by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 9:00 AM ET, Mon April 20, 2026
This article
originally appeared in the April issue of AGENTatHOME magazine. Subscribe
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Over the last four
decades, Riviera Travel has established itself as a leading tour and river
cruise operator with British travelers. And now, the U.K.-based company wants
to build on that success to attract North American guests, as well.
To achieve that
goal, Riviera Travel has rebranded, opening a new U.S. headquarters in Fort
Lauderdale, Florida; expanding its North American sales team; debuting a new
booking website and advisor training platform; and forming a North American
travel agent advisory board. And this year, the company will also launch an
all-inclusive drinks package and open bookings for Grand Tours — designed
specifically with North American travelers in mind.
Additionally,
Riviera Travel has recently debuted two new ships: Riviera Rose, sailing the
Douro River, and Riviera Radiance on the Danube. Last September, I sailed
onboard the 178-passenger Radiance, joining the eight-day Blue Danube River
Cruise itinerary.
Here’s what
clients can expect from a sailing onboard Riviera Travel’s Radiance.
Accommodations
Radiance features
89 cabins, including the largest-ever accommodations in the brand’s fleet.
Located on the top deck, Grand Balcony Suites span 344 square feet and include
a king bed, a separate living area and a private balcony with outdoor seating.
Located on the top and middle decks, the 258-square-foot Superior Suites have
floor-to-ceiling windows; French-style balconies; and a sofa, chair and table.
Standard Double Cabins run 172 square feet and feature either a French-style
balcony or fixed windows. Each room has an espresso maker, although larger coffee
machines are also located throughout the ship.
A standard double cabin on Riviera Radiance (Photo Credit: Riviera Travel)
Onboard Dining
Radiance offers
three dining venues. The main restaurant is open for all meals, providing an
elegant setting and large tables for guests to socialize. Breakfast is a hearty
buffet, with the option to order dishes such as omelets, avocado toast and eggs
Benedict. Lunch and dinner are served tableside, with a salad bar available at
lunch.
Riverview Kitchen
is more intimate, with an open kitchen and floor-to-ceiling windows offering
panoramic vistas off the back of the ship. At lunchtime, it turns into a casual
bistro, with classics such as burgers, pizzas, soups and salads. For dinner, Riverview
Kitchen transforms into a sophisticated fine-dining venue with menu items such
as rosemary-marinated lamb rump steak and grilled swordfish.
Mosaic, a
brand-new tapas-style concept, serves dishes inspired by Europe’s rivers. Some
of my favorite bites included gambas al ajillo (shrimp cooked in oil and
garlic), sole meuniere (a lemony, buttery filet) and Wiener schnitzel.
Guests who prefer
the comfort of their stateroom can order room service for breakfast, choosing
from lighter fare such as baked goods, yogurt, cereal and fruit.
The new Mosaic restaurant on Riviera Radiance (Photo Credit: Riviera Travel)
Public Areas
Also new to
Riviera Travel’s fleet is the split-level design of Radiance, which adds a
touch of drama and elegance. Travelers enter the lounge on the top deck, but
can then take a small flight of stairs to a slightly lower lounge area near the
bar. A few more steps down brings clients to the main restaurant.
The vessel also
has a small fitness center, a spa treatment room, a sauna and steam room
(available by appointment only), and a spacious outdoor sundeck with a small
plunge pool and several hammocks. The tall-ceilinged lobby, accented by a
showstopping chandelier, is home to the reception desk.
The sauna and steam room on Riviera Radiance (Photo Credit: Riviera Travel)
Entertainment and
Excursions
Riviera Travel
offers free shore excursions at every port — primarily city or landmark tours
led by local guides — and in some destinations, optional add-on excursions are
available for an extra fee. Our voyage included locally inspired onboard
entertainment, including a performance by a string quartet and a Hungarian
folklore show.
An onboard pianist
played in the lounge throughout the voyage, and the cruise director hosted a
few evening activities, including a trivia game.
The outdoor sun deck on Riviera Radiance (Photo Credit: Riviera Travel)
Itineraries
Radiance will sail
a variety of itineraries on the Danube. Solo travelers can enjoy dedicated
departures of the Blue Danube River Cruise itinerary, while clients hoping to
celebrate the festive season in Europe can join Danube’s Imperial Cities and
Yuletide Markets, Christmas on the Danube and New Year on the Danube sailings.
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