Master solo cruising with Riviera Travel in five simple steps
Travelling solo doesn’t mean doing it alone – not with Riviera Travel. Its award-winning solo cruises are seamless, sociable and rich in discovery.
If you're planning your first solo cruise, you're not alone. Solo travel is one of the fastest-growing trends in cruising. A recent study by cruise.co.uk and seascanner.co.uk revealed that 70 per cent of solo cruisers would recommend the experience to friends, family or colleagues.
It's easy to see why. For starters, you can tailor your trip to your exact preferences, without having to compromise. Take, for example, couples with different interests – one might want to bask in the sun with a glass of wine in hand, while the other prefers exploring historic cities. In such cases, going solo has obvious appeal.
The same holds true for single cruisers who don't want the hassle of coordinating schedules with friends. Finding a time slot that works for everyone can be a serious logistical headache.
However, for many first-time solo cruisers, there are a few quibbles that give them pause. The most common? The dreaded single supplement. This extra charge for the privilege of a private cabin can feel like a penalty for travelling independently. Plus, cruises catering to couples or groups can make solo travellers feel like an afterthought.
That’s where Riviera Travel comes in. Solo travellers can rely on its seasoned team to ensure they’re treated as a priority.
Step One: Go with the cruise line that leads the way in solo travel
Riviera Travel’s solo cruises are designed specifically for those who want to travel on their own terms. Its experts don’t just take group itineraries, tweak them slightly and call it a day. Instead, they craft cruises with solo travellers in mind – exclusively for those travelling alone. Everyone on board is in the same boat. Or should we say, ship?
What’s more, Riviera Travel offers unbeatable solo pricing without any hidden costs. With their solo-only perks, you’ll get more value, not less, all while enjoying a double or twin cabin to yourself.
This isn’t just lip service on our part. Riviera Travel was crowned the best cruise line for solo travellers at the 2024 Wave Awards. Run by World of Cruising and our sister publication Cruise Trade News, the Wave Awards have become synonymous with recognising excellence in the cruise industry. The awards are decided by a judging panel made up of external experts and industry representatives as well as our magazine editors.
In other words, Riviera Travel has the accolades to prove it provides a world-class service to those travelling by themselves.
Step Two: Choose a smaller ship for a better solo cruise
When it comes to solo travel, less is often more. By that, we mean that choosing a smaller ship can make a big difference – you paradoxically have more space (ideal if you value your ‘me time’) and the feel is more personal.
Riviera Travel’s fleet features small, intimate ships, that couldn’t be more different from the mega-ships that carry thousands of passengers.
Take their river ships, for instance. The MS Riviera Radiance has 89 cabins, while the MS Porto Mirante has just 60.
For a truly boutique experience, select one of Riviera Travel’s luxurious yachts, which have just 19 cabins each. With a crew-to-guest ratio that is often as high as one to three, the service is incredibly attentive – you never feel like just a cabin number.
Plus, owing to their size, these smaller ships can often dock in lesser-known ports that bigger vessels can’t reach, giving you access to quieter, off-the-beaten-track destinations.
Whatever Riviera Travel ship you choose, on solo cruises, you can rest assured you’re in an exclusive group of independent-minded travellers. There will be no elbowing through crowds or getting lost in the shuffle.
Step Three: Pick a route that ticks off your bucket-list
One of the great things about solo travel is that you’re in control. This is your trip – and that means you get to shape it around what matters most to you. Would you prefer an ocean or a river cruise? Cityscapes and culture or secret swimming spots and island-hopping?
With Riviera Travel, you can choose from thoughtfully curated itineraries that are as varied as the passengers who book them. Whether you’re after something tranquil, art-filled, adventurous or all three, there’s a route to match.
Maybe you’re drawn to the Adriatic Coast with its medieval ports and cathedrals. Or perhaps it’s Egypt that intrigues you, with the timeless beauty of the Nile, the temples of Luxor and Aswan and the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. The myths of the Greek islands might tempt you or maybe routes along the Rhine, Danube or Douro awaken your sense of adventure.
Whatever catches your fancy, solo cruising gives you the freedom to finally visit the places that have long been calling your name.
Step Four: Connect with your fellow solo cruisers
One concern that often worries first-time solo cruisers? The prospect of dining alone. With Riviera Travel, that's one less thing to worry about. Your tour manager is always available to make introductions and ensure that no one dines solo – unless they choose to.
Every Riviera Travel solo cruise kicks off with a welcome drink and dinner, designed to break the ice from day one. It’s your chance to meet fellow travellers, who are most likely independent, curious and drawn to the same type of experiences as you. If you’ve booked a river cruise along the Douro, for example, chances are other passengers will be just as eager to talk food and wine.
One of the joys of solo travel is the balance it provides, so don’t worry if you’re after some peace and quiet. Many seasoned solo cruisers will tell you about the great conversations and connections made – but if you're in need of a little time to yourself, that's your choice.
Step Five: See what lies beyond the port
Often, multiple excursions – sometimes 10 or more – are included in your Riviera Travel solo cruise, and they’re well worth making the most of.
One of the great perks of a Riviera Travel cruise is that you’re whisked between destinations without needing to plan every detail yourself. No need to research transport, queue for tickets or second-guess your itinerary. From the moment your tour manager meets you at the airport (or Eurostar station), you can enjoy the experience, safe in the knowledge that the logistics are taken care of.
Best of all, you don’t have to waste time wondering if you’re missing the best bits. From legendary landmarks like the Benedictine Melk Abbey on the Danube to local secrets like hidden swimming spots, every excursion is designed to show you the true character of a place. Think city walking tours, wine and cheese tastings, or cultural showcases like flamenco dancing.
Book your solo adventure
If you’re ready to explore the world on your own terms – but not entirely on your own – take the plunge and go solo with Riviera Travel. With both ocean and river cruise solo itineraries of varying lengths available throughout 2025 and 2026, you can journey along Dutch canals, the Croatian coast, the Rhône, the Rhine and more.
And while nothing quite compares to the thrill of setting sail (okay, we might be a little biased), Riviera Travel also provides escorted land tours specifically for solo travellers. In groups of no more than 25, you can experience everything from the wildlife of Costa Rica to the wine regions of New Zealand.
