Why your next sailing should be a yacht cruise

Author: Kaye Holland

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Experience five-star thrills at sea with Riviera Travel

Founded by Midlands entrepreneur Michael Wright, Riviera Travel celebrated its milestone 40th birthday in 2024.

The company started out with a handful of tents on a campsite in the south of France in the early 1980s before pioneering coach tours to Paris and, later, worldwide destinations.

The brand launched its first river cruises – along the Rhine and Moselle Rivers – in 2009. Fast forward to today and while European river cruises remain Riviera Travel’s primary focus, the Burton-on-Trent-based outfit has also branched out into escorted tours, solo holidays and, excitingly, yacht cruises.

If you’ve dismissed standard ocean cruising because of the size and crowds, and super-yachts due to the prohibitive cost, then Riviera Travel’s yacht cruises represent the middle ground.

Typically Riviera Travel’s six yachts – step forward MS II Mare, MS Adriatic Sun, MV Corona, MS Stella Maris, MS Adriatic Sky, and MS Mendula – are only around 50 metres long and accommodate a maximum of 40 guests in 20 stylish and well-appointed cabins.

Passengers quickly get to know each other, often sharing common passions and making lasting friendships, while staff are quick to remember your name (and your favourite tipple).

The yachts' intimate size also means they can take you to destinations that larger ocean cruise ships are simply unable to reach. Make no mistake: a whole world of opportunities awaits with destinations as enticing as the Dalmatian Islands and Montenegro on offer.

One moment you’re discovering hidden coves, the next you’re wading in water as warm as a bath and exploring the technicoloured underwater world.

Explore Croatia's Dalmatian coast on a yacht cruise. Credit: Shutterstock

Back on board, the tempo is relaxed, as is the dress code. Soak up the scenery – and the sunshine – from the top deck and enjoy a drink or leisurely lunch or dinner in the elegant bar/lounge, before retreating to your fully air-conditioned cabin for a good night’s sleep ready for the next day ahead.

However, for many, one of the most appealing aspects of trying a yacht cruise with Riviera Travel is the line's ‘happiness guarantee.’ Translation? If you aren’t happy by day two of your holiday, the brand will bring you home and refund your entire trip. All  of which means that it’s time to stop wondering whether a yacht cruise is for you and time to start sailing.

Ready to try Riviera Travel’s exciting and unique take on a more traditional cruise? Here are two of the most enticing sailings on offer but, with up-to £300 off on selected May sailings, don’t delay: get it booked today.

Related Cruises

Enjoy a flavour-packed lunch or dinner onboard. Credit: Riviera Travel

An 11-day Dalmatian Islands Yacht Cruise with Dubrovnik & Montenegro
Experience the romance and glamour of the Croatian coastline and islands on Riviera Travel’s twin-masted yacht, MS Mendula. With just 30 guests on board, feel like a VIP as you anchor up in the most picturesque little ports along the Dalmatian coast. Then head on shore to explore Dubrovnik and the charming region around Kotor Bay in neighbouring Montenegro.

This yacht cruise is ideal for travellers looking to explore the lesser visited but equally impressive coastal harbour towns of Croatia and Montenegro on a memorable voyage across the Adriatic and tour across the land. 

Departs May 10, 2025 from either Birmingham or London Gatwick. From £2,599 per person including flights and transfers; seven nights on a boutique yacht; three nights in a four-star hand-picked hotel; 14 included experiences plus swim stops; daily breakfast, five lunches & two dinners plus Captain’s dinner; and the services of a Riviera Travel tour manager.

Dubrovnik's Old Town is not to be missed. Credit: Shutterstock

A 10-day Zadar and Islands of the North Yacht Cruise with Krka Waterfalls
As you island hop through this breathtaking landscape, you’ll visit the country's historic port towns and cities – Zadar, Šibenik, Trogir and Rab – and stop en route for the chance to go swimming by the Kvarner Gulf.

Together with your fellow passengers and crew, you'll discover the amazing Kornati archipelago – home to the Kornati National Park with its 89 unforgettable islands, islets and reefs – and explore the ancient capital, Split, home to major sights such as the impressive Roman ruins of Emperor Diocletian's Palace.

It’s an ideal yacht cruise for travellers who want to tick off Croatia's must-see landmarks while also discovering some equally impressive off-the-beaten-track destinations.

Departs May 11, 2025 from London Gatwick or Manchester. From £2,199 per person including flights and transfers; seven- nights on a boutique four-star yacht; two nights in a four-star hotel in Split; 10 included experiences plus swim stops; Daily breakfast, six lunches & one dinner plus Captain’s dinner; and the services of a Riviera Travel tour manager.

Sweet dreams are made of this... Credit: Riviera Travel

About Kaye Holland

Kaye is a London-based wordsmith who has written for a range of publications including The Times, The Independent, The I, Culture Trip, The Sun, and ABTA among others. In June 2022, Kaye joined the Real Response Media where she looks – together with Lucy Abbott – after the World of Cruising website. Want to get in touch? Kaye can be reached at: [email protected]