Enjoy the high life with a free upgrade on select 2025 river cruises, worth up to £250pp.

 

  Riviera Travel is spreading the festive cheer with a new Christmas-themed travel agent incentive.   Every week from November 1 to December 8, the operator will be giving away a £200 M&S voucher, which can be used towards a festive feast. The first week will run from Friday 1 November to Sunday 10 November, and thereafter Monday to Sunday.   To enter, agents need to book any Riviera holiday, across cruise and escorted touring, during the six week period. They will then be entered into a draw and contacted by the Riviera trade team if they have won.   Vicky Billing, head of trade and partnerships UK & Ireland at Riviera, said: “This isn't just any trade incentive, this is a Riviera trade incentive. Giving back to our agent partners is a core part of what we do and it’s never too early to get into the festive spirit. We hope this fabulous prize of a weekly M&S voucher will give Christmas just that little bit more magic and sparkle.”

Riviera Travel trade bookings have increased by more than a third year-on-year. This includes an uptick of 51% for river cruises, and 66% for dedicated solo departures across both its cruise and escorted touring product. The trade has also prompted a sharp rise in 'Signature Tour' demand on long-haul escorted tours. Signature tours - which offer up to three enhanced experiences on existing itineraries - have seen a 38% growth in trade revenue year-on-year. As such, further itineraries will be added to next year's programme - Imperial Cities of Morocco, Jordan & Petra; South Africa; The Best of Japan; and Southern India's Coastal Route - bringing the worldwide total on offer up to 20. Overall, the trade team has increased its bookings share of Riviera's business by 10% since 2019. The operator has made a concerted effort to improve engagement with agents since the start of the year. This includes: Bolstering its trade team. Seven key account managers are now in place, with four additions recruited this year. Two newly created roles - national sales manager, retail & OTAs; and national sales manager, homeworkers - have also been introduced. A dedicated trade reservations team is additionally now in place. The trade marketing team has been expanded by three to five. Running a bi-annual trade engagement committee, with a cross-section of agents from the industry, the committee is in place to gather feedback, act on suggestions and help explain Riviera's plans and updates. Hosting 10 Fam trips, across both river cruise and escorted touring product, to a record 100 agents. The launch earlier this month of a new e-learning platform - 'Riviera Explorer' - which aims to help agents improve their brand knowledge. The platform already has over 1,000 users, half of whom are new-to-brand. Introducing an internal trade app, which allows key account managers to track their agent visits and outcomes. To date it has reduced the time spent on administration tasks by around 50%. Enhancing relationships with both The Travel Network Group and Advantage Travel Partnership, to help secure further partnerships with more independent agents. Vicky Billing, Riviera Travel head of trade and partnerships UK & Ireland, said: "We are over the moon with the support we have had from our amazing trade partners this year. My team and I are so grateful for every single booking.” "It's been particularly satisfying to see travel agents who have never sold Riviera making bookings on a regular basis." 

Related News Stories:  

  Riviera Travel has lowered prices on select 2025 European escorted tours departing from July through to November.   Savings of up to £130pp are now available across 89 departure dates, including Classic and Signature tours. Options include:   * Four-day Paris classic tour, departing July 19, 2025, with prices now from £559pp. * Eight-day Norway signature tour, departing August 1, 2025, with prices now from £2469pp. * Eight-day Puglia, Lecce & Vieste classic tour, departing September 5, 2025, with prices now from £1539pp. * Eight-day Sicily signature tour, departing September 15, 2025, with prices now from £2099pp. * Six-day Slovenia and Lake Bled signature tour, departing September 24, 2025, with prices now from £1399pp. * Eight-day Lake Garda, Venice & Verona signature tour, departing October 8, 2025, with prices now from £2249pp.   Joanne Lynn, head of product - European at Riviera, said: “Our mission is to provide exceptional holiday experiences at unbeatable value for money, and these new savings on select 2025 European tours are further evidence of our desire to make escorted touring more accessible for all. There’s so much included in the price of a Riviera tour, including flights and transfers, making the whole experience stress-free from start to finish. There’s never been a better time for guests to book and take in the wonders of Europe.”   For 2025, Riviera has reduced the group size on its Classic tours, with a maximum of 36 guests. Meanwhile, Signature tours have an average of just 22 guests and up to four enhanced experiences.   All Riviera Travel escorted tours include return flights and transfers, accommodation, tours and visits, select meals, local taxes and an expert tour manager throughout.

Riviera Travel has unveiled a new travel agent e-learning platform. The 'Riviera Explorer' platform aims to help travel agents improve their brand knowledge. Now live, it is the operator's most significant investment to date in online travel agent support. It has been designed for both experienced sellers and those new to selling Riviera. It features the latest Riviera news and updates and training modules with itineraries and unique selling points across river, ocean cruise and escorted tour products. Agents can complete the training programme in approximately four to five hours to become a certified Riviera Expert. Agents who complete every training module by December 31, 2024, will have a chance of winning a place on a Sri Lanka escorted tour fam trip departing in 2025 or a Blue Danube Cruise fam trip on new ship Riviera Radiance in 2025. Vicky Billing, head of trade and partnerships at Riviera, said: "We're so excited to officially launch 'Riviera Explorer', which represents the next stage of our trade-first strategy and takes our travel agent support to the next level.” 'Riviera Explorer' can be accessed via www.rivexplorer.com. To register, agents will need their ABTA number.

Related News Stories:  Riviera Travel launching new river ship     Riviera Travel launches National Travel Agent Day agent incentive     Riviera Travel unveils largest-ever river cruise programme for 2026     Riviera Travel unveils largest-ever river cruise programme for 2026 ...     Riviera Travel offering new Mekong ship and itinerary for 2026     Riviera Travel unveils new 2024 themed river cruises     Intrepid launches Vietnam typhoon appeal     CLIA announces 2025 conference dates     Celestyal launches CLIA Cruise Week agent incentive     Celestyal launches pre-booking commission guide

Riviera Travel will operate on a new ship on Mekong river cruises in 2026. The 70-guest Victoria Mekong has 33 staterooms and two suites, all with private balconies. It also houses a restaurant, bar, infinity pool, gym, library and games room, plus a movie room and a spa. The ship will operate a new Vietnam, Cambodia and Hidden Treasures of the Mekong river cruise and tour. There are 15-night Saigon to Siem Reap upstream and 14-night Siem Reap to Saigon downstream options available. The itinerary will visit Can Tho, Long Xuyen, Tiger Island, Phu Tan and Tan Chau (all Vietnam), and Phnom Penh, Silk Island, Oudong, Koh Chen, Angkor Ban and Kampong Cham (in Cambodia). There will be a total of six departures, from January to November. Prices include flights and transfers, tours and visits, two or three nights at the Hotel Grand Saigon, Vietnam, three nights at the Sokha Angkor Resort, Siem Reap, Cambodia, seven nights onboard Victoria Mekong and complimentary soft drinks throughout the day and selected drinks with lunch and dinner while onboard. Will Sarson, product director at Riviera, said: “The Victoria Mekong is a fantastic addition to the fleet, offering a modern onboard experience from which our guests can enjoy the wonders of the Mekong River.” The Victoria Mekong launched in 2019. 

Related News Stories:  Riviera Travel unveils largest-ever river cruise programme for 2026     Riviera Travel launches National Travel Agent Day agent incentive     Riviera Travel unveils largest-ever river cruise programme for 2026 ...     Riviera Travel boosts solo capacity on yacht cruises     Riviera Travel announced £1million gift giveaway - TravelMole     Cruising with Susan Calman proves ratings hit for Riviera Travel ...     MS Porto Mirante christened ahead of Riviera Travel debut     Riviera Travel unveils new 2024 themed river cruises     Riviera Travel to introduce new ship and itinerary on the Mekong in ...     Riviera Travel launching new river ship    

    Riviera Travel has revealed it will operate on a new ship on the Mekong in 2026.   The 70-guest Victoria Mekong features 33 staterooms and two suites, all with private balconies. It also has a restaurant, bar, infinity pool, gym, library and games room, movie room and a spa.   The ship will operate a new Vietnam, Cambodia and Hidden Treasures of the Mekong tour and cruise, with 15-night Saigon to Siem Reap upstream and 14-night Siem Reap to Saigon downstream options available.   The itinerary will visit Can Tho, Long Xuyen, Tiger Island, Phu Tan and Tan Chau (all Vietnam), and Phnom Penh, Silk Island, Oudong, Koh Chen, Angkor Ban and Kampong Cham (all Cambodia).   A total of six departures, from January to November, are on offer. Prices start from £4599pp and include flights and transfers, tours and visits, two or three nights at the Hotel Grand Saigon, Vietnam, three nights at the Sokha Angkor Resort, Siem Reap, Cambodia, seven nights onboard Victoria Mekong and complimentary soft drinks throughout the day and selected drinks with lunch and dinner while onboard.   Will Sarson, product director at Riviera, said: “The Victoria Mekong is a fantastic addition to the fleet, offering a modern onboard experience from which our guests can enjoy the wonders of the Mekong River. Our new Vietnam, Cambodia and Hidden Treasures itinerary has been designed to showcase some of the hidden wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia, to give guests a new perspective on these fascinating destinations.”   The Victoria Mekong was launched in 2019.

Riviera Travel has revealed it will introduce another new river cruise ship to the fleet in 2026. The 178-guest Riviera Resplendence will be a sister ship to the recently announced Riviera Radiance, which launches next year. Riviera Resplendence will feature three dining venues, including a new restaurant called Mosaic. The ship’s split-level lounge and dining room will provide more guest space. Grand Balcony suites will measure 32sqm, the largest ever on a Riviera river cruise ship, with a separate lounge area and balcony with seating. Superior Suites and Double Cabins with a French balcony will also be available. Other ship amenities include a spa and wellness area, pool, bistro with an open kitchen and a boutique gift shop. As with Riviera Radiance, the ship is also designed to qualify for the Gold Standard in the Green Awards programme which sets standards in safety and environmental performance. The new ship’s itinerary information will be unveiled shortly. Riviera revealed that sales for its two ships which launch next year - Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose - are 20% up on the rest of the fleet since they went live.

Related News Stories:  Riviera Travel launches 2026 long haul touring programme ...     Riviera Travel unveils new 2024 themed river cruises     Riviera Travel unveils largest-ever river cruise programme for 2026     Riviera Travel kicks off ad campaign to mark 40th anniversary     African Travel unveils 2025 brochure     CLIA launches new trade training programmes     Riviera Travel announced £1million gift giveaway - TravelMole     P&O Cruises Unveils Exciting Summer 2026 Program with Special ...     TravelMole     Home – [email protected]

  * Programme comprises several new itineraries alongside existing favourites * £50 per booking incentive for agents on offer * Prices frozen at 2025 levels for a limited time * Free all-inclusive drinks package available on all 2026 European cruises   Riviera Travel has announced its largest-ever river cruise programme will operate in 2026. 428 sailings are on offer, on 13 river ships, taking in destinations across Europe and further afield. The season features 31 dedicated solo departures.   A pre-sale event is open from September 18, 2024, with the programme going on general release from September 25, 2024. This represents the earliest point at which Riviera has ever put a new booking year on sale, with the launch made in response to overwhelming demand: Riviera’s booked revenue is currently 51% up for 2025 compared to the same period for 2024.   A £50 per booking incentive on all Europe 2026 river cruise bookings is available for agents from September 18 to October 31, 2024.   Included in the programme are traditional destination favourites such as the Rhone, Seine, Rhine, Danube and Douro. New-for-2026 are five specially themed itineraries, an additional Mekong river cruise and a Medieval Germany solo-dedicated departure.   Riviera has also said that 2026 departures are currently frozen at 2025 prices for a limited time, until December 15, 2024.   In addition, a free all-inclusive drinks package is on offer for all 2026 European cruises. The package is available daily from 10am until midnight, and includes wines, beers, cocktails and mocktails, soft drinks and juices, spirits, and tea and coffee.*   New for 2026 The new themed cruises, all eight days in length, comprise:   * Gardens & Natural Beauty of the Rhine Featuring a scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge; visits to the castle gardens of Heidelberg and Schwetzingen; vineyards in Rüdesheim; Koblenz’s Schlosspark and Butterfly Garden of Sayn Palace; Rheinaue Leisure Park in Bonn; and the Rose Garden of Saverne. Departing May – October 2026, with prices from £2249pp.   * Gastronomy of the Danube Featuring the choice of a guided tour of Linz with a tasting of Leberkas, Linzer Torte and a local beer, or a full-day tour of Salzburg; guided tour of Vienna with a visit to a traditional confectioner at Schönbrunn Palace; the opportunity to sample Hungarian and Austrian wines in the cellars of the Esztergom Basilica; and a guided tour of Budapest central market. Departing April – October 2026, with prices from £2149pp.   * Gastronomy of the Rhine & Moselle Featuring the choice of a visit to the Lindt Chocolate Museum for a guided tour and tasting, or a tour of Cologne; wine tasting in Bernkastel and Rüdesheim; a guided tour in Trier, Cochem and Boppard; and a visit to the Koblenz Wine and Sparkling Wine Museum. Departing April – August 2026, with prices from £2299pp.   * Gastronomy of the Seine Featuring a tour of the D-day beaches, Arromanches and the 'longest day' museum; Caudebec-en-Caux and Claude Monet's house to see the 'Water Lilies Pond’ and 'Japanese Footbridge'; guided tours of Rouen and Honfleur, with a tasting at the oldest Crêperie; the choice of a panoramic tour of Paris or a walking tour of Paris’ Latin Quarter district; and visits to local farms and cider houses. Departing April – October 2026, with prices from £1999pp.   * Music & Art of the Blue Danube Guided tours in Vienna, Dürnstein, Bratislava and Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart; a behind the scenes tour with the renowned Vienna Boys Choir; visits to Esztergom Basilica and Melk Abbey; and the choice of a visit to the House of Music or the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest. Departing April – October 2026, with prices from £1999pp.   A new 16 days upstream or 15 days downstream Vietnam, Cambodia & Hidden Treasures of the Mekong cruise and tour, departing January to November 2026, will visit Ho Chi Minh, with guided visits to the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Central Post Office, Saigon Opera House and Cu Chi tunnels; Phnom Penh, with guided tours of the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex, the Killing Fields Memorial and a cocktail at the famed Elephant Bar; and the temples of Angkor Wat, Ta Phrom and Bayon. Prices start from £4599pp.   The eight-day ‘Medieval Germany for Solo Travellers’ river cruise will visit Mainz, Würzburg, Rothenburg, Miltenberg, Wertheim, Bamberg and Nuremberg. Departing August 2026, with prices from £3249pp.   Vicky Billing, head of trade and partnerships UK & Ireland at Riviera, said: “The trade has been phenomenal at selling our 2025 European river cruises and continue to do so, so what better way to launch 2026 than by rewarding them with a rich incentive.”   Will Sarson, product director at Riviera, said: “The 2026 programme is our biggest ever, as we keep pace with the current exceptional demand for our river cruises. They include a wealth of exciting exploration opportunities at unbeatable value.   “We’re excited to offer all departures currently on offer at the same price as our 2025 sailings. And our free all-inclusive drinks package includes our widest ever range of options, giving guests the perfect excuse to raise a glass or two to mark their getaway.   “Our new themed cruises provide a great opportunity to marry an interest or hobby with tailored holidays that inform and inspire, while our new Mekong option has a range of remarkable tours, not least to the Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh. We’re also delighted to add to our solo departures with a dedicated Medieval Germany sailing, which explores some of the country’s most fascinating towns and villages.”

Riviera Travel has announced its largest-ever river cruise programme for 2026. There will be a total of 428 sailings on 13 river ships, taking in destinations across Europe and further afield. The season features 31 dedicated solo traveller departures. A pre-sale event is open from September 18, 2024, with the programme going on general release from September 25, 2024. This is the earliest date Riviera has ever put a new booking year on sale, due to strong demand. The company says booked revenue is currently 51% up for 2025 compared to the same period for 2024. A £50 per booking incentive on all Europe 2026 river cruise bookings is available for travel agents from September 18 to October 31, 2024. Included in the programme are traditional destination favourites such as the Rhone, Seine, Rhine, Danube and Douro. New-for-2026 are five specially themed itineraries, an additional Mekong river cruise and a Medieval Germany solo traveller departure. Also, 2026 departures are currently frozen at 2025 prices for a limited time until December 15, 2024. In addition, a free all-inclusive drinks package is on offer for all 2026 European cruises. The package is available daily from 10am until midnight, and includes wines, beers, cocktails and mocktails, soft drinks and juices, spirits, and tea and coffee. New for 2026 The new themed cruises, all of eight days in length, comprise: Gardens & Natural Beauty of the Rhine: A scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge; visits to the castle gardens of Heidelberg and Schwetzingen; vineyards in Rüdesheim; Koblenz’s Schlosspark and Butterfly Garden of Sayn Palace; Rheinaue Leisure Park in Bonn; and the Rose Garden of Saverne.  Departing May – October 2026, from £2249pp. Gastronomy of the Danube: Featuring the choice of a guided tour of Linz with a tasting of Leberkas, Linzer Torte and a local beer, or a full-day tour of Salzburg. Also a guided tour of Vienna with a visit to a traditional confectioner at Schönbrunn Palace; the opportunity to sample Hungarian and Austrian wines in the cellars of the Esztergom Basilica; and a guided tour of Budapest central market. Departing April – October 2026, from £2149pp. Gastronomy of the Rhine & Moselle: Featuring the choice of a visit to the Lindt Chocolate Museum for a guided tour and tasting, or a tour of Cologne; wine tasting in Bernkastel and Rüdesheim; a guided tour in Trier, Cochem and Boppard; and a visit to the Koblenz Wine and Sparkling Wine Museum. Departing April – August 2026, from £2299pp. Gastronomy of the Seine: Featuring a tour of the D-day beaches, Arromanches and the 'longest day' museum; Caudebec-en-Caux and Claude Monet's house to see the 'Water Lilies Pond’ and 'Japanese Footbridge'; guided tours of Rouen and Honfleur, with a tasting at the oldest Crêperie; the choice of a panoramic tour of Paris or a walking tour of Paris’ Latin Quarter district; and visits to local farms and cider houses. Departing April – October 2026, from £1999pp. Music & Art of the Blue Danube: Guided tours in Vienna, Dürnstein, Bratislava and Salzburg; a behind the scenes tour with the renowned Vienna Boys Choir; visits to Esztergom Basilica and Melk Abbey; and the choice of a visit to the House of Music or the Museum of Fine Arts in Budapest. Departing April – October 2026, from £1999pp. The programme includes a new 16 days upstream or 15 days downstream Vietnam, Cambodia & Hidden Treasures of the Mekong cruise and tour, departing January to November 2026. It will visit Ho Chi Minh City, with guided visits to the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Central Post Office, Saigon Opera House and Cu Chi tunnels; Phnom Penh, with guided tours of the Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda complex, the Killing Fields Memorial and a cocktail at the famed Elephant Bar; as well as the temples of Angkor Wat, Ta Phrom and Bayon. Prices from £4599pp. The eight-day ‘Medieval Germany for Solo Travellers’ river cruise will visit Mainz, Würzburg, Rothenburg, Miltenberg, Wertheim, Bamberg and Nuremberg. Departing August 2026, from £3249pp. Will Sarson, product director at Riviera, said: “The 2026 programme is our biggest ever, as we keep pace with the current exceptional demand for our river cruises. They include a wealth of exciting exploration opportunities at unbeatable value.” 

Related News Stories:  Riviera Travel unveils new 2024 themed river cruises     Riviera Travel launches National Travel Agent Day agent incentive     African Travel unveils 2025 brochure     Riviera Travel launches 2026 long haul touring programme ...     CLIA unveils RiverView 2025 details     P&O Cruises Unveils Exciting Summer 2026 Program with Special ...     Celestyal expands in the Arabian Gulf with a second ship     Inspire My Holiday launches dedicated trade hub     Newmarket Holidays adds new US tours - TravelMole     First Class Holidays teams up with Wendy Wu for Japan Tours offering    

Riviera Travel is offering travel agents the chance to win a river cruise as part of a new incentive to mark National Travel Agent Day. To enter, agents need to book any Riviera holiday from today until September 13. They will then be automatically entered into a draw to win a cruise for two on the operator’s Blue Danube itinerary, departing in 2025 on new ship Riviera Radiance. The winner will be announced on September 16 on the Riviera travel agent Facebook group. National Travel Agent Day takes place today, to mark the importance of the trade in the travel industry. Vicky Billing, head of trade and partnerships at Riviera, said: “The opportunity to experience the iconic Danube on our new ship Riviera Radiance is one not to be missed.” The 178-guest Riviera Radiance – one of two new ships launching in 2025 will feature several firsts for the operator, including bearing the Riviera name on its bow. The ship will have three dining venues, including a new restaurant called Mosaic. Additionally, the Grand Suites, at 32 sqm, will be the largest ever offered by Riviera.

Related News Stories:  Riviera Travel launches 2026 long haul touring programme ...     TravelMole     River Cruises 2024 & 2025 | Riviera Travel     Riviera Travel kicks off ad campaign to mark 40th anniversary     Inspire My Holiday launches dedicated trade hub     Partner News - TravelMole     P&O Cruises Unveils Exciting Summer 2026 Program with Special ...     CLIA unveils RiverView 2025 details     Princess Cruises Unveils Exclusive New Sanctuary Collection ...     Celestyal expands in the Arabian Gulf with a second ship

  Riviera Travel has announced that its 2026 long haul escorted tour programme is now on sale.   A total of 50 tours are available, running from January to December 2026. Departures range from six to 21 days, taking in destinations across the globe, including Australia, Canada, Malaysia, India, Morocco, the USA, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Ecuador and the Galapagos, and China.   Signature tours – with an average group size of 22 people and added experiences – and dedicated solo traveller options are included as part of the programme.   Riviera has also announced the 2026 long haul departures are currently frozen at 2025 prices.   Highlights of the 2026 programme include:   * 21-day ‘New Zealand - Land of the Long White Cloud’, including Christchurch, Auckland and Queenstown. Prices start from £6199pp. * 20-day ‘Grand Tour of South Africa’, including Kruger National Park, Cape Town and Cape of Good Hope. Prices start from £3699pp. * 10-day ‘Icons of Japan’, including Tokyo, Kyoto and Mount Fuji. Prices start from £2999pp. * 16-day ‘Signature tour: Grand Tour of Peru & the Amazon’, including Machu Picchu, Cusco and Lake Titicaca. Prices start from £4899pp. * 16-day ‘Vietnam and Cambodia’, including Hanoi, Halong Bay and Phnom Penh. Prices start from £4399pp.   Will Sarson, product director at Riviera, said: “Our 2026 long haul escorted tours have been hand-crafted to showcase the very best of a number of global destinations. Whether it’s the wonders of Australia, the unrivalled views on the Rocky Mountaineer train in Canada, or the iconic national parks of the USA, these bucket-list itineraries are not to be missed. Our solo options also reinforce our commitment to giving all guests the opportunity to experience the joys of a Riviera tour.”   All Riviera escorted tours include return flights and transfers, accommodation, tours and visits, select meals, local taxes and an expert tour manager throughout.