Riviera Travel has debuted its newest ship on the Danube, the Riviera Radiance.
The ship has completed its inaugural cruise, the 15-day Budapest to the Black Sea sailing. The 178-passenger ship is the second Riviera vessel to launch this year, following the Riviera Rose on Portugal's Douro River.
The Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose are the line's first ships to feature the Riviera brand in the ship name. Older-generation ships are named after British authors.
Both new ships feature a split-level design, but the Radiance is bigger than the Rose, giving it the space for different options. For example, the Radiance has a two-story lounge and is the first ship in Riviera's fleet to offer three dining venues. The Mosaic, a tapas-style venue, is new for Riviera. The main restaurant offers multicourse dining, while the Bistro provides alfresco seating and an intimate atmosphere.
The Radiance's size also enables it to have the largest accommodations in Riviera's fleet. Over 80% of the cabins have floor-to-ceiling French balconies.
The Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose are the first Riviera ships to feature the Riviera brand in the ship names. Photo Credit: Riviera Travel
The Grand Suites measure 344 square feet and include a separate living area, a king-sized bed and a private balcony with outdoor seating. The Superior Suites are 258 square feet with floor-to-ceiling French balconies and a living area with a sofa, chair and table.
Standard cabins are 172 square feet and have French balconies and indoor seating areas, while cabins on the lower deck have fixed windows.
"With our most spacious suites to date and the introduction of a third dining venue onboard -- something our guests have been asking for -- Riviera Radiance is setting a new standard for comfort and choice on Europe's waterways," said Stuart Milan, president of North America for Riviera Travel.
The Riviera Radiance will operate seven itineraries on the Danube, including holiday markets, solo traveler departures and culinary-themed cruises.