sandwich was not the best- just one thing slice of meat and cheese. They added fruit, a salad, a candy bar, and juice.

The D-Day landing sites came next, and Riviera went out of its way for us Americans. While the other passengers, all Brits, were taken to Arromanches, British battlefield sites, and the new British Memorial, John and I were driven to Pointe du Hoc. Here the U.S. soldiers climbed the steep cliffs while encountering enemy fire. The courage of these young soldiers overwhelms you when you see the bombed-out landscape and base of the German artillery guns. I now much better understand what happened in Normandy.

We moved on to Omaha Beach, another U.S. landing site. The sandy expanse surprised me; it was full of sunbathers and swimmers. A stunning memorial stands on the beach, honoring the critical events that happened along this lovely beach in 1944. Another monument stands in the open town square.

The last stop was the 172-acre American Cemetery, with 9,387 American War Dead graves. The peaceful cemetery with white crosses stretched as far as the eye can see honors the Americans lost in the Normandy battles. It’s an emotionally difficult place to visit, but one that keeps alive the memory of those who fought bravely to defend global freedom. We owe them much. The past three days of the cruise offered exceptional excursions now deeply etched in my memory.

Honfleur, a medieval village with narrow cobblestone alleys and a central rectangular harbor in the middle, provided the next day’s visit. It was market day, so overly crowded for my liking. I’m sure others loved it! But, had it not been a market day, I would have enjoyed photographing the streets of half-timber buildings, churches, and harbor.

For a change, we reserved dinner in the Lido Bistro at the terrace level on the back of the ship. I chose chateaubriand, and the entire meal was fantastic. The Lido serves an early breakfast if you get up early and want food at 6:30 am. They also have an espresso and cappuccino-making machine open 24/7. John was a fan of the espresso.

A stop in Vernon brought us to Monet’s House and Garden named Giverny. His colorful home features a buttery- lemon yellow dining room and a gorgeous blue and white tiled kitchen. Upstairs in the house, we saw the bedrooms and enjoyed the chance to look out the open windows over the gardens. The flower gardens offer many pathways to roam around.

An under-road tunnel leads to the water and lily pond gardens. These were not as colorful as I recalled; perhaps the hot weather was to blame. They are gorgeous anyway but are crowded. You can imagine Monet sitting in his rowboat and painting the enduring scene. Afterward, John walked up to Monet’s grave while I shopped. The gift shop here is extensive and one of the best.

In the afternoon, we explored Vernon on our own. The Old Mill House is a popular site for photographers, and a little castle next door adds to the scene. If only Rapunzel were inside, letting her long hair flow down the castle walls!

Sadly, it was nearing the end of the cruise. We docked in Paris and spent the night. Everyone was taken for a bus tour of the significant Paris sites the following morning. For a break, we stopped at Luxembourg Gardens and saw a few children floating boats on the pond and gardeners at work. This is a popular park for Parisians, but they typically leave the city in August.

The bus tour continued until we came to the Eiffel Tower. Many of the guests decided to stay and explore on their own. John and I walked down to Napoleon’s tomb and enjoyed lunch at an outdoor café. We made a very long walk back to the boat. If I were to suggest, it would be to run a bus to pick up those who stayed– perhaps three hours later.

That evening we were all treated to the most fantastic dinner. I believe it was seven courses, ending with flaming Baked Alaska. I was very impressed with all the meals and the food quality. It was above my expectations, for sure. (FYI: be sure to choose a cheese course for dessert sometime. The cheese is exceptional, and the chutney perfectly tops it off.)

The last morning, John and I left the boat via taxi as we were staying in Paris for two more days. The rest of the passengers were shuttled to the airport or train station.

Captain Ludovic was a real charmer. He’s only 33 years old but has spent his entire life on the water. He was born on a cargo ship. He takes his role very seriously; when I interviewed him, he said, “the thing that most worries him are the other boats. I know what I am doing, but I can’t predict what they will do.”

Cruise director Anette and her assistant Helena were very thorough, calm, and helpful. We didn’t seem to have any problems, but I don’t doubt they could have managed any situation.

One night we enjoyed playing trivia after dinner. In fact, most of the guests onboard joined in. This was a fun way to extend the evening. There is not much entertainment on the cruise if you are expecting that.

I never had time to go to the Emerald Deck for the spa and wellness area. However, John and I did visit the machine room with the chief engineer, who explained the ship’s working. He is very competent and an essential member of the crew.

I would absolutely recommend Riviera River Cruises and sailing with them again. I feel the boat, the staff, and the cruise line offer an authentic travel experience at a reasonable cost.

Thanks to Riviera for sending a packet of travel documents before departure that answered all questions. They provided emergency contact numbers just in case.

Many, many thanks to Riviera River Cruises for a fabulous adventure and AllThingsCruise.com for arranging this lovely cruise.

See sailings here  MS Jane Austen  and  Riviera River Cruises (cruisecompete.com)

Cover photo courtesy Riviera River Cruises / Others courtesy Debi Lander

Debi Lander is a freelance writer and photographer who specializes in travel, food and lifestyle and a contributor to All Things Cruise

See also MS Jane Austen Sailing ~The Seine, Paris and Normandy / Preparing for My Riviera River Cruises Adventure – All Things Cruise

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Riviera River Cruises   Reviews

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Reviews 4.1.

Most relevant

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

Riviera River Cruises   Reviews

In the Events & Entertainment category

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Write a review

Reviews 4.1.

Most relevant

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

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.

Book your travel now

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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Why your next cruise should be on a yacht with Riviera Travel

Author: Lucy Abbott

Published on: 25 July 2022

Updated on: 27 July 2022

Riviera Travel offers you the ultimate chance to reconnect with the sun, sea and sand on an exclusive yacht cruise across the Adriatic Coast.

Yacht cruising with Riviera Travel offers you the chance to cruise in style and take your holiday experience to the next level.

Drift through countless quaint islands and ports while enjoying a view that is only available by an exclusive yacht.

If you thrive when receiving personalised service from an attentive onboard team, surrounded by a maximum of 40 fellow guests who share your love for exploration - this is the cruise for you.

Live the rich and famous life - once you cruise by yacht, you can't go back.

So get in tune with the Adriatic and explore three yacht cruising itineraries with Riviera Travel, pick your favourite and sail away...

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Yacht cruising brings extra perks, such as a plethora of swim stops in remote bays and coves that each hold a staggering amount of natural beauty.

These fun pit stops are only a tiny part of Riviera's 'Dubrovnik, Split & Jewels of the Dalmation Coast' itinerary.

- READ MORE : Di scover Riviera Travel's new city break extensions -

You can also ensure you'll dive into each destination headfirst with this itinerary including fascinating shore excursions - from a tour of Dubrovnik to a guided walk around Emperor Diocletian's impressive palace.

This seven-night cruise occurs on the four-star MV Corona , holding 38 passengers and seven crew members, measuring a handy 44 meters so the ship can manoeuvre into small ports.

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You'll call in at seven ports, such as Hvar and Split, most of which are typically unvisited by large cruise liners.

Hvar is known for its stunningly sunny summers and warm winters, and, if the weather isn't enough, admire the expansive countryside made up of endless lavender fields and vineyards.

Cultural hotspots also lie within Hvar, ensure you visit the largest main square in Dalmatia, featuring a multitude of baroque-style palaces encapsulated within fortified walls from the seventh century.

Split is perhaps the opposite of Hvar. This bustling city bursts from the seams with life, especially in the evening. You must try some local delicacies (if you're feeling brave) during your visit, such as eel or even frogs' legs.

Split, Dubrovnik & The Splendours of Dalmatia

Picture yourself relaxing on the top deck of your new home-away-from-home, MS Adriatic Sun, cruising across the most idyllic spots - why not make this a reality?

You'll be happy to know that this itinerary shares plenty of similar ports of call to the 'Dubrovnik, Split & Jewels of the Dalmation Coast', with countless swim stops in pieces of paradise.

Six tours with Riviera bring you to various locations such as Korčula, where you can admire architectural hotspots, art and music - why not partake in the local sword dance - the 'moreska' - watch your feet!

Delve into the stunning old town of Stari Grad and see if you notice that the streets don't have any names - luckily the town is so compact you can still easily find your way around.

Embrace the green nature of the area, with rolling hills covered with pine forests, orchards, vineyards and olive groves, ensure you keep an eye out for the fragrant lavender fields.

Lucky you - you can experience these serene locations onboard MV Adriatic Sun. With only 38 guests and seven caring crew members, this yacht cruise contains the formula for success.

Appreciate the modern craft that is infused onboard, from the tasteful decor to the deep wooden touches. What's more, MV Adriatic Sun measures a small, yet mighty, 44 metres, so you can hop around countless quaint ports with ease.

Dubrovnik is where your cruise begins and ends - while you get a glimpse of the city upon your arrival, it isn't until the end of your cruise that you can delve into Dubrovnik.

So wander down the café-lined streets that are paved with marble and feel the warmth on your face and make the most of your final moment abroad on your last day - the beauty of Dubrovnik is sure to lift your spirits.

Dubrovnik, Mostar & Secrets of Dalmatia

Riviera whisks you away to small islands and ports aboard MV Rhapsody - imagine sailing peacefully along the Dalmatian coast while feeling like a VIP.

This glam ship measures 50 meters and boasts a swim platform at the rear, like MS Adriatic Sun and MV Corona.

Your cruise price includes plenty of tours and guides to keep you busy and immersed, such as a tour of the spectacular Blue Cave in Croatia , which is known for a stunningly blue light that illuminates the cave - even more so if you visit between 11 am and 1 pm.

Lastovo and Vis both epitomise what an unspoilt island is, with Lastovo only allowing tourists since 1988 and having just one hotel. Vis was also closed to tourists up until 1989 and - fun fact - was one of the locations where Mamma Mia 2 was filmed.

This itinerary with Riviera also cruises you along the breathtaking Neretva River delta, which is rich in rare flora, fauna and wildlife.

The destination leaders onboard ensure you dive headfirst into each destination, such as a full-day excursion and guided tour to the historic Bosnian and Herzegovinian city of Mostar.

Mostar is divided by the scenic 79-foot Stari Most, which translates to Old Bridge, but the Old Town actually stretches across both sides of the bridge. This part of Mostar is full to the brim with authentic market stalls filled with the perfect souvenirs to bring a piece of Mostar home with you.

A must-see in Mostar is the Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque, and a climb up this Mosque gives you the best views of Mostar.

Sounds good right? Treat yourself to a yacht cruise with Riviera Travel and have the holiday of a lifetime.

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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.

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

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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.