If you’re considering your inaugural river cruise, you’re far from alone. This style of travel has soared in popularity in recent years, with a whole new wave of travellers contemplating it for the first time.
However, along with that surge, a few persistent misconceptions have also emerged. In this piece, we’re looking at how one leading river cruise operator, Riviera Travel, challenges some of the most enduring myths.
Without further ado, here are 10 things not to expect, plus three short itineraries from Riviera’s Discovery Collection if you want to test the waters for yourself.
1. Don’t expect overpriced fares
River cruises don’t have to come with eye-watering price tags. If you choose the right cruise operator, they can offer excellent value considering the calibre of experience provided.
While Riviera Travel’s river cruises might not be as cheap as hostels or a single-destination holiday, if you’re looking for a five-star experience, you’ll be hard-pressed to find the same quality for less. That’s particularly true when you consider everything bundled into Riviera's standard fare, from complimentary drinks packages to insightful excursions with local guides.
In fact, the brand is so certain that it’s unbeatable in terms of value that it offers a quality promise: if you find the same quality experience for less with a competitor, Riviera will match it (see the full T&Cs).
2. Don’t expect cramped ships
With Riviera Travel, you don’t have to worry about a lack of space cramping your style. The specialist travel operator’s five-star ships feel like floating boutique hotels, with plenty of welcoming public areas, from expansive sun decks to panoramic lounges.
Cabins and suites are also generously sized, particularly on the new Radiance-class ships (see our full review of Riviera Radiance here). You can find grand balcony suites at a whopping 32 square metres, or over twice the size of your average master bedroom in the UK.
3. Don’t expect unnecessary formality
One myth you hear about cruising is that the whole affair is overly formal, with stuffy dress codes that feel like a chore.
This couldn’t be further from the truth, particularly with Riviera Travel. Admittedly, some ocean cruise lines do have formal nights where ballgowns and tuxedos are par for the course, but river cruises tend to be more informal. Chinos, capri trousers, summer dresses and comfortable sandals are perfectly acceptable.
4. Don’t expect non-stop days
These are not the kind of voyages that leave you more tired than when you left home. On Riviera sailings, leisure time is built in, with plenty of time to luxuriate in the ever-changing scenery, a glass of wine in hand.
Plus, while complimentary excursions are included, how many you choose to take is entirely your prerogative. Because river ships frequently dock right in the heart of a city, it’s easy to explore on your own if you prefer to set your own pace.
5. Don’t expect seasickness
If you’ve experienced seasickness on an ocean cruise or heard horror stories, you can set your mind at rest. It’s extremely rare to become seasick on a river cruise, since you don’t experience the rollicking waves of the open sea.
Instead, you’re sailing calm, inland waters at a slow, steady pace, with shore constantly in sight. That means less sensory confusion and little chance of motion sickness.
6. Don’t expect boredom on board
If you’ve been on very large ocean ships with flashy water parks and casinos, you might be thinking: how will I find a comparatively small river ship? The reality is, while the experience is very different, these ships are more likely to leave you relaxed than restless.
On a Riviera river cruise, you’ll enjoy entertainment such as string quartets, local folk performances, expert talks, wine tastings and lively quizzes. There’s also more focus on recharging – think lounging in sun-dappled hammocks, taking a dip in the plunge pool or enjoying a treatment in the spa. That’s typically more than enough to keep you busy between the frequent port stops.
7. Don’t expect regional supplements
Some cruise lines will charge you more to fly from regional airports, but not Riviera Travel. There’s no need to take a long and convoluted journey to London before you start your holiday, because you’ll receive already-included air or rail travel from cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Dublin, Edinburgh and more.
8. Don’t expect astronomical single supplements
There’s a reason Riviera Travel was named Best for Solo Travellers at the 2025 Wave Awards. Time and again, it’s proved its commitment to those travelling independently, and its river cruises are no exception. Crucially, it offers an impressive line-up of solo-exclusive river cruises with no single supplements.
9. Don’t expect rushed port stops
For many travellers considering their first river cruise, one of the main attractions of sailing is visiting multiple destinations in one trip, without the hassle of packing and repacking. The worry is, however, that you’re signing up for a whistlestop tour where you’ll barely have time to disembark.
With Riviera Travel, you get itineraries designed to give you the optimum amount of time in each destination. That means being able to have that second glass of wine, wander market stalls at your leisure and take the time to smell the roses.
10. Don’t expect cruises of epic lengths
If you’re just dipping your toe into river cruising, chances are you want to test things out before committing to several weeks on board. That’s why Riviera Travel’s Discovery Collection is designed to show you the highlights of great rivers and give you a sense of whether this style of travel suits you.
Of course, if you find that river cruising is exactly what you’re looking for, you can always follow up your first voyage with one of Riviera Travel’s longer sailings. For example, you can spend over a fortnight sailing the Nile or Mekong, or on a multi-river cruise that combines the Rhine, Main and Danube.
But before we get ahead of ourselves, here are three short cruises from Riviera Travel well worth considering for your inaugural sailing:
Budapest, Bratislava & Vienna: A Danube Discovery River Cruise
Duration: Four nights
When does it depart: 6th and 10th of November 2026; 27th and 31st March, 31st October, and 4th November 2027.
Highlights: This concise cruise gives you the chance to visit three dazzling capitals on the mighty Danube, which remains one of the most popular European rivers to cruise. Over five days, you’ll be whisked on a whirlwind tour of gilded coffeehouses, medieval castles and world-class museums, with plenty of ways to tailor your voyage to your particular tastes. Lovers of history, art, music and wellness will all find plenty to sate their appetites, from Budapest’s thermal spas to Vienna’s classical composers.
Find out more here.
Rhine Gorge & Cologne Discovery River Cruise
Duration: Three nights
When does it depart: 7th and 10th of November 2026; 24th of March and 11th of November 2027.
Highlights: This route cuts through some of the most scenic landscapes anywhere in Europe, with jaw-dropping scenery punctuated by medieval castles and timbered towns. Sailing through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, known for its timeworn ruins and mysterious legends, is a true standout moment, while the Gothic spires of Cologne’s cathedral also evoke a sense of awe. Wine lovers will also find plenty to marvel at, from vineyard-clad slopes to the Riesling-filled cellars.
Find out more here.
Amsterdam, Kinderdijk and the Dutch Bulbfields River Cruise
Duration: Four nights
When does it depart: More than 10 dates throughout April 2027
Highlights: This is the ultimate spring itinerary, offering you the chance to tiptoe through hundreds of tulip varieties and see windmills set amid pastoral tableaux. That’s before you consider the opportunities to explore Rotterdam’s avant-garde architecture, seek out the masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age or visit cheesemongers known for their world-renowned Gouda and Edam.
Note, there is also a version of this itinerary exclusively for solo travellers.
Find out more here.
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