Riviera Travel Celebrates Guests Getting Engaged after Meeting on Solos Cruise

Riviera Travel is celebrating the power of solo travel by sharing the story of two guests who have gotten engaged after meeting on a Riviera solo cruise.

The couple, Robert Ingram and Jo Gannon, first met after a guided tour of Salamanca as part of their independent holidays, sailing the Douro, Porto and Salamanca River Cruise for Solo Travellers itinerary in August 2025.

Following the trip, the pair stayed in contact every day, where their romance continued to blossom.

Fast forward to August 2026, Robert and Jo enjoyed their first cruise as a couple with Riviera, this time sailing the Burgundy, the River Rhône and Provence River Cruise itinerary.

It was on their sixth day when Robert popped the question to Jo, getting down on one knee during their visit to the ancient Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct.

Speaking on the engagement, Robert said: “There were no plans to "pop the question" on the cruise, but we were discussing it on board one evening. We announced our engagement to some fellow guests, and they mentioned it to our Cruise Director, Karim. He subsequently gave us the opportunity to share our wonderful news with the whole ship!

"Jo and myself live a significant distance apart, so we have lots of things to sort out before we get married. We shall be booking our next holiday with Riviera very shortly, perhaps for our honeymoon?”

And...they actually already have! They have also just booked their next Riviera holiday direct, sailing the Rhine Cruise to Switzerland in June 2027, with plans to also book the newly reworked for 2027 Glacier Express Extension, which now travels the full route between St. Moritz and Zermatt, including the spectacular Landwasser Viaduct and some of Switzerland's most breathtaking scenery.

Vicky Billing, Director of Trade, Partnerships & Loyalty UK & Ireland at Riviera Travel, said: “We’re delighted for Robert and Jo, and their story is a wonderful example of the meaningful connections that can be made through solo travel.

Vicky Billing

"Many guests choose a solo holiday because they want the confidence and independence to explore somewhere new, but they also value the opportunity to meet like-minded people along the way.

"Robert and Jo’s story is a lovely reminder for agents that solo travel is not about travelling alone, but about feeling welcomed, supported and open to new experiences.”

Agents can book Riviera Travel’s dedicated solo holidays across river cruising and escorted touring now.

From 2027, MS George Eliot will become the world’s first river cruise ship dedicated exclusively to solo travellers. Every departure will be solo-only, with no single supplements and a full season of thoughtfully curated itineraries designed for independent explorers.

For full details, itineraries, and departure dates, visit RivieraTravel.ie