Experience long-haul river cruising with Riviera Travel

Long-haul travel is no longer just about ticking off landmarks; it’s about seeing a destination properly, with the right balance of exploration and downtime. That’s exactly where Riviera Travel’s river cruise and tour combinations come into their own. These itineraries begin with expertly guided touring in some of Asia’s most iconic cities, before transitioning to a river cruise where the pace softens and everything is seamlessly organised for you. For travellers who want depth without the hassle of planning every detail, it’s a smart way to explore further afield.

Experience long-haul river cruising with Riviera Travel

Introducing Riviera Alba on the Mekong

A major attraction is Riviera Alba, Riviera’s first-ever owned ship, built specifically for the Mekong River. Carrying a limited number of guests, it offers a more intimate on-board atmosphere, with spacious suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows so the river remains the focal point. Public areas include a restaurant serving a mix of regional dishes and international cuisine, a comfortable lounge for evening talks and drinks, and a sun deck with a pool for relaxed afternoons between excursions.

Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Mekong River

The Vietnam, Cambodia, and Mekong River cruise mixes cultural highlights with in-depth local experiences. The journey typically begins with guided touring in Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City, before moving into Cambodia to explore Phnom Penh and the temples of Angkor near Siem Reap. Once on the Mekong aboard Riviera Alba, daily excursions bring visits to floating markets, riverside workshops, and traditional villages, offering insight into everyday life along the water. The contrast between busy cities and quieter river communities gives this itinerary real variety, while the cruise element ensures travel days are comfortable and unhurried.

Panoramas of China with a Yangtze River cruise

This cruise covers an impressive sweep of the country’s most significant sights. Guided stays in Beijing and Shanghai frame the experience, with time to explore landmarks such as the Great Wall and the historic Bund, while Xi’an introduces the remarkable Terracotta Army. The Yangtze River cruise provides a change of pace, sailing through the Three Gorges and past major engineering feats, including the vast dam project. Combining city stays with several nights on the river allows travellers to experience both China’s scale and its quieter, scenic stretches in one journey.

India’s golden triangle and the Ganges River

On this tour, Riviera pairs India’s most famous touring route with time on its most sacred river. The land programme takes in Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, including the Taj Mahal and a range of Mughal and Raj-era architecture, all explored alongside knowledgeable local guides. The cruise along the Ganges then reveals a different perspective, calling at riverside towns and temples where daily rituals and traditions play out on the ghats. As with all Riviera’s long-haul combinations, the logistics are handled throughout, allowing guests to focus on the experience rather than the practicalities of travelling in a vast and varied country.

To book your next long-haul adventure with Riviera Travel, get in touch with your Travel Counsellor today.

Beyond the magic: Why a Disney cruise is the perfect holiday for every generation

01 September 2026

When you think of a Disney cruise, you might expect a holiday designed first and foremost for children. So, when Head Office colleague Steve Hawker booked a cruise on Disney Dream for his three young children, he expected them to have the holiday of a lifetime. What he didn't expect was that the rest of the family would be just as enchanted. Travelling as a group of 13 across three generations, the experience quickly became far more than a children's holiday. From the moment their family was announced on board to the sound of Disney's famous horn fanfare, it was clear this was a cruise designed to bring everyone together, no matter their age.

Make 2027 the year you cruise together with P&O

21 August 2026

Whether it’s a family holiday, a getaway with friends, or simply an excuse to spend more time together, P&O Cruises makes it easy to see several places in one trip. With itineraries taking in Spain, France, Portugal, and the Norwegian fjords, you can go from sunny waterfront cities to some of Norway’s most impressive scenery, while returning to the same ship at the end of every day. And, with on-board spending money available on selected Select Price holidays, there’s a little more freedom to make your time at sea your own.

Why Norwegian Cruise Line's Great Stirrup Cay deserves a place on your travel wish list

10 August 2026

When you think of a Caribbean cruise, it's often the ports of call that steal the spotlight. But Norwegian Cruise Line is changing that with its private island, Great Stirrup Cay. Already loved for its white-sand beaches and laid-back Bahamian atmosphere, the island is entering an exciting new chapter with the launch of Great Tides Waterpark in September 2026. Combined with new dining experiences, family attractions, and relaxing adults-only spaces, Great Stirrup Cay is evolving into a destination that's every bit as exciting as the cruise itself. Whether you're travelling as a family, a couple, or with a group of friends, here's why this private island is worth getting excited about.

Villas 1 Awali Background Colour Banana Island 3 (2)

Finding your match...

Every unforgettable journey starts with the right person by your side.