British holidaymakers seeking a luxurious and culturally rich getaway can now secure a significant saving on premium European river voyages for 2026. Riviera Travel has launched a sale offering up to 20% off its scheduled cruises for that year, with prices starting from just £1,849 per person.
Luxury Voyages at a Discount
The promotion, which is live now and runs until 30th January, covers a selection of itineraries along Europe's most iconic waterways. These include the Danube, the Rhône, and the Rhine. The company reports that passengers consistently praise the 'VIP treatment' they receive on board, a sentiment echoed in numerous customer reviews.
Each cruise is designed to offer a blend of relaxation and exploration, with expert guides, included excursions, and plush, five-star accommodation. To secure a booking, deposits start from a remarkably low £19 per person, with the benefit of ATOL protection and the company's Price Promise.
Featured Cruise Itineraries for 2026
The sale encompasses several detailed journeys. The Blue Danube River Cruise is an eight-day trip priced from £1,899. It begins in Budapest, calling at Esztergom, Bratislava, and through Lower Austria with stops in Dürnstein and Melk Abbey. The itinerary also includes Linz, with an optional trip to Salzburg, and Vienna before returning to Budapest.
For those drawn to France, the Burgundy, the River Rhône and Provence River Cruise offers eight days from £1,849. This voyage navigates from Lyon through Beaune, Vienne, and Tain l'Hermitage for wine tasting, down to the Roman history of Arles and the medieval splendour of Avignon.
A third key option is the Rhine Cruise to Switzerland, also from £1,899 for eight days. This journey takes in Strasbourg, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, and Speyer, concluding in Basel with a trip to Lucerne and the Bernese Oberland for Alpine vistas.
What's Included in the Package
Riviera Travel emphasises the all-encompassing nature of its offers. Every cruise package includes:
- Seven nights on a five-star ship
- Return flights and transfers
- Full board dining, including special chef's dinners
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Evening entertainment and wellness facilities
- The support of an onboard Cruise Director and expert guides
- Round-the-clock UK-based customer support
Passengers can also expect a series of guided tours at the various ports of call, ensuring a deep dive into each region's culture and history.
Passenger Reviews Highlight VIP Experience
The company's website features glowing testimonials from previous travellers. One reviewer of The Rhône cruise stated, "Fantastic! From day one we were treated like VIPs. Even when plans had to change, the representative kept us fully informed and offered alternatives."
Another guest on the Rhine cruise commented, "Even better than we expected... All the staff did their very best to please us and were always happy and pleasant. It was a very good holiday and the food was excellent."
While the majority of feedback is highly positive, some travellers offered constructive notes. One reviewer preferred the Rhine over the Danube for its scenery, while another docked a single star from their rating due to minor exceptions. However, the overarching sentiment remains one of strong satisfaction, with many indicating they would book again.
For those considering alternatives, the article mentions Six Star Cruises, which offers a 'Southern European Gems' voyage through Italy, Spain, and Portugal, with cabin prices ranging from £2,099 to £3,299. Nevertheless, Riviera Travel's current promotion presents a compelling opportunity for UK travellers to experience high-end river cruising at a reduced cost for their 2026 holidays.
