There’s a newcomer in the Australian market which likes to do things differently.
European river cruise line, Riviera Travel, began navigating the Australian market in 2016, offering a lower cost approach to river cruising.
Riviera Travel promotes itself as offering five-star cruises on its fleet of 11 ships at fares up to 50% lower than competitors.
The company excludes gratuities and drinks but guests have the choice to opt for packages for beverages with lunch and dinner starting at $99pp for a four-night cruise.
It also promises its fare structure “is simple and transparent” and has committed to set commissions for Australian travel agents and to take all bookings through the trade.
Riviera said it avoided discounting, so guests didn’t discover fellow passengers had paid less for the same cabin, and offered upgrade fares between cabin types at between A$200 and A$600 per person.
This year the cruise line is set to operate 300 cruises across 12 different itineraries in Europe.
The company also varies from the norm in its itineraries, operating cruises on the traditional Amsterdam to Budapest route which instead start in Cologne.
It says this is to “eliminate less scenic landscapes and allowing more time in towns further along the route”.
A seven-night Blue Danube cruise with Riviera Travel, inclusive of relaxed-pace daily shore excursions, dining and afternoon tea is available from $2,099 per person twin share or for solo use, with the company offering solo-use cabins with no supplement on every cruise.
