I’ve just returned from a Riviera river cruise – this time sailing the legendary Rhine from Basel to Cologne – and it’s safe to say, I’m already thinking about the next one.
We sailed aboard one of Riviera’s sleek river ships, staying in a Ruby Deck cabin. Comfortable doesn’t quite cover it, we had floor-to-ceiling patio-style windows that opened up the view beautifully. Waking up each morning with the river right there was a treat in itself.
A Journey Through Storybook Europe
The itinerary was packed with highlights. All excursions were included, which took the pressure off and let us simply enjoy the ride. We explored the charming streets of Lucerne and rode up to the peak of Stanserhorn Mountain – the panoramic views were unforgettable. Then came the mystical Black Forest, picture-perfect Strasbourg, and the historic town of Speyer.
In Speyer, we branched out a bit and visited the Technik Museum independently, which was a brilliant detour. Just a 5-minute walk from the ship, and filled with everything from vintage aircraft to cars, trains, a submarine, and even a space shuttle you could walk through. It was a surprising highlight of the trip.
We also stopped in Rüdesheim, known for its wine and music boxes, and spent time in Koblenz before finishing our voyage in vibrant Cologne.
A Cruise for Food Lovers
This wasn’t just any cruise – it was one of Riviera’s Gastronomy-Themed sailings, and it didn’t disappoint. Every port seemed to bring a new culinary experience: beer and wine tastings, Black Forest gateau, schnapps, pretzels, and chocolates – all part of the fun.
Back onboard, the food was excellent. We dined mainly in the main restaurant, but also tried The Riverview Bistro, a smaller venue that’s included in the price but requires booking. It offered a more intimate setting, perfect for a quieter evening.
Comfort & Calm Onboard
With only 106 passengers onboard (out of a possible 170), the ship never felt crowded. Everything was well-organised and relaxed. The crew were warm and helpful, and the atmosphere onboard was friendly without being over-the-top.
Entertainment was pleasantly low-key – just how I like it. The onboard musician sang, played guitar and piano, and there was a quiz night, another wine and beer tasting, and even a performance with an accordion. It felt local and personal, not like a big cruise ship show.
Dining was open seating, which encouraged mingling, though tables for two were a bit limited. Lunch ran from 12-1pm and dinner from 7-8:30pm – generous windows that suited most people.
Getting There: A Scenic Route
We decided to avoid flying and travelled by Eurostar – a choice I’d happily make again. Riviera arranged for an escort in Paris to guide us from Gare du Nord to Gare de Lyon, where we caught the high-speed TGV to Basel. Coming home, we had a coach transfer to Brussels and then back on the Eurostar to London. It was smooth, scenic, and far more relaxed than flying.
Final Thoughts
With drinks included from 6pm to midnight (and with meals at lunch), we never felt like we were being upsold. There was a great choice – wine, beer, cocktails, soft drinks – and the cocktail of the day was a fun touch.
I’ve done several river cruises with different operators, and Riviera continues to impress. This Rhine journey was packed with scenery, culture, flavours, and memories. If you’re considering your first – or next – river cruise, I’d be more than happy to share more
Wendy x
Contact Us Wendy@WendyHainesTravel.co.uk or call us on 0330 880 7813
