- 6 Sailing Dates
- 5 Nights
- Budapest
- MS Riviera Radiance
- Ref: RIVIERA112551
Overview
Home to our biggest suites yet, the brand-new MS Riviera Radiance has been brilliantly designed in collaboration with our Swiss partners for the perfect balance of contemporary and cosy.
Home to our biggest suites yet, the brand-new MS Riviera Radiance has been brilliantly designed in collaboration with our Swiss partners for the perfect balance of contemporary and cosy.
From the split-level lounge and dining in the main restaurant to the floor-to-ceiling French balconies available in over 80% of cabins and suites, life on board the 135-metre MS Riviera Radiance feels airy and light. The Grand Suites, located on our Diamond Deck, are an impressive 32 square metres and feature separate living and sleeping space as well as a full balcony - making them our biggest suites yet - and at 24 square metres, our Superior Suites feel luxuriously spacious.
Our brand-new ship features all the facilities you'd expect to find in a boutique hotel. The main restaurant rivals the finest onshore establishments, taking fine dining to another level, complemented by delicate European porcelain, gleaming glassware and the intuitive service in which the Swiss excel. On board are two additional, speciality restaurants, which offer a more intimate dining experience and showcase a delicious array of local flavours. You'll never go hungry on board!
Designed with the very latest technology and our strong environmental values in mind, MS Riviera Radiance is on track to qualify for the Gold Standard as part of the Green Award programme. So, you can lay back, relax and enjoy that cocktail on the Sun Deck guilt-free knowing your holiday will have a minimised impact on the peaceful natural landscapes we cruise through, protecting the world we love exploring for future generations to enjoy.
A small number of bicycles are available on board for our guests. Please enquire at the reception desk for information.
Route
Cruise Itinerary
Arrival in Budapest - On arrival, a coach will transfer you to your five-star cruise ship moored in this beautiful city straddling the banks of the glorious Danube. As you step on board you will be greeted by your professional, five-star crew who are on hand to help you settle in as you familiarise yourself with the layout of this splendid ship. We are moored overnight so you may fancy a wander ashore to start exploring this charismatic city, so full of atmosphere at this special time of year. It won’t be long before our first excellent dinner is served in the ship’s restaurant, over which you can get acquainted with some of your fellow travellers. Enjoy a digestif in the welcoming lounge as you ponder all that the next few days has in store!
Arrive 2027-12-16 00:00:00Budapest - Budapest is always an atmospheric and fascinating city, but at this time of the year, the muted colours of its magnificent archaic spires and grand domes are especially captivating on the wintry skyline. The historic and palatial buildings, the superb Roman ruins and exquisite Art Nouveau architecture provide a truly impressive backdrop for the city’s acclaimed Christmas markets. This morning we enjoy a guided tour seeing the main sights such as the iconic Parliament Building and the ancient Castle District with its winding streets and panoramic views. There’s some free time here to explore under your own steam, so perhaps wander the markets and soak up the traditional atmosphere as classical music fills the air along with the delicious smells of spicy gingerbread and peppery goulash – and don’t forget the mulled wine to stave off the winter chill! Back on board for lunch, excitement mounts as we slip our mooring, and our adventure begins; just sit back and relax as the fairytale landscape glides by through the ship’s panoramic windows. This afternoon we witness a cruising highlight as we navigate the Danube Bend, where the river spectacularly winds its way through a narrow twisting valley, flanked by high mountains and snow-covered hillsides. Wrap up and take to the deck to enjoy this wonderful kaleidoscope of Christmas card scenery drifting by in the frosty air, then return to the warmth of the ship’s inviting lounge and catch up on some reading or write those final Christmas cards. Later head to the convivial atmosphere of the ship’s well-stocked bar for your favourite aperitif, before another excellent dinner is served.
Arrive 2027-12-17 00:00:00Bratislava - During this morning’s breakfast, we arrive in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Its communist past now firmly confined to the history books, the city has rediscovered its imperial heritage in its beautifully restored baroque old town whilst the grand white fortress, former seat of the rulers, enjoys commanding views over the river. This morning we will discover more about the city’s interesting history, seeing the fortress and discovering the main sights of the old town, the only preserved gate of the city’s fortification system, the Neo-Renaissance-style Old Opera House, St. Martin’s Cathedral - a Gothic structure from the 15th century and former coronation site - along with the Classicist Primate’s Palace. After lunch back on board you may wish to return to shore – wander the maze of streets, admiring the Christmas decorations until you reach the main square and the market with its cosy atmosphere; the sweet fragrance of cinnamon wafts on the air and hundreds of fairy lights twinkle amongst the branches of the Christmas trees. Perhaps climb the tower of the Old Town Hall for a bird’s eye view of the city and the bustling market below. The pretty red and white stalls groan with inspirational artisan gifts, from decorations, wooden figurines or pottery. Sample some local delicacies, such as potato pancakes or poppy-seed strudel, but try not to spoil your appetite — it won’t be long until dinner is served back on board as we continue our journey towards Vienna.
Arrive 2027-12-18 00:00:00Vienna - During the early hours, our ship has stealthily crept into port, and you awake to find yourself in Vienna. There are few places that can so delightfully evoke the spirit of Christmas than here – where the elegant imperial facades, their decorations glittering in the glow from a thousand Christmas lights, the sound of classical carols floating on the crisp air and the irresistible smell of candyfloss and roasted chestnuts is truly reminiscent of Christmas from a bygone age. There has been a Christmas market here since the Middle Ages and today there are more than 20 markets held over the festive period selling a huge range of seasonal gifts and mouth-watering treats. Vienna’s City Hall provides a splendid backdrop for one of the most popular, its windows a giant advent calendar, reflecting the myriad of lights glistening in the trees below. The magnificent Schönbrunn Palace also hosts a superb market, specialising in traditional handicrafts and nostalgic toys. After breakfast you enjoy a guided tour seeing the main sights such as St Stephen’s Cathedral and the impressive Hofburg complex, former royal court, now home to a collection of museums, the Vienna Boys’ Choir and the world-famous Spanish Riding School. After lunch on board there’s plenty of time to explore some more of the markets, while the brass band plays its Christmas repertoire, and the sweet aroma of nutmeg fills the air. When things turn chilly, retreat to the refined yet cosy elegance of a traditional Viennese café for a steaming hot chocolate and watch the last daylight fade away. Return to the ship in time for tonight’s superb Chef’s Dinner, expertly served by your attentive crew. Afterwards we’ve arranged truly the ‘icing on the cake’: no visit to Vienna is complete without a live musical experience, so after dinner we have a classical recital on board. To hear this exquisite music played in the city of its creation makes a wonderful finale to the day.
Arrive 2027-12-19 00:00:00Budapest - We have sailed overnight and on waking, draw back the curtains to see the early morning mist rising over this gentle pastoral landscape, draped in a blanket of glistening frost. After breakfast, seek out a good vantage spot in the lounge, sink into a comfy chair and watch this lovely slideshow of winter wonderland scenery effortlessly gliding by – what could be more relaxing? Later this morning, gather for a delightful onboard demonstration of traditional Stollen-making. With the scent of festive spices filling the air and the ship adorned in seasonal decorations, it’s a cosy and engaging way to embrace the spirit of this festive season. For the more energetic, perhaps a visit to the ship’s fitness centre to work off some of those delicious meals or head up to the sun deck to enjoy the bracing river breeze with a steaming mug of spiced Glühwein in hand as the Captain skilfully navigates our return course to the Hungarian capital. Our final lunch is served during which Budapest’s majestic skyline comes into view. This afternoon you are at leisure so perhaps visit the Christmas market at Vorosmarty Square in the very heart of Pest, where the rustic cottage-style wooden stalls groan under the weight of their treasure troves of unique Christmas gifts. The scent of traditional honey cookies and mulled wine pervades the air as you browse the stalls, enjoying the friendly festive ambience or perhaps indulging in a slice of traditional chimney cake. Tonight, after another delicious dinner on board, enjoy one last evening amongst newly made friends in the convivial bar, recounting stories from a very magical cruise.
Arrive 2027-12-20 00:00:00Return home
Arrive 2027-12-21 00:00:00Prices & Dates
Diamond Deck Suite (Upper)
Diamond Deck (Upper) - Superior Suite
Ruby Deck (Middle)
Ruby Deck (Middle) - Superior Suite
Emerald Deck (Lower)
Prices shown for: Flight Price (Dublin Airport). Subject to availability.
Ship & Accommodation
The Grand Suites, located on our Diamond Deck, are an impressive 32 square metres and feature separate living and sleeping space as well as a full balcony - making them our biggest suites yet - and at 24 square metres, our Superior Suites feel luxuriously spacious.
Designed for the ultimate in space and comfort, the Grand Suites are our biggest-ever cabins at an impressive 32 square metres. Whether you're relaxing in your separate living space - featuring a sofa, chair and table - or enjoying an afternoon siesta on your king-sized bed, you'll feel spoilt by all this space. The Grand Suites are finished to an exceptionally high standard with superior quality fittings in the most refined taste featuring individually controlled air conditioning, a desk, double wardrobe, hairdryer, safe, TV and telephone, and tea/coffee-making facilities are available in every room.
In addition to the indoor space, you'll also enjoy a private exterior balcony, complete with outdoor seating - the perfect place to enjoy breakfast 'al fresco', a pre-dinner 'sundown' cocktail or simply sit and watch the riverbanks glide by as we sail.
Features
- Individual climate control
- Floor-to-ceiling windows with outside balcony and seating
- Twin beds which can be configured as king
- Separate indoor seating area with sofa, table and chair
- Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
- Spacious ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
- Desk & chair
- Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Our spacious Superior Suites are 24 square metres with a floor-to-ceiling French balcony that slide open, bringing you that much closer to the beautiful waterway beyond. Between onshore adventures, you can watch the world go by through the window from the comfort of your separate living space - featuring a sofa, chair and table.
Throughout the suite are the thoughtfully appointed, high-quality furnishings and fittings that Riviera Travel are known for. The cabin includes air conditioning, hairdryer, safe, TV, telephone, a desk, double wardrobe, a lounge chair and small table and tea/coffee-making facilities are available in every room. The hotel-style beds can be configured as a double or twin, and the room features an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower.
Features
- Individual climate control
- Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Separate indoor seating area with sofa, table and chair
- Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels and hairdryer
- Desk & chair
- Telephone and flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Our spacious Superior Suites are 24 square metres with a floor-to-ceiling French balcony that side open, bringing you that much closer to the beautiful waterway beyond. Between onshore adventures, you can watch the world go by through the window from the comfort of your separate living space - featuring a sofa, chair and table.
Throughout the suite are the thoughtfully appointed, high-quality furnishings and fittings that Riviera Travel are known for. The cabin includes air conditioning, hairdryer, safe, TV, telephone, a desk, double wardrobe, a lounge chair and small table and tea/coffee-making facilities are available in every room. The hotel-style beds can be configured as a double or twin, and the room features an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower.
Features
- Individual climate control
- Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Separate indoor seating area with sofa, table and chair
- Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels and hairdryer
- Desk & chair
- Telephone and flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Imaginatively designed and well-appointed, our 16 square metre Double Cabins offer all the luxury you would expect to find in a smart ‘boutique style’ hotel. A full-sized double bed ensures a good night’s rest in crisp cotton linen. Double Cabins on the Diamond Deck have a French Balcony – panoramic floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that bring riverside life just that little closer!
Careful consideration has been given to every detail with individually controlled air-conditioning so you can set the temperature that you desire, a hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and the convenience of tea (our meticulous planning even extends to familiar teabags!) and coffee-making facilities ensure a familiar home from home experience.
Features
- Individual climate control
- Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
- Table and chairs
- Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Imaginatively designed and well-appointed, our 16 square metre Double Cabins offer all the luxury you would expect to find in a smart ‘boutique style’ hotel. A full-sized double bed ensures a good night’s rest in crisp cotton linen. Double Cabins on the Ruby Deck have a French Balcony – panoramic floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that bring riverside life just that little closer!
Careful consideration has been given to every detail with individually controlled air-conditioning so you can set the temperature that you desire, a hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and the convenience of tea (our meticulous planning even extends to familiar teabags!) and coffee-making facilities ensure a familiar home from home experience.
Features
- Individual climate control
- Floor to ceiling windows with French style balcony
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
- Table and chairs
- Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Imaginatively designed and well-appointed, our 16 square metre Double Cabins offer all the luxury you would expect to find in a smart ‘boutique style’ hotel. A full-sized double bed ensures a good night’s rest in crisp cotton linen.
Careful consideration has been given to every detail with individually controlled air-conditioning so you can set the temperature that you desire, a hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and the convenience of tea (our meticulous planning even extends to familiar teabags!) and coffee-making facilities ensure a familiar home from home experience. Double Cabins on the Diamond Deck have a smaller fixed window.
Features
- Individual climate control
- Fixed window
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Nespresso machine and tea making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower
- Luxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- UK plug sockets & 2 USB charging points
- Table and chairs
- Telephone, radio and flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Get ready for the day's adventure with a buffet breakfast in the main dining room with hot and cold options. Onboard MS Riviera Radiance you have three dining options for lunch and dinner. The main restaurant offers a buffet lunch and a four-course à la carte dinner. The Riverview Kitchen - available at no extra charge - takes its inspiration from a traditional grill restaurant and the Mosaic Restaurant where each course features a number of elements inspired by the rivers of Europe, paired with the perfect wine and selected by our sommelier.
The Riverview Kitchen, located at the stern, is available at no extra charge for lunch and dinner. It offers a more intimate dining experience with an open kitchen, large panoramic windows and al fresco seating so you can admire the fantastic views. Here in the evenings,You can enjoy a more informal experience that takes its inspiration from a traditional Grill restaurant.
Cuisine: casual · Experience: complimentary
Mosaic Restaurant offers a unique regional culinary journey and wine pairing menu. Each course features a number of elements inspired by the rivers of Europe. Showcasing the finest local ingredients from each region, you can savour the essence of the continent – one delectable bite at a time.
Cuisine: tapas · Experience: complimentary
The Ruby Deck can be summed up by the swish of a napkin and the clink of a glass. Our ship's main restaurant is located on the Ruby Deck, offering an exceptional service pairing seasonal menus with a glass of wine from our carefully curated wine list, including a selection of regional favourites. Our friendly and attentive staff are only too happy to help from recommendations to alternative dietary options, nothing is too much trouble. So, you can just sit back and delight in the wonderful elegance of your surroundings; beautifully laid tables of just 4 or 6 guests, crisp linen, deep wool carpets and warm wood panelling abound to offer a delectable dining experience of the highest order.
Cuisine: buffet · Experience: complimentary
We are a well-travelled collective - made up of our guests as well as our team. We'll admit it - we're obsessed with travel.
But that's not our only interest. We also love architecture, history, the arts, and gastronomy - everything that makes a culture unique. And we plan our itineraries to ensure we're catering to those interests. Perfecting every excursion to ensure you get the most out of your onshore adventures.
Most days are filled with full or half-day excursions. Whether that's a city tour, an introduction to a brand-new town or a more in-depth visit to a specific landmark or attraction. You'll see the very best of every destination. Not just the legendary locations, we'll uncover the top-secret local spots too.
A small number of bicycles are available on board for our guests. Please enquire at the reception desk for information.
World-famous landmarks
You'll get to experience some world-famous destinations in the company of our passionate local guides. Sites like the Benedictine Melk Abbey on the Danube, spectacular Pont du Gard on the Rhône, Keukenhof Gardens - the world's largest flower gardens - on the Dutch Waterways and Cologne with its cathedral, the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe.
A taste of your destination
Food has the uncanny ability to reveal the softer parts of the destination most tourists overlook. Recipes passed down through the generations slowly become ingrained within a culture, featuring fresh local produce and traditional cooking techniques. Our excursions often include delicious local produce perfected over centuries - sample cheese in Switzerland and chocolate in Germany (it's not a cruise for those watching their weight), wine tasting in the world-famous wine region of Burgundy and port in the port wine cellars of Porto.
For even more, why not choose one of our Gastronomy themed departures?
Authentic cultural experiences
Our river cruise itineraries deliver authentic and engaging moments to fully immerse you in the culture. You'll remember being seduced by the fiery passion of flamenco dancing after a cruise along the Douro. Hold on to that feeling of wonder you felt as you watch the glassblower creating the most beautiful vase out of a glowing mass. And tell the stories you heard during a Hungarian folklore show to your grandchildren at bedtime. The memory of these authentic cultural experiences will last a lifetime.
Designed with the very latest technology and our strong environmental values in mind, MS Riviera Radiance is on track to qualify for the Gold Standard as part of the Green Award programme. So, you can lay back, relax and enjoy that cocktail on the Sun Deck guilt-free knowing your holiday will have a minimised impact on the peaceful natural landscapes we cruise through, protecting the world we love exploring for future generations to enjoy.
The Diamond Deck is home to the social hub of the ship, the Panorama Lounge and Bar. From here, you can watch the waters of one of Europe's most beautiful waterways rush by and spot the small settlements that reside on the riverbank. And, after the day's adventure, you and your sun-kissed fellow travellers will congregate here to swap stories and discuss the highlights of the day, returning after dinner to enjoy a digestif and the evening's entertainment.
You'll usually find your Riviera Travel Cruise Director in the lobby area on the Ruby Deck as well as the reception desk where the helpful staff are on hand to assist you 24 hours a day. Close by, you'll also find our boutique shop.
Here, you can catch the scenery change from the comfort of a sun lounger, sip cocktails on the deck and, when the sun starts to heat up, cool down with a dip in the plunge pool. Whether we're in port or sailing to our next destination, the Sun Deck is the place to relax.
There is no requirement to bring formal dress - smart/casual is acceptable for both day and evening as there is no dress code enforced. However, men are requested not to wear shorts for dinner or vest tops at any time in the dining room. You may wish to wear a jacket and tie for dinner. The Chef's Dinner offers the opportunity, should you wish, for more special attire.
The minimum age limit is 12 years old at the date of departure. We reserve the right to limit the number of children on any particular cruise. Any minor must be accompanied by and share a cabin with an adult aged 21 or over. If the adult is not the minor’s parent, a ‘Parental Consent Guardianship Form’ must be signed by a parent or legal guardian prior to sailing.
If you have any concerns about your health whilst on tour, please see your Cruise Director or Concierge. They will be able to advise you about chemists and availability of doctors, etc. In an emergency you could always phone our emergency number as issued on your itinerary. There are no on-board medical personnel, although specific crew members will have basic first aid training. However, the ship can stop at any time to transfer any passenger requiring emergency medical attention to local medical facilities.
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us.
Our ships are not adapted for wheelchair access. If you are intending to take a wheelchair or mobility scooter with you, it is essential that you contact us to let us know.
Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be used on excursions but they cannot be used on board the ships due to safety reasons and must not be left in corridors, the lounge or restaurant or any other public areas. They must be stored in your cabin.
River cruises operate with a smaller crew than ocean cruises and do not have the crew available to personally attend to passengers with reduced mobility, therefore a travelling companion would need to be able to help with any physical needs.
The itinerary we include with our river cruises involves shore excursions visiting places with cobbled streets which can be on an incline making navigation of these streets difficult for anyone with reduced mobility.
If you can’t do many shore excursions, river cruising in Europe can still be very enjoyable and worthwhile. Cruising down the Rhine, Danube or any of the European rivers we offer gives you the opportunity to take in the spectacular scenery and there is a lot to enjoy from the comfort of the ship. Please contact us with any concerns you may have.
Whilst most of our ships have a lift on board, it does not operate to all decks.
We include mobility information regarding lifts between decks on each ship under the deck plan section of the page. You may wish to view all of our ships before booking.
Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is not permitted anywhere on board except for designated areas on the sun deck. More and more countries in Europe are adopting a stricter legislation on smoking in public places.
Smoking is not allowed on any public transport and there may be other restrictions in hotels, bars and restaurants.
Free Wi-Fi available for your convenience
Our ships are fully air-conditioned throughout. Each cabin has individual air-conditioning and heating controls.
We cater for most dietary requirements, please ensure you advise our sales team when making the booking.
Other Info
Giving a gratuity is entirely at your discretion, so we have not included these in your holiday cost, and we don't add it as a set percentage.
If you would like to tip the staff, a good guideline is to give €8-12 per person per day should you feel that is appropriate.
If you do choose to give a gratuity, there will usually be an envelope is left in your cabin on the final evening. This is for you to be able include any tips, and you can then drop it off at reception the following morning. The tips are divided equally between the crew.
Should you also wish to give a gratuity directly to your Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge, this is also at your discretion.
- All prices are per person, based on two sharing, and subject to availability.
- A valid passport is required for all passengers. Passports should be valid for at least six months beyond your return date.
- Travel insurance is strongly recommended for all bookings.
- Prices may vary depending on cabin type, departure date, and availability.
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Product Code
RIVIERA112551