Riviera Travel Debuts Its New River Ship, Riviera Resplendence
The third vessel in the line’s Radiance Class will embark on its maiden voyage along the Rhine on July 4.
Riviera Resplendence Cabins. Photo: Riviera Travel
Riviera Travel has unveiled its newest five-star river cruise ship, Riviera Resplendence, which is set to embark on its maiden voyage on Saturday, July 4, from Cologne.
The new vessel will sail the line’s inaugural Rhine Cruise to Switzerland itinerary before operating a series of voyages on the Rhine and Danube rivers throughout Europe.
The 178-guest ship is the third vessel in Riviera Travel’s Radiance Class, joining Riviera Radiance and expanding the company’s growing fleet of premium river cruise ships. Designed in partnership with Swiss shipbuilder Scylla, Riviera Resplendence features the line’s signature split-level architecture, intended to maximize natural light, panoramic views, and spacious public areas.
Unlike its sister ships, the vessel introduces a new interior design concept characterized by rich gold accents, warm wood finishes, and bold wall coverings, creating a warmer, more residential atmosphere while maintaining the contemporary aesthetic found throughout Riviera Travel’s fleet. Accommodating up to 178 guests, Riviera Resplendence features 89 cabins and suites, along with an observation lounge, three restaurants showcasing regional European cuisine, and a spacious sun deck.
“We want guests to feel like they’re coming home for the next few days,” said interior designers Michel van der Velden and Cathy Schroder of Scylla, who led the ship’s interior design.
The vessel will operate 18 itineraries across the Rhine and Danube, including the Rhine Cruise to Switzerland, Rhine, Moselle & Switzerland River Cruise, The Blue Danube River Cruise, and the Budapest to the Black Sea River Cruise. The schedule also includes holiday sailings and departures designed specifically for solo travelers.
The launch is part of Riviera Travel’s broader fleet expansion strategy. The company has confirmed that two additional Radiance Class ships, Riviera Reflection and Riviera Rhapsody, are scheduled to enter service over the next two years.
