Riviera Travel Urges Agents to Capitalise on Demand for Solo River Cruises

Riviera Travel is encouraging agents to capitalise on early demand for 2027 solo river cruise departures, as trade bookings for its dedicated solo programme continue to deliver impressive double-digit growth.

Amanda Docherty

Year-to-date results show solo bookings made through the trade have increased by 45% year-on-year, providing a strong platform for agents to build 2027 sales across Riviera Travel’s solo river cruise programme.

Trade partners have accounted for 23% of all Riviera solo holidays booked so far in 2026, highlighting a clear opportunity for agents to grow enquiries from customers looking for the reassurance of a fully planned holiday, the sociability of travelling with like-minded guests, and the flexibility to enjoy time independently within an organised itinerary.

Demand for 2027 solo river cruise departures continues to build, with The Blue Danube for Solo Travellers leading as the top-performing solo river cruise through the trade in 2027. Its most popular sailings take place aboard the MS George Eliot, Riviera’s world-first river cruise ship dedicated exclusively to solo travellers.

The MS George Eliot offers an ideal introduction to solo travel for customers considering their first holiday alone, combining multiple destinations in one itinerary with included tours, excursions, dining and onboard activities.

Guests also enjoy a double cabin to themselves, with no single supplement on Riviera’s dedicated solo holidays, creating an exclusive solo river cruise experience that sets the programme apart.

This momentum is also evident across Riviera Travel’s wider solo river cruise programme, where itineraries through Western Europe are proving especially popular. Strong-performing 2027 departures include Burgundy, the River Rhône & Provence for Solo Travellers and The Douro, Porto & Salamanca for Solo Travellers, giving agents familiar, destination-rich options to recommend to customers looking for a sociable and expertly planned solo holiday.

Amanda Docherty, Head of Trade Ireland & UK at Riviera Travel, said: “These results are a true reflection of the strength of our partnerships across the trade, and we’re incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from our agent community.

"Our agent partners continue to play an instrumental role in driving demand, and seeing such strong growth in solo bookings through the trade is hugely encouraging. It gives agents a strong foundation to build demand for 2027 departures across our river cruise portfolio.

"With solo customers booking 8.5 months out on average, starting conversations now is crucial for securing bookings for 2027. We remain committed to giving agents the support, tools and opportunities they need to make the most of every solo travel enquiry as this market continues to grow.”

With 16 dedicated solo river cruise holidays available, agents can explore 2027 solo holidays now at www.RivieraTravel.ie.