World's first solo traveller cruise ship to launch
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The first ever dedicated solo traveller cruise ship is set to launch in 2027, it has been announced.
MS George Eliot will offer new 15-day itineraries - the longest solo river cruises ever.
The first solo guests will be able to set sail on the 110-metre ship from Riviera Travel from June 2027.
The vessel has 70 statesrooms and suites, including French-balcony cabins, superior suites and deluxe balcony suites.
It is designed with a boutique five-star hotel ambience with hardwoods, polished metals and Italian fabrics, giving it a luxurious feel.
Guests will have plenty of options for dining, including a main restaurant with open seating, buffet choices and a four-course dinner. There will also be a bistro and a panorama lounge bar with views of the river scenery as you dine.
The onboard facilities are plentiful, too - including a wellness area with massage and salon services.
A sun deck with loungers will be available for those seeking to soak up some rays, and a splash pool is on hand too.
MS George Eliot, the first ever dedicated solo traveller cruise ship, is set to launch in 2027
The vessel has 70 statesrooms and suites, including French-balcony cabins, superior suites and deluxe balcony suites
For any keen golfers, a putting green on deck gives you the chance to play.
Live music will provide an energising backdrop to journeys, too.
The vessel can hold approximately 132 passengers, and is aimed at those seeking a solo trip.
It comes as demand for solo travel has hit record heights.
Searches for ‘solo travel tips’ have increased by a staggering 5,043 per cent over the past year, according to research by confused.com.
Riviera Travel has seen a 66 per cent year-on-year increase in solo river cruise bookings via trade partners, with solo travellers now making up nearly 13 per cent of all bookings.
The new ship will offer an array of eight-day itineraries, as well as 15-day trips.
The Blue Danube for Solo Travellers, visiting Vienna, Budapest & Salzburg for 8 days will start from £2,899pp.
Guests will have plenty of options for dining, including a panorama lounge and bar with views of the river scenery as you dine
The ship is designed with a boutique five-star hotel ambience with hardwoods, polished metals and Italian fabrics, giving it a luxurious feel
Other eight-day trips include a Rhine Cruise to Switzerland from £3,499pp.
If you're looking for something longer, you can join the Budapest to the Black Sea 15-days cruise from £5,699pp.
Or the 'Cruise the Heart of Europe' journey might be more up your street, visiting Rhine, Main and Danube from £5,599pp.
Travellers can also benefit from an early booking bonus if you organise your trip soon.
The company are offering a free upgrade from middle to upper deck on 2027 European river cruises if you book by October 31, 2025.
So if a glamorous river cruise dedicated to solo travellers appeals, jump on this new opportunity.
Phil Hullah, CEO of Riviera Travel, says: 'This is a landmark moment not only for Riviera but for the river cruise industry as a whole.
'The launch of MS George Eliot, the first river cruise ship to operate exclusively for solo guests, allows us to offer independent travellers a choice and focus that no other operator provides.'
For any keen golfers, a putting green on deck gives you the chance to play
A sun deck with loungers will be available for those seeking to soak up some rays, and a splash pool is on hand too
Riviera Travel is also introducing three new long-haul river cruise itineraries, including the launch of Riviera Alba on the Mekong River.
It marks the company's first ship outside of Europe.
Phil added: 'Alongside this, the debut of Riviera Alba on the Mekong marks our first step beyond Europe, expanding our horizons and giving our guests the opportunity to experience Asia’s most iconic waterways with the same trusted Riviera service.
'These milestones mark a bold new chapter for river cruising.'
Daily Mail
