Riviera Resplendence to Debut From Cologne in July 2026

Updated July 8, 2026

Riviera Travel's 178-guest Riviera Resplendence departed Cologne on Saturday, July 4, 2026, on its maiden "Rhine Cruise to Switzerland" itinerary, the new river ship's first guest voyage and its entry into the line's Rhine and Danube program.

The debut adds a third Radiance Class ship to Riviera's European river operation as the company works toward a 16-ship river fleet by 2028. Riviera lists 13 river cruise ships for 2026, with Resplendence among the new vessels entering the program.

"The Riviera Resplendence represents another significant milestone for Riviera Travel as we continue to grow our award-winning river cruise fleet," said Stuart Milan, president of North America for Riviera Travel. "As demand for premium river cruising continues to grow, we are expanding our fleet with thoughtfully designed ships that allow us to deliver the exceptional experiences and value that define Riviera Travel."

New design for the Radiance Class

The 135-meter, 10,617-ton Riviera Resplendence has 89 cabins and suites. Crew capacity is 44. Sister ship to Riviera Radiance, it uses the split-level layout Riviera assigns to its Radiance Class ships.

Riviera said the split-level design creates brighter public spaces, enhanced panoramic views and a more open, contemporary onboard atmosphere. Onboard spaces include a lounge, three dining venues featuring regional cuisine and an expansive sun deck.

The interior concept uses gold accents, warm wood tones and vibrant wall coverings, a move away from the lighter palettes used elsewhere in the fleet. Scylla, Riviera's shipbuilding partner, designed the ship.

"When guests come onboard, we want them to feel like they're coming home for the next few days," said Michel van der Velden and Cathy Schroder, interior designers at Scylla. "We hope Riviera guests notice the thoughtful design details and leave inspired, whether it's a beautiful wall covering or another design element they'd love to recreate in their own home. Creating that spark of interior design inspiration is what we strive for."

Rhine and Danube program includes solo departures

Riviera Resplendence is scheduled to operate 18 itineraries on the Rhine and Danube rivers. The named program includes "Budapest to the Black Sea River Cruise," "Rhine Cruise to Switzerland," "Rhine, Moselle & Switzerland River Cruise" and "The Blue Danube River Cruise." The schedule also includes festive holiday sailings and dedicated solo departures.

Riviera's next named Radiance Class additions are Riviera Reflection and Riviera Rhapsody. Both are scheduled to debut within the next two years.