Riviera Travel is encouraging its sales partners to ‘think festive’ and secure those in-demand spaces aboard the brand’s luxury Christmas and New Year’s cruises for the 2025 winter season now.
*All details correct at time of publish (06 August 2025)
The Riviera team is reminding travel agents to plan ahead for a magical festive getaway for their customers this November and December. And with bookings for festive cruises up 112% year-on-year, it’s best to act fast to avoid disappointment.
As an additional incentive for agents, Riviera Travel is giving away one festive cruise for two people on the MS Riviera Resplendence as part of their ongoing Riviera Vault rewards initiative during the month of September.
Launched in July 2025, the Vault gives agents instant access to fantastic rewards the moment they make a booking, with other prizes including teeth whitening treatments, gourmet hampers from Fortnum & Mason, lifestyle vouchers that can be used for Costa Coffee, Greggs, Marks & Spencer, and more!
Riviera’s festive cruises combine seasonal cheer, wintry beauty, and five-star service. They provide an ideal romantic escape for couples, a warm and welcoming retreat for solo travellers, and a unique experience for anyone seeking something a little different this year.
As one delighted guest from a 2024 Christmas cruise shared:
“Cruising through frosty conditions that made the trees along the riverbanks sparkle was truly magical. The guided visits to Budapest, Bratislava, and Vienna were excellent, with plenty of free time to explore independently. The food was outstanding, the cabin warm and cosy, and the boat beautifully decorated for the festive season.”
With spaces bound to book up fast, Riviera Travel has shared an overview of four unforgettable festive river cruises, each offering its own distinctive way to celebrate the season in style and comfort:
Christmas on the Danube River Cruise
Cruise through the festive charm of Europe’s grandest cities, from the glittering lights of Vienna to the cosy riverside ambiance of Budapest. Delight in special celebrations including a luxurious Christmas Day Gala Dinner and a traditional Hungarian folklore show. From £2,399pp (based on two sharing).
Christmas on the Rhine River Cruise
Step into a storybook Christmas with this enchanting eight-day cruise along the Rhine. Discover medieval gems and twinkling towns such as Strasbourg, Speyer, Koblenz, and Cologne. From Glühwein and Stollen to a lavish Christmas Gala Dinner and onboard entertainment. From £2,349pp (based on two sharing).
New Year on the Rhine River Cruise
Celebrate the New Year in style on this six-day escape along one of Europe’s most romantic rivers. Sail from Cologne through the legendary Rhine Gorge to historic Koblenz, with guided tours in Frankfurt, Rüdesheim, and Cologne. Enjoy live classical music, a festive folklore show, and a spectacular New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner onboard. Experience snow-dusted castles, glowing lights and timeless riverside cities. From £1,814pp (based on two sharing).
New Year on the Danube River Cruise
Drift through Europe’s grand imperial capitals on this six-day Danube adventure. Highlights include guided tours of Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava, and breathtaking winter scenery along the Danube Bend. Enjoy a glamorous New Year’s Eve celebration with live classical music and a gala dinner onboard. From £2,149pp (based on two sharing).
Vicky Billing, Director of Trade and Partnerships, said:
“Christmas and New Year’s Eve may feel like an eternity away in the midst of summer, but the holidays tend to sneak up on us – and with festive cruise bookings up 112% year-on-year, we encourage our trade partners to keep these special itineraries at the front of their mind when talking to customers to avoid disappointment nearer the time.
“With that in mind, we are excited to give away one of these magical cruises to agents as part of our Riviera Vault initiative in September so they can experience how special our Christmas and New Year cruises are for themselves. Any itinerary booked through our Riviera Explorer is eligible, so you may just secure a very special festive treat for yourself!”
Riviera Travel’s festive cruises for 2025 are available to book now, with spaces expected to fill quickly as travellers plan ahead for a unique and heartwarming end to the year.
Agents can get in touch with the Riviera Travel team via agents@rivieratravel.co.uk, join the dedicated Facebook group at www.facebook.com/groups/rivieratravelagents and access the Riviera Explorer via www.rivexplorer.com.
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