Riviera Travel Charts New Waters with the First Solo-Only River Ship

I’ve spent a fair share of my travel life journeying solo. When Andrew can’t join me, I’ve discovered the joy of setting my own pace, the freedom of making spontaneous choices, and—let’s be honest—the occasional awkwardness of being the lone diner at a table of couples. Cruising, in particular, has always been a mixed bag for solo travellers: rewarding, yes, but often weighed down by hefty single supplements or the feeling of being the odd one out.

That’s why Riviera Travel’s announcement stopped me in my tracks. In June 2027, the line will launch the MS George Eliot, the world’s first river ship dedicated entirely to solo travellers. Not a handful of cabins, not a token gesture—an entire ship, every cabin, every itinerary designed with independence in mind.

Redesigned for One

Originally built for 140 passengers, the George Eliot will now sail with just 68 guests, all in double cabins, 83% of which feature French balconies. That means more space, more privacy, and a crew-to-guest ratio of nearly one to two—service that promises to be as personal as it gets on Europe’s rivers.

The ship’s packages will include excursions, meals, and an all-day drinks package. Entertainment will be curated to help travellers connect with like-minded people when they want to, but without the pressure of forced mingling.

As someone who’s cruised solo before, this balance is gold. Sometimes you want to share a glass of Riesling with a new friend on deck; other times, you just want to sit by the window, watch the riverbanks drift by, and savour the solitude.

Itineraries for Independence

The debut season will feature four seven-night journeys:

• The Blue Danube
• Rhine Cruise to Switzerland
• Rhine & Moselle
• Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg

Each itinerary blends cultural immersion with Riviera’s trademark value—local guides, dedicated cruise directors, and the chance to explore Europe’s postcard-perfect towns and landscapes.

I can already picture myself cycling along the Rhine’s vineyards by day, then returning to my cabin with a French balcony view of the river at dusk.

Travel Blogger Tips for Solo Cruisers

• Book early: With just 68 cabins, these sailings will sell out quickly. If you’re eyeing 2027, don’t wait.
• Pack light but smart: River ships have compact storage. A capsule wardrobe with mix-and-match outfits works wonders.
• Balance social and solo: Join group excursions to meet fellow travellers, but don’t feel guilty about skipping a tour to wander a village on your own.
• Use the balcony: A French balcony isn’t just a luxury—it’s your private front-row seat to Europe’s riverscapes.

Why River Cruising Works for Solo Travellers

• Intimate scale: Unlike mega-ocean liners, river ships carry fewer passengers. On the George Eliot, it’s just 68 guests—small enough to feel personal, big enough to meet kindred spirits.
• No single supplements: This is huge. For years, solo travellers have been stung with extra costs. Riviera’s move levels the playing field.
• Built-in community: Shared excursions and onboard activities make it easy to connect without forcing it. You can join in when you want, and bow out when you don’t.
• Ease of logistics: Unpack once, and let the ship take you from city to city. No train timetables, no dragging luggage across cobblestones.

Tips for Cruising Solo

• Choose your cabin wisely: A French balcony is worth the splurge—it’s your private retreat with ever-changing views.
• Mix group and solo time: Join excursions to meet fellow travellers, but don’t be afraid to skip one and wander a village at your own pace.
• Pack for comfort: River cabins are compact. A capsule wardrobe with versatile layers works best.
• Be open, but set boundaries: People will be curious about your solo journey. Share when you feel like it, but remember—it’s your trip.
• Use mealtimes strategically: Dinner can be social, but breakfast is a great time to enjoy solitude with a coffee and the river drifting by.

Itineraries That Shine for Solo Travellers

The George Eliot’s debut season includes:

• The Blue Danube – Vienna, Budapest, and fairytale towns in between.
• Rhine Cruise to Switzerland – Castles, vineyards, and alpine backdrops.
• Rhine & Moselle – Wine country at its most charming.
• Rhine, Strasbourg & Heidelberg – A blend of French and German culture.

Each offers a balance of cultural immersion, scenic sailing, and opportunities to connect with fellow independent travellers.

Final Thoughts

For years, solo travellers have been treated as an afterthought in the cruise world—penalised with supplements or squeezed into a handful of cabins. Riviera Travel’s MS George Eliot changes that narrative entirely. It’s not just a ship; it’s a statement that solo travel is not second-best, but something to be celebrated.

As someone who’s learned that travelling solo doesn’t mean travelling alone, I see this as a game-changer. It offers the independence we crave, the connections we choose, and the comfort of knowing we’re not an afterthought.

When the George Eliot sets sail in 2027, it won’t just be cruising Europe’s rivers—it’ll be charting a new course for how we think about solo travel. And I, for one, can’t wait to raise a glass of Grüner Veltliner on the Danube and toast to that.