Ship review: Riviera Radiance

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Overview: Riviera Radiance is the newest addition to the Riviera Travel fleet, with three sister ships due to join by 2028. It is the first ship to feature a split-level lounge and three restaurants on board, offering passengers more places to relax and dine at their leisure.

Radiance started sailing in June 2025 and offers Danube itineraries, including a 15-day Budapest to the Black Sea River Cruise.

Cabins: Radiance is a 178-passenger river ship with 89 staterooms, of which 80% have French balconies. The decor is modern and elegant, with muted tones and sleek furnishings. The Grand Balcony Suites on the Diamond Deck are the largest in the fleet at 32sq metres, with a full balcony. The next category is the 24sq-metre Superior Suite.

Food and drink: There are three restaurants on board Radiance, with the main restaurant offering à la carte dining and a buffet for breakfast and lunch, and a locally inspired four-course menu with regional wines for dinner. Mosaic and Riverview Kitchen are the two smaller speciality restaurants, which are available at lunch and dinner and do not require a cover charge. 

Mosaic’s menu is inspired by the rivers in Riviera Travel’s programme, from the Douro to the Danube, while Riverview Kitchen has an outdoor seating area.

The split-level Panorama Lounge and Bar is the standout venue on the ship, providing more space for passengers to relax with a drink before or after dinner, with entertainment such as live music able to reach both decks. The bar at the front of the ship is encircled by a balcony giving options to sit outside, and floor-to-ceiling windows to take in the views.