We’re Cruising Europe’s Finest Rivers, Once Again

Over the last month, we’ve been delighted to welcome our wonderful guests back to the Douro Valley, France and Germany on our long-awaited river cruises. We can’t tell you how fantastic it feels to be sharing the hidden gems of the European rivers again, with incredible scenery at every turn. But most of all it’s been heart-warming to see our guests enjoying travel again, seeing the world, creating memories and making new friends.

Our first port of call was Porto, on board the Douro Elegance for our Douro Valley river cruise. As well as Emily from Marketing, Becky in Operations and Cruise Director Anette on board, we were joined by health and safety expert Ian Greaves, who has worked in the travel and tourism sector for over 20 years. He advises Riviera on the most up-to-date policy, ensuring we continue to work to the highest health and safety standards.

It’s was wonderful to be sharing the hidden gems of the Douro Valley again, with incredible scenery at every turn. From fascinating Castelo Rodrigo to Mateus Palace Gardens and visiting Lamego to see the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies to a walking tour with local experts in Porto – everyone was in high spirits to be seeing the world again. The food and drink tastings went well too – with a pasteis de nata demonstrations and port ceremony on board to a port tasting, local Raposeira in Lamego and a Portuguese meal at a traditional quinta.

It’s been amazing. Not just because of the scenery or the staff, but I think the care and attention that are put into things. The river sells itself. But the organisation that Riviera have put into this has been absolutely second to none – I can’t fault it so far.

– Sally and Richard Harper

“The countryside is beautiful and I’m looking forward to the trips. It’s so well organised and the staff are amazing. I can’t believe that it’s only the second cruise back as there must have been so many things to think about – especially this time. Riviera just seem to think of everything and it’s just been incredible.” 

– Liz Hirst

As well as the return of Medieval Germany, the Rhone and Adriatic Yachts, our CEO Phil Hullah joined guests on the first Seine river cruise back on board the Jane Austen.

Phil says, 

I’m very excited to be outside the charming town of Andelys on the Seine, joining our guests on our first Seine river cruise. I can confirm first-hand that we’re up and running, the sun is shining, the food is fantastic and the guests who’ve joined us are thrilled to have got away and are really enjoying themselves.

And to offer you some further reassurance, we’ve put in place a dedicated team of people who’ve become real experts in the office, helping people through organising tests and getting the paperwork right.

Head over to Facebook to see the latest videos and behind the scenes snaps of the first cruises back – plus live content from Lee on a yacht!

We’re just so thrilled to be cruising Europe’s rivers and discovering destinations new, once again.