Life on board

Five-star MS Douro Elegance & MS Douro Splendour

LIFE ON BOARD IS FULL OF DELIGHTFUL SURPRISES

When you’re on board one of our river cruise ships, you’re staying in a floating, luxury boutique hotel. Our fine fleet of five-star vessels are hallmarks of distinction and truly world-class. Primarily Swiss-built and operated, they are rated by the Berlitz Guide to River Cruising as some of the finest river cruise ships to grace Europe’s waterways. Every step is taken to ensure that our customers receive unparalleled standards of service and comfort.

Sustainable hardwoods, gleaming brass, polished copper, intricate wrought iron, and sparkling glass combine harmoniously with soft leather furnishings and tasteful color palettes. Immediately striking is just how remarkably spacious and beautifully illuminated these vessels are. Set foot in the grand marble-floored lobby and you are bathed in natural light, streaming in through the glass roof of the impressive atrium above.

Enjoy first-class service from an English-speaking crew who anticipates your every need in a manner which is discreet, seamless and friendly. All our ships have an excellent ratio of crew to guests, so you are guaranteed personal attention. The exceptional pedigree continues through to our on-board amenities. Fully air-conditioned decks, all easily accessed via elevator or stairs, offer different vantage points of the surrounding scenery. Take in sweeping views from a panoramic observation lounge and bar, complete with sumptuous seating and plush carpets. Most of our vessels feature a sauna, steam room, pool, fitness suite, library, and even a hair salon or treatment room. Complimentary Wi-Fi is also available on every ship.

On-board spa with sauna and steam room, MS Jane Austen

Stern lounge, MS William Shakespeare

Those new to river cruising are often surprised and delighted to learn that all our suites and cabins are wonderfully spacious and luxuriously appointed. Your cabin is among the largest and most comfortable found on any river cruise vessel, equipped with all the high-quality amenities you would expect from a top hotel.

Choose from a range of standard or superior suites and cabins. For the ultimate in luxury, treat yourself to a stay in a deluxe suite with floor-to-ceiling doors that open up to a French balcony or lead to a private balcony. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing drink while watching the ever-changing landscapes drift by. Our largest suite measures a generous 312 square feet (29 square meters), so there’s plenty of room for relaxation. Step beyond the wooden door into a beautifully designed room, complete with hotel-style bed, crisp cotton linen, and sumptuous pillows. Your cabin comes with an en-suite bathroom and shower, thick fluffy towels and complimentary toiletries. All cabins are equipped with air-conditioning or heating, a small desk, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, telephone and complimentary Wi-Fi. To make you feel at home, there are amenities for making coffee and tea.

Deluxe balcony suite, MS Thomas Hardy

Standard cabin, MS Douro Elegance

A river cruise is a wondrous journey of discovery that is also a culinary pleasure. With Riviera River Cruises, there is a wide variety of fine dining experiences waiting to be savored. From sumptuous breakfasts with over 60 options to superb buffet lunches and fine four-course dinners, our menus feature international classics and regional specialties.

Quality is an integral part of dining with us, and our ships take this to the highest levels with delicious cuisine prepared by a brigade of professional chefs. Friendly and smartly uniformed staff are always ready and at your service.

At Riviera River Cruises, we want you to feel like you’re at home with friends, so we have a policy of informal free seating and smaller tables, unlike the typical regimentation of many cruise ships. Our wine list includes an extensive range of local wines in addition to classic favorites. We cater for most dietary requirements – just remember to tell us about them when booking your river cruise.

YOUR CHOICE OF DINING EXPERIENCES Enjoy classic cuisine in the ship’s excellent main restaurant, or if you prefer a more intimate setting dine in the stern restaurant with tables seating 2 to 4 people (apart from Douro Elegance and Douro Splendour).

Here you can take in the fantastic views through panoramic windows, and enjoy dishes inspired by the freshest seasonal produce.

FINE DINING ~ Warm smoked duck breast with apple red wine chutney, mandarin and cranberry salad or Arugula strawberry salad grissini with Dutch smoked ham and white balsamic honey dressing ~ Foamy pumpkin soup with cinnamon croutons or Bouillabaisse à la Marseillaise ~ Pan-seared sea bass with tomato vinaigrette, grilled parsnips, snow peas and pearl barley or Herb-crusted rack of lamb with sweet rosemary sauce, mint jelly, horseradish flageolet beans, roasted tomatoes, dauphinoise potatoes or Swiss chard and root vegetable gratin with garlic cream and oyster mushrooms ~ Warm crisp pear tart ~ Apple sorbet and cider foam or Fresh fruit or continental cheeses ~ Coffee or tea

Sample menu