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River Cruise Onboard Activities

On a river cruise, the journey is just as important as the destination.

It's safe to say we've learned a lot in our almost 40-year history. We know every moment matters. And our spectacular ships are thoughtfully designed to create a relaxing atmosphere with plenty to delight and entertain while onboard.  

Just imagine the sun's warm rays caressing your skin as you sip a cocktail on a sun lounger. (If it sounds idyllic to you, that’s because it is.) Relaxing is the name of the game on our Sun Deck. It's the perfect place to crack open that book you've been meaning to read. And most of the vessels in our first-class fleet have a splash pool or Jacuzzi to cool down in too.  

Life on board is relaxed and sociable - our river cruise ships carry 167 guests (at the most), so it's easy to make new friends. Our guests aren't just holidaymakers, they're part of the well-travelled collective - interested and interesting - and eager to get to know each other. If they sound like your kind of people, head to the bar and lounge - it's the social hub of the ship. You're sure to find a bridge partner or an opponent for chess. And it's well stocked with a range of drinks - sourced from around the world - including the finest wines and spirits. Our bartenders are up for any challenge - so why not test their skills by ordering a decadent cocktail? While we firmly believe "we're on holiday" or "it's five o'clock somewhere" are enough of an excuse to partake, we also serve a range of tea, coffee and soft drinks throughout the day. 

Exciting extras

Every one of our top-notch vessels offers something different - putting greens, splash pools, hairdressers and nail salons are just a taste of what your exquisite ship might provide - there's always something to do while we sail (assuming you can pull yourself away from the views). And most feature a state-of-the-art fitness centre and pampering spas – complete with everything you need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. To see what's available on your next adventure, head to our ships page and check out your floating boutique hotel.  

Evening entertainment

Evenings onboard are usually a casual affair - of course, dinner and drinks are a must. And, while you won't be able to watch a cabaret show or waltz across the ballroom, there's still plenty to entertain. Depending on your itinerary, you can look forward to performances by classical quartets or local folk dancers. Every experience is chosen to give a taste of your host port. Your Cruise Director will bring your destinations to life with talks on local customs, history or help you master some useful phrases of the local lingo - they might even suggest some delicious local delicacies to try!

Throughout your holiday, you can get to know your fellow explorers with organised quizzes, expert talks, demonstrations and card games. You can plan the next day's activities using the daily program on display at reception or during your Cruise Directors daily briefings.

And the highlight of the social calendar is the Chef's Dinner. Usually planned towards the end of your journey, it's the perfect opportunity to get dressed up, mingle with your fellow explorers and meet the head honcho - your ship's Captain. 

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Meet Our River Cruise Team

Your Riviera Travel experience starts from the moment you speak to our friendly reservations team.

Meet our river cruise team
A large rock sculpture of decebalus overlooking the Danube River gorge

The Rivers We Sail On

From the scenic Seine to the mighty Danube, and the historic Nile, each river we sail on has something different to offer.

Explore the rivers we sail on
Aerial of Budapest city with view of the the Danube river in Hungary

River Cruise Onshore Experiences

We plan our itineraries to ensure we're catering to those interests that make a culture unique. Perfecting every excursion to ensure you get the most out of your onshore adventures.

Read more about river cruise onshore experiences

Why River Cruise

To us, every river cruise is a chance to share our favourite places with our favourite people - and we've gotten pretty good at planning the perfect trip.

Discover what to expect on a river cruise