Riviera Radiance Review: Inside the New Riviera Cruise Ship for 2025

Riviera Radiance is the latest addition to the Riviera fleet, setting a new benchmark for elegant design, personalised service and slow-travel luxury along Europe’s most spectacular waterways. If you’re considering a river cruise that blends boutique-hotel comfort with unforgettable scenery, this brand-new Riviera ship deserves a prime spot on your wish list.

Emma, Editor of Into The Blue, recently stepped on board the new Riviera ship, and here she offers her Riviera Radiance review.

Riviera Radiance: First Impressions

First impressions certainly count for a lot when it comes to boarding a ship, and Riviera Radiance dazzled from the moment I stepped on board. Having travelled last year on MS Jane Austen, one of the older ships in the Riviera fleet, I couldn’t help but be impressed by what the newest Riviera ship had to offer.

OK, so the festive decorations certainly added an extra layer of sparkle, but even beyond the glittering Christmas tree that stood tall in the lobby, it was obvious this was a stylish ship. Think muted tones offset by the most impressive chandelier – and the warmest welcome by a beaming crew. 

Riviera Radiance Cabin Review

What are the cabins like on Riviera Radiance? I stayed in an elegant double cabin located on Ruby Deck. My Riviera Radiance cabin review is as follows: it was spacious, well-appointed and had all those little extras you would expect from such a modern ship (hello, USB charging points!) If you’re wondering ‘are there tea and coffee making facilities in the Riviera Radiance cabins?’ then the answer is yes – the Nespresso machine was a welcome addition for any coffee drinkers, while tea lovers will appreciate the supply of Twinings English Breakfast and other herbal teas. There are also various self-service tea and coffee-making stations throughout the ship, so you never have to go without your caffeine fix!

The highlight of any river cruise is those incredible views, and the new Riviera ship didn’t disappoint. The floor-to-ceiling windows showcased the Danube in all its glory, and even the lower deck cabins felt bright and airy.

Whether you choose a lower-deck cabin or a top-deck suite, the emphasis is on calm, light-filled comfort.

Exploring Riviera Radiance

Now, time to explore the rest of the ship. One of the standout features was the split-level lounge and dining area, which was unlike anything I’d encountered on a river ship before. When you consider the newest Riviera ship is only 135 metres long and 12 metres wide, it is quite impressive how spacious it actually felt.

The Panorama Lounge and Bar had plenty of plush seating, perfect for sipping on a drink or enjoying a snack as the river scenery drifted by. 

The Sun Deck is the ideal place to enjoy some fresh air. I must admit, I didn’t give it more than a quick glance (it was late-November after all!) but I could imagine spending plenty of time here in better weather. There were plenty of sun loungers and a plunge pool, and of course, those sprawling views you can never get enough of on a river cruise ship.

But there were also a few unexpected extras on board. On a ship of this size, I wouldn’t expect to find many (if any!) wellness facilities, so Riviera Radiance certainly surprised me in that department. There was a small gym perfect for working off all those cruise calories, as well as treatment rooms, should you decide to treat yourself whilst on board. But one of the highlights for me was the sauna and steam room – yes, on a river ship! But it gets better; guests can book their place, so there’s no worry about donning your dressing gown, only to find the facilities are already occupied.

Which Restaurants Are On Riviera Radiance?

No Riviera Radiance review would be complete without mentioning the food. The main dining room was as you’d expect, with smiling staff dishing out course after course of incredible dishes.

But it’s the alternative restaurants on board Riviera Radiance that really shine. Mosaic Restaurant was my favourite; located on the Emerald (Lower) Deck, it’s an intimate space where guests are served a tasting-style menu. What makes this unique is that each of the dishes is inspired by one of the European rivers where Riviera sails, so you have a real mixture of cuisines to try. If you’re like me and a little indecisive when it comes to choosing from a menu – and you easily get food envy – then this is the perfect solution. We dined in Riviera Radiance’s Mosaic Restaurant for lunch, and the portion sizes were perfect, paired with specially selected wines, one of which was local to Budapest, where we were docked.

The other ‘speciality’ dining option on board is the Riverview Kitchen. I’d describe this as the more casual venue on board; open for lunch and dinner, you can enjoy a range of options, and as the name would suggest, there are incredible views wherever you turn. The evening menu is inspired by a traditional grill restaurant, so expect steaks, burgers and much more.

And if you’re asking yourself ‘do you pay extra for speciality restaurants on Riviera Radiance?’ the answer is a firm no.

Conclusion: My Take on Riviera Radiance

Having spent time on board, I can honestly say Riviera Radiance is one of the most stylish river ships I have ever set foot on. From the moment you step on this new Riviera ship, you feel the attention to detail, whether that’s through the stylish, light-filled cabins or the warm welcome from the crew. Whether it was sipping coffee by the panoramic windows, enjoying a dip in the Sun Deck plunge pool, or savouring the tasting menu at Mosaic Restaurant, I loved how every moment felt relaxed yet special.

My Riviera Radiance review wouldn’t be complete without mentioning how thoughtful the ship feels. The wellness facilities, cosy lounges, and those little extras in the cabins all combine to make cruising feel effortless. And with routes along Europe’s most beautiful rivers, it’s the perfect mix of calm, scenery, and luxury without feeling over the top.

If you’re thinking about a river cruise, I’d say Riviera Radiance is one to put at the top of your list. 

Ready to see Riviera Radiance for yourself? Give our Cruise Experts a call on 01246 819 819 to book your river cruise.