First River Ship Dedicated to Solo Cruising

Cabins will all be solo on MS George Eliot--Riviera Travel.

Riviera Travel is taking a singular approach with one of its European river ships. Beginning in 2027, its MS George Eliot will exclusively sail solo departures on the Danube, Rhine and Moselle rivers, marking the first time a cruise ship has devoted its entire season to solo guests.

Each guest will get their own double cabin—83 per cent of which feature a French balcony. The ship features communal spaces in the lounge, bar and sundeck. MS George Eliot will accommodate 68 solo travelers, creating an exclusive and welcoming atmosphere. Designed to carry 140 guests, the ship offers an unprecedented crew to guest ratio of one crew member for every two guests, ensuring solo travelers experience the highest level of personal service, Riviera says.

Riviera Travel is adapting to meet the changing needs of travellers, explains Stuart Milan, president North America for Riviera Travel. “Our solo river cruises are among our most popular itineraries. With growing demand for even more solo departures, we knew it was time to dedicate an entire ship to this thriving segment of the market.”

A welcome dinner and cocktail reception, as well as daily entertainment will let travelers connect with those who have shared interests for a social connection when desired. With no single supplement and an all-inclusive pricing structure that covers excursions, meals, and an all-day drink package, there are no hidden fees.

Riviera Travel introduced solo land tours in 2017 and followed with a limited selection of dedicated solo river cruises in 2018. Since then, demand for solo sailings has grown significantly and Riviera has invested heavily in the solo market. Riviera Travel currently offers more than 20 dedicated solo departures each year, the majority during the spring and fall. Every traveler enjoys a private cabin with no additional single supplement. Reservations are now open for 2027 solo sailings.

About Wallace Immen 833 Articles
Wallace Immen is Executive Editor of The Cruisington Times, the Best in Cruising, Travel, Food and Fun. He's sailed on all of the world's seas to ports in over 100 countries and travelled on every continent.