Cruise & Cruise Line

Riviera River Cruises Plans Restart Of European Cruises

Image: Riviera River Cruises has resumed sailing on the Seine River. (photo courtesy Riviera River Cruises)
Image: Riviera River Cruises has resumed sailing on the Seine River. (photo courtesy Riviera River Cruises)
Theresa Norton
by Theresa Norton
Last updated: 12:50 AM ET, Sat September 11, 2021

After restarting operations on Portugal's Douro River in August, Riviera River Cruises has restarted cruising in F European destinations are restarting.

Now underway are cruises on the Seine and Rhône rivers in France and on the Main River and Main-Danube Canal in Germany.

All guests boarding Riviera ships must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or present a negative test prior to travel.

"After 18 months of uncertainty in the travel industry, we're excited to finally be restarting our river cruises in Portugal, France and Germany," said Marilyn Conroy, Riviera River Cruises' executive vice president-sales and marketing in North America. "As our ships get underway, we're committed to the health and safety of all guests and crew aboard them by requiring COVID-19 vaccinations or negative tests, as well as taking other precautions. And if a guest isn't happy by the second day of their cruise, we'll bring them home with a refund."

Itineraries running through Nov. 22 include the "Douro, Porto and Salamanca" river cruise, the "Seine, Paris & Normandy" cruise, the "Burgundy, the River Rhone & Provence" river cruise, and "Medieval Germany."

Riviera is continuing to evaluate travel guidelines throughout Europe and restart additional itineraries when possible.

Flexible customer care policies include COVID-19 cancellation and curtailment protection, and Riviera's happiness guarantee. If a guest isn't able to travel specifically due to COVID-19, the booking can be transferred to another departure date for free with as little as 24 hours' notice. If a guest has to cut their holiday short specifically due to COVID-19 and a travel insurer doesn't cover it, Riviera will provide compensation for the missed portion of the cruise. And if a guest isn't happy by the second day of their cruise, Riviera will assist in bringing them home with a full refund.

The company says it ensures each ship is scrupulously clean by regularly disinfecting shared equipment and touch points, disinfecting suitcase handles, making hand sanitizer available throughout the ship, social distancing on coaches for excursions with temperature checks upon reboarding, providing contact-free services throughout the ship, full table service in restaurants with seating to allow for social distancing, performing daily temperature checks and health screenings for crew members, and requiring face coverings for crew members where necessary.

Riviera's fleet offers spacious cabins and suites, and its cruises include four-course dinners featuring international and regional specialties, as well as expert-led excursions to classic sights and lesser-known places.

Riviera promises never to add hidden surcharges or fees, and it doesn't automatically include gratuities or drinks, so the choice is up to guests.

For the latest travel news, updates, and deals, be sure to subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter here.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Watch Now!
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....
Watch Now!
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover Houston, A World in a CityMonday, June 22, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Visit Houston for an inside look at one of the country’s most dynamic and diverse destinations....