River cruising is on the rise and shows no signs of slowing down. And it’s easy to see the appeal. It’s a hassle-free way of visiting several destinations in one whirlwind journey, many of them inland and out of reach of seagoing ships. On a single voyage, you might experience glittering European cities, vineyard-clad valleys and fortress-topped hills, all in a matter of days.
Given the growing popularity of river cruising, there are now more first-timers than ever unsure about what exactly to expect.
Cheryl Elliott-Edwards was in that precise position in July 2025, as she prepared to embark on her first-ever river cruise. Her career has spanned nearly 30 years in the travel industry, running her own company and working with high-profile airlines. And yet, like many seasoned travellers, she’d never set foot on a river ship.
While she didn’t know exactly what she was in for, she did know she was in good hands. Having recently joined the Riviera Travel team, she was familiar with the company’s reputation for delivering carefully curated journeys, from wildlife safaris in South Africa to river cruises across Europe and beyond.
Without further ado, here’s what Cheryl made of her first river adventure, from time on board one of Riviera Travel’s newest boutique-style ships to excursions among historic vineyards.
Was this your first-ever cruise?
Cheryl: I had never experienced a cruise of any kind, ocean or river, but I had a little taste last year when I was invited for lunch and a tour of a docked ocean liner – that’s when the seed was sown. Little did I know that a few months later, I would be sailing on my first-ever river cruise.
What were your expectations of taking a river cruise?
Cheryl: Because this was my first cruise, I went into it with very few expectations, though I was incredibly excited. People had suggested to me that a river cruise was the perfect way to start if you’ve never cruised before, and they were right. I had been a little worried that I would feel the motion on the water, but I didn’t feel anything at all.
Where did you sail on your first-ever river cruise?
Cheryl: I sailed the Douro River, and honestly, this itinerary has set the bar so high. It was interesting and yet peaceful, with breathtaking scenery at every turn. The rolling hills and terraced vineyards were absolutely gorgeous.
One highlight was the chance to watch wildlife, including eagles soaring across the skies. And the locks were also fascinating. Our route had one of the tallest in Europe to navigate through, which was incredible to experience.
In terms of the specific ports, Porto stood out for me for all the very best reasons. It just has a charm all its own. Even though it was my third time visiting, there were still so many places and experiences I had never known existed. The architecture is especially beautiful.
What was included on your Riviera Travel river cruise?
Cheryl: I was honestly blown away by all the inclusions. The excursions, our fantastic tour guides, the amazing food, the gorgeous cabin and, of course, the drinks. The daily cocktails were such a treat, as was the daily entertainment.
Which ship did you sail on?
Cheryl: We sailed on the gorgeous new Riviera Rose, and my first impression as I stepped on board was just how absolutely stunning it is. Its décor is contemporary, with plush lounge areas, and there are plenty of small private spaces if you want some time to yourself.
How would you describe the onboard atmosphere?
Cheryl: The entire crew was fantastic throughout and made the whole experience so pleasurable. The cruise director was amazing and always on hand to answer questions and help make the experience feel special.
What was the experience of dining on board like?
Cheryl: There was a different menu each day, which included a choice of dishes. Some of my favourites were the speciality dishes of each region we were sailing through. I couldn’t believe the high standard and presentation of all the food.
Afternoon tea, served each day at 4:30, was very well received. The perfectly cut sandwiches, cream teas and fruit tarts were difficult to resist.
How did you find the shore excursions?
Cheryl: The shore excursions were exceptional. My favourite was a visit to a stunning vineyard where we had the opportunity to explore and take photos, followed by a sumptuous three-course meal, made with local produce and served with wines to complement each course.
That was followed by sampling delicious ports before dancing the night away with two very talented musicians – it was a truly magical evening, and one I’ll never forget.
If you took another river cruise tomorrow, would you do anything different?
Cheryl: No, not a thing! Everything is organised for you with Riviera Travel. You have nothing to worry about and plenty of time to enjoy.
Which rivers are on your personal travel wish list now?
Cheryl: A Rhine river cruise is next up for me, but there are so many tempting Riviera Travel itineraries.
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