Latest news with #RivieraTravel
Times
20-07-2025
- Times
Win a seven-night full-board Danube river cruise for two with Riviera Travel worth £5,400
There's nothing quite like a European river cruise. You board, unpack once and then get to wake up in a new town or city every day, stepping off the ship to find grand architecture, immersive museums, and pretty old towns before coming back to enjoy the comforts of your floating hotel. As part of this prize, you'll join Riviera Travel's seven-night Blue Danube river cruise on a full-board basis, spending time in six countries with views of vineyard-cloaked valleys, castle-dotted riverbanks, imperial cities and more along the way. The ship sails from Budapest — known for its thermal spas and quirky ruin bars — upriver to Vienna with its imperial palaces and concert halls, before returning to its starting point. Along the way, you'll stop in Esztergom in Hungary (make sure to admire the renowned basilica); Slovakia's Bratislava with its charming medieval and gothic old town; Dürnstein in Austria (with a visit included to Benedictine Melk Abbey, just half an hour away); and picturesque Salzburg or Linz. A classical quartet recital on board with views of Vienna is the perfect way to end the trip. You can explore on your own, or join any of the nine guided excursions included in the prize. As for accommodation, you'll stay in one of the middle deck cabins with a French balcony, which gives you plenty of opportunities to watch the landscape drift by as you sail. Also included are return flights from UK regional airports and transfers from Budapest airport. There are no blackout dates, but you must book your journey within ten months of the draw, and travel within 12 months. For more information, click here. For your chance to win, simply vote in each category in this year's Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards. There are 17 categories in total. Click here to vote. For the full list of prizes, see closes at 23.59pm on August 31, 2025. Open to residents of the United Kingdom who are aged 18 years or older, excluding employees and agents of the Promoter and its group companies, or third parties directly connected with the operation or fulfilment of the Promotion and their affiliates, and their immediate families and household members. One entry per person. Winners will be selected at random from all valid entries. No cash alternative and prize is non-transferable. Prize includes transfers from destination to the cruise. Prize excludes UK transfers. Winner and guest responsible for getting to and from UK airport at their own expense. Prize also includes drinks package, wi-fi, tea and coffee onboard, port charges and nine excursions. Subject to availability, Prize must be booked in advance within ten months. Select from departure dates in September 2025, or April to October 2026 only. Winner and his/her guest(s) must travel on same itinerary. All parts of Prize must be used in conjunction with same booking. Winner and his/her guest(s) are solely responsible for ensuring they are available to travel and have valid travel documentation (including passport/visa/visa waiver as may be required), obtaining adequate travel insurance and appropriate vaccinations/inoculations for foreign travel at their own expense. Travel insurance, food and drink (outside what is previously declared in the board basis), spending money and all incidental expenses are the responsibility of the Winner. Prize is subject to Riviera Travel standard booking conditions. Preferred date of travel must be confirmed ten weeks prior to departure. The contact details provided may be used for marketing purposes by Riviera Travel and will not be shared with any third parties, except where disclosure is required by law. For privacy policy (including compliance), please go to Your information will be used to administer this Promotion and otherwise in accordance with our privacy policy at and those of the partners. Promoter is Times Media Ltd. Full T&Cs apply — see
Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Cruise experts debunk common myths for those scarred by scenes from viral 'poop cruise'
As stomach-turning clips of the 2013 'poop cruise' make the rounds on social media, cruise travel experts reassure holidaymakers why the horrors of the past are unlikely to be repeated If you've been scrolling through social media lately, you've likely been subjected (unwillingly) to videos of fluffy brown sewage exploding out of a cruise ship's windows. Clips from Netflix's documentary, Trainwreck: Poop Cruise, are going massively viral – and its left audiences quite literally gagging. The documentary was released on June 24 and follows the events of the Carnival Triumph: a 2013 cruise liner bound from Texas to Cozumel, Mexico. It was smooth sailing until the ship's engine room caught fire, leaving over 4000 passengers stranded in the Gulf of Mexico. The fire destroyed the ship's power system, causing a WiFi outage and the toilets to stop flushing. What resulted was, unsurprisingly, pandemonium. Passengers were instructed to pee down shower drains and handed red biohazard bags to defecate in. There were reports of backed-up waste from the drains running down the walls and through the hallways. A passenger, Devin, who was featured in the documentary, said: 'You walked down a hallway and all of a sudden, squish-squish-squish-squish…we were in excrement.' They were stranded for four days until tug boats finally arrived to pull the ship to safety. The story has, unsurprisingly, left social media users horrified. But, if you've booked a cruise, or are planning to, there's no need to worry. Cruise experts from Riviera Travel dispel five common cruise safety myths: Myth: Cruises are unsafe Riviera Travel reassures passengers that while it's normal to feel apprehensive when going on a cruise for the first time, there are thorough safety regulations put in place to ensure travellers are safe on board. They add: "Many passengers who were anxious about going on their first cruise later stated that it became easy to forget they were on a boat!" They explain: "Strict regulations are followed, and the ship's state-of-the-art safety features, such as lifeboats, life preservers, and thoroughly trained crew members, make it a secure vessel.' Myth: Fortunately, cruise ships are equipped with plenty of resources to prevent this from happening. Riviera Travel says: 'These ships also have onboard and offshore staff trained and prepared for these instances if they were ever to happen." Myth: According to Riviera Travel, hygiene is taken "very seriously" on cruise ships. They say: "The catering team ensures food is of the highest quality before being dished out and takes necessary precautions to prevent contamination. Plus, they add that cruise meals aren't always buffet-style, and that you can opt for ships that have onboard restaurants and traditional table-service. Myth: This is actually a misconception. Riviera Travel emphasises that strict hygiene protocols are followed on cruise ships, with passengers' health and safety "a top priority" for cruise lines. They explain that cruise lines take all necessary measures to prevent outbreaks like norovirus, as well as following strict guidelines to make sure ships adhere to high hygiene standards. Although, they add: "Viruses can spread anywhere, so while strict hygiene measures are in place, passengers should still take precautions to reduce their own risk.' Myth: There's no medical help if something goes wrong Riviera Travel reassures passengers that cruise ships have trained medical professionals on board and "are equipped with top-notch facilities for anyone who needs medical attention." There are also protocols are also in place for more serious medical emergencies, and cruise ships will stop at nearby ports if they need to. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
Economic Times
07-07-2025
- Economic Times
How to cruise responsibly in over-touristed destinations across Europe
Agencies As several European cities tighten rules on cruise tourism due to overtourism concerns, travellers can still explore these popular destinations by choosing more responsible and less disruptive alternatives. Tour operators and tourism boards are encouraging visitors to opt for smaller, low-impact vessels instead of large ocean liners, which are now facing stricter docking limits and higher of large ships that carry thousands of passengers, travellers can choose sailing yachts, clippers, or small-group vessels. These allow access to destinations while reducing environmental impact and easing pressure on local infrastructure. According to Riviera Travel, smaller boats also provide more intimate travel experiences and are often exempt from the most stringent port restrictions. In Venice, where large ships over 25,000 gross tons are banned from the historic Giudecca Canal, visitors can now arrive by yacht or smaller vessels, as per Euro News. These offer up-close views of the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, and other landmarks, without adding to the city's tourism strain. Similarly, Palma de Mallorca has capped cruise arrivals to three ships per day, with only one large vessel allowed. A clipper cruise, sailing on a traditional tall ship, allows travellers to explore the Balearic Islands without contributing to overcrowding at ports. Such cruises make it possible to step off and visit the Gothic cathedral, walk the Old Town, or take in the island's coastline without major which limits daily cruise ship arrivals to two vessels carrying a total of 8,000 passengers, can also be visited by sea through small-boat sailing tours. Travellers can explore Croatia's Adriatic coast and visit historic cities like Dubrovnik with less impact on local communities. Many destinations have introduced new regulations to manage tourism volumes. Greece's islands of Santorini and Mykonos now charge a €20 cruise passenger tax during peak season. Cannes in France will cut the number of large ships and limit passenger numbers starting next year. Cities like Barcelona and Amsterdam are also scaling back cruise activity, with the Dutch capital aiming for a full phase-out by 2035. Norway will begin allowing local tourist taxes on cruise passengers from next summer. These restrictions reflect a growing movement across Europe to balance tourism with environmental and cultural preservation. While access to major destinations is changing, responsible cruising through smaller, sustainable means ensures visitors can still experience Europe's coastlines without contributing to its overcrowding challenges. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Just before the Air India crash, did India avert another deadly mishap? Do bank stress tests continue to serve their intended purpose? Did Jane Street manipulate Indian market or exploit its shallowness? Second only to L&T, but controversies may weaken this infra powerhouse's growth story How Balrampur Chini, EID Parry are stirring up gains amid melting sugar stocks Stock Radar: Poly Medicure stock looks attractive for short-term gains; still down 30% from highs Stock picks of the week: 5 stocks with consistent score improvement and return potential of more than 29% in 1 year Capital market stocks: Some corrections are opportunities, 5 stocks with potential downside to upside from -20% to +24%
Euronews
03-07-2025
- Euronews
Expert tips on how to cruise around Europe responsibly
More and more popular tourist destinations in Europe are introducing cruise ship restrictions and passenger taxes as they face increasing pressure from overtourism Some are cutting the number of liners permitted to dock each day, while others have imposed levies on passengers. For travellers wanting to take a cruise but looking to avoid contributing to the negative impacts of oversized vessels, tour operator Riviera Travel has shared how to responsibly visit destinations by water. European destinations bring in cruise ship taxes Norway recently announced plans to implement a tourist tax on cruise passengers. Starting next summer, municipalities will be able to apply a three per cent levy on overnight stays and cruise ship arrivals. From next year, the French Riviera resort of Cannes is also imposing what its city council calls 'drastic regulation' on cruise ships, halving the number of very large ships allowed in its harbour and capping the daily number of passenger visits at 6,000. The nearby Mediterranean city of Nice announced limits on cruise ships earlier this year, which came into force on 1 July. The Greek islands of Mykonos and Santorini also brought in a tax on 1 July, with cruise ship passengers now required to pay €20 during peak season. And Venice banned large ships in 2021, followed by Barcelona in 2023. Amsterdam is also gradually phasing out cruise ships in its harbour, aiming for an outright ban by 2035. How to cruise around Europe responsibly Will Sarson, product director at leading cruise and tour operator Riviera Travel, says travellers looking to cruise responsibly don't have to avoid destinations with restrictions or taxes. 'While cruise ship policies pose restrictions for larger ships such as ocean cruises, there are alternative ways of visiting these locations by water,' he says. The answer is to choose smaller, less damaging types of boats. See Venice's sights on a yacht Venice has banned large cruise ships over 25,000 gross tons from entering its historic Giudecca Canal, with ships now diverted to alternative ports like Marghera. 'Fortunately, there are alternative ways to visit Venice by water,' Sarson says. 'Sail in style in a smaller vessel like a yacht. A yacht cruise is the perfect way to explore Venice as you sail to the historical city on board a luxury vessel.' On this kind of boat, you can get up close to iconic sites like the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica and the Bridge of Sighs - now off limits to larger ships. Sail around the Balearic Islands on a clipper cruise The Balearic Islands are also among the destinations that have implemented restrictions on large cruise ships. Palma de Mallorca has limited cruise ship arrivals to three per day, with only one allowed to carry more than 5,000 passengers. 'While this restriction may be an issue for larger vessels that hold thousands of passengers, there are alternatives,' Sarson says. 'A Clipper cruise [a fully-rigged tall ship] to the Balearics promises an unforgettable trip as you sail on a charming vessel that takes you back to the nautical golden age for an authentic sailing experience.' On this kind of boat, you have no docking restrictions and you can hop off to visit Palma's Gothic cathedral, stroll through the city's Old Town, and appreciate the views from the seafront. Take a sailing trip to Dalmatia and Dubrovnik To combat overtourism, Dubrovnik limits cruise arrivals to two ships daily, with a combined maximum of 8,000 passengers. However, this doesn't have to be a deal-breaker for visiting this Croatian city, according to Sarson. Instead, opt for a sailing trip on a yacht, like Riviera Travel's Dubrovnik & Splendours of Dalmatia. This way, you can journey down Croatia's sun-drenched Adriatic coastline before heading to Dubrovnik and visiting its Old Town.
Travel Weekly
25-06-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Shorter river cruises were in demand. Now, itineraries are lengthening
Brinley Hineman River cruise passengers have an appetite for longer river cruises these days. I first heard this sentiment from Cory McGillivray, the senior director of sales operations and channel marketing for the Globus family of brands, when he and I sat down for an On the Record Q&A. He said the thirst for longer trips is a departure from pre-pandemic trends, when four- to five-day itineraries were the sweet spot for travelers. What he shared came straight from the traveler's mouth: nearly 50% of the 10,000 Avalon Waterways passengers surveyed by the brand said the ideal length for a river cruise is 10 to 12 days. This discovery prompted the river line to unveil 16 itineraries that stretch longer than a week, from 10 to 15 days. And Avalon president Pam Hoffee said that the pent-up desire for long-haul travel; an increased interest in garnering more mileage out of air costs; and rise in remote work were all contributing factors. "Today's cruisers have a stronger interest - and broader abilities - to make the most of their time away," she said. Other lines are reporting similar interests among their passengers. And I can see why, as it aligns with another uptick in travel style I hear from the brands I cover: immersion. Travelers want to dive deeper into the regions they visit. Riviera Travel said its travelers, especially retirees, solo passengers and repeat guests, are opting for longer itineraries, ranging from 10 to 29 days. This desire to get away for longer is fueled by the rise in airfare costs, making short European getaways less feasible. The lengthy itineraries prove to be a better investment for the traveler, a spokesperson said. The line has observed growing demand for combination cruises, which is two itineraries back-to-back. These sailings range from 15 to 29 days. River cruises that spill over onto land Riviera unveiled "Grand Tours" itineraries, which pairs river cruises with land excursions. These itineraries feature an additional week of travel. For example: A tour that spends six days in Provence, followed by a river cruise on the Seine, disembarking in Paris. AmaWaterways unveiled a similar cruise style this year called "Grand Itineraries," most of which are 14 nights. One example is a two-week tour of the Rhine River and the Dutch canals, with an option to extend the trip even further by tacking on a pre-cruise trip to Amsterdam and Lake Lucerne and a post-cruise extension in Zurich. The brand also enables passengers to build their own combination cruises, giving them a 10% discount on each consecutive sailing. Amadeus River Cruises is also observing this trend, with passengers combining their cruises with a pre- or post-sailing excursion to lengthen their trips. Scenic Group, which includes Scenic Luxury Cruises and Emerald Cruises, offers most of its cruises as eight days. The company has noticed demand for pre- and post-cruise extensions and has launched new options in Portugal and Bavaria. Extra-long river cruises But maybe even two - or three - weeks isn't long enough. Scenic launched six new "Ultimate Journeys" for its passengers, which combines river, ocean and land experiences. These marathon itineraries range from 54 to 85 nights. American Cruise Lines also saw demand for lengthy getaways and launched the longest river cruise available in the U.S. The itinerary was introduced last year as a 61-day cruise. The line will operate a 51-day cruise in 2026, from Charleston, S.C., to Juneau, Ala. American Cruise Lines also operates the longest Mississippi River cruise on the market, a 23-day sailing.
