Rhine Cruise to Switzerland - MS George Eliot
Tour Overview
Glide past the pretty towns along the Rhine River, experience the Rhine Gorge, explore Alsace’s Strasbourg, see the Black Forest and the breathtaking Alpine scenery on a mountain rail journey into the Bernese Oberland.
On our journey through the Rhine valley, we visit historic Koblenz where we have time to explore the old town at the confluence of both the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Next, we continue through the Rhine Gorge where the valley walls tower above our heads and onto Rudesheim, where we enjoy another evening complemented with an excellent dinner on board. Our cruise continues south, stopping in medieval Speyer with its stunning Romanesque Basilica that dominates this pretty town. The next day we arrive?at the city of Strasbourg where you enjoy a walking tour of the old town. Continuing, we drive through the typical rolling tree-clad massif of the Black Forest onto the charming town of Freiburg. Our final destination is Basel, from where we venture to stunning Lucerne and into the Bernese Oberland for unforgettable mountain vistas.
This Swiss river cruise is ideal for travellers looking for a relaxing way to see stunning alpine views and visit historic European towns.
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Highlights
Itinerary
DAY 1
Location: Cologne, Cologne
Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrival in Cologne - On arrival, transfer by coach to your cruise ship moored in Cologne. The dedicated English-speaking crew will welcome you aboard your first-class floating hotel, ensuring you settle into your luxurious, well-equipped cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship.
DAY 2
Location: Koblenz, Koblenz
Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Koblenz - As you wake to a sumptuous breakfast, the delights of this river cruise begin to emerge as we drift past the first rolling hills of the Rhine Valley.The forested Siebengebirge – Seven Mountains – a cluster of ancient volcanic hills that inspired many of the Brothers Grimm’s legends, including ‘Snow White’, act as the overture for even more dramatic scenery upstream.We cruise past the famous ruined bridge at Remagen, which was captured intact by the Allies towards the end of the Second World War, allowing thousands of troops to cross into Germany’s heartland.Pretty waterfront towns and carefully tended vineyards come into view as we glide gently into our mooring to visit delightful Koblenz for a guided tour.Founded by the Romans, this historic city is beautifully located at the confluence of the Rhine and its sister river the Moselle. Discover Koblenz’s maze of medieval buildings in the Altstadt – old town – which is studded with a fine array of traditional shops and classic Rhineland cafés.As you wander, historic buildings appear seemingly at every turn; see a former mint, the Four Towers – 17th-century houses with striking turrets set at a crossroads – and many fascinating squares and churches, including the 9th-century Basilica of Saint Kastor.Wherever you wander you’re never far from a riverbank, and it’s worth crossing the 14th-century stone Balduin Bridge across the Moselle for fine views back across the spires of the Altstadt.Tonight, enjoy a meticulously prepared dinner on board, and afterwards, delight in the upbeat sounds of Rhenish folk music with a live performance of traditional instruments.Personalise your holiday -Cable car ride to Ehrenbreitstein fortress and visitDuration: At leisurePrice: From £19pp (2025) & from £21pp (2026)Take a scenic cable car over the Rhine River to the impressive Ehrenbreitstein fortress, which stands 118 meters tall on its riverbanks. Built by the Prussians to fend off the French, it's the second-largest preserved fortress in Europe, with an unparalleled view of Koblenz and the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Here, you can explore the castle's 1000-year history at leisure before returning to Koblenz by cable car.Optional excursion can be done during free time or instead of the walking tour of Koblenz.Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure.
DAY 3
Location: Rüdesheim am Rhein, Rüdesheim am Rhein
Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rhine Gorge & Rüdesheim - Slipping our mooring at Koblenz we proceed upstream on the Rhine and soon encounter the impressive Marksburg Castle, a fortress dating back to the 13th-century.We then weave through the huge looping bend – one of the most impressive on the river – at Boppard, a wonderfully picturesque town known as the ‘Pearl of the Rhine’.Journeying further, you explore the most famous of all the river’s reaches and a real highlight of the cruise, the dramatic Rhine Gorge: steep vineyards give way to almost vertical rocky outcrops towering above the sweeping valley sides. Sailing past Saint Goar and the many ruined castles, there’s a real sense of the myths surrounding this historic river coming alive around you.After lunch we moor in Rüdesheim, a classic Rhine wine village with crooked houses sloping down from wooded hillsides and terraced vineyards.Rüdesheim is a delight to wander, witness the bustling marketplace, the half-timbered Klunkhardshof and Brömserburg Castle, which dates from 1275. This afternoon you are free to explore at leisure or choose from one of our included experiences:You could visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, a fantastical adventure into the world of automatic musical instruments. See the impressive collection of fascinating musical instruments that function like computers, ranging from tiny, delicate music boxes to an enormous orchestrion.Or you might choose to travel up the hillside, above Rüdesheim's famous vineyards, in a two-seater cable car enjoying lovely views of the Rhine River and surrounding countryside. At the top the views get even better, and a stroll around the Niederwald monument – which celebrates the unification of Germany by Prussians in the 1870s - allows for a peaceful moment looking out over the town.After dinner this evening, another sumptuous affair prepared by your chef, maybe sample a small Asbach – the famous brandy distilled in Rüdesheim – while watching the last of the ferries crossing the river in the moonlight glow. Personalise your holiday -Wine tasting at a local wineryDuration: 1hr 30 minsPrice: £22pp (2025) & £25pp (2026)Before we sit down to another delicious dinner onboard our five-star ship, visit a winery in Rüdesheim to taste the local wine. In the atmospheric backdrop of a historic wine cave, enjoy sampling the varieties this region is famous for, including Riesling, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, and learn interesting facts about the viticulture and the history of wine in the area.Please note: Due to the location of the wine tasting, it's advised all guests bring a jacket.Optional excursion can be done during free time in Rüdesheim.Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure. Minimum numbers apply.
DAY 4
Location: Speyer, Speyer
Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Speyer - Still sailing upstream, the landscape becomes much wider and flatter, with gently rolling hills and vineyards that are home to the Liebfraumilch wines. Occasionally the excited chatter of birdlife breaks out as we pass oxbow lakes, long deserted by the river flow, which are now havens for over a hundred bird species.
Today we berth in historic Speyer, founded by the Celts and one of Germany’s oldest cities, celebrated for its illustrious past, for an afternoon walking tour. The breathtaking Imperial Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is among the largest Romanesque churches in the world; it’s also one of the finest. Its beautiful four-roomed crypt is the resting place of many Holy Roman emperors and German kings.
Another landmark is the magnificent neo-Gothic Gedächtniskirche, built at the turn of the 20th-century to commemorate the 1529 ‘Protestation at Speyer’, a significant event when a group of Martin Luther’s followers protested against his imperial ban – henceforth Luther’s religious followers were known as ‘Protestants’.
There’s free time to explore here before stepping back on board for another splendid dinner.
Personalise your holiday -
Visit to the Technik Museum
Duration: At leisure
Price: £23pp (2025) & £26pp (2026)
Discover technology from the underwater world to space. Ever wonder what the inside of a submarine looks like? Or how big a jumbo jet is? From aircraft to vintage crafts, fire engines to mechanical instruments, there's plenty to inspire and amaze!
Included in your entrance is a ticket to the IMAX theatre where the gigantic screen shows fascinating movies detailing incredible technological feats and natural wonders.
Optional excursion can be done after or instead of the walking tour of Speyer.
Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure.
DAY 5
Location: Strasbourg, Strasbourg
Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Strasbourg - This morning we cruise gently upstream, passing through two spectacular locks, whose elaborate engineering never ceases to fascinate. Why not find a comfortable chair and catch up on some reading, play chess or watch the rolling kaleidoscope of scenery from the Sun Deck?We soon arrive in France and moor in Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region. This afternoon we have a walking tour of its picturesque Old Town, bisected by canals and made up of a maze of narrow streets lined with timber-framed houses and sculptured portals.Unforgettable sites include the stupendous Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral, multi-towered Ponts Couverts – covered bridges – and the pretty Petite France quarter of pastel-coloured former artisans’ houses lining the canals.Don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to linger a while in a typical Alsatian café to sample some of the region’s world-famous wines – a crisp Riesling or that particular speciality of Alsace, spicy Gewürztraminer.After another delicious dinner on board, you can retire to the lounge to enjoy tonight's live performance of popular music spanning the years by a highly talented violin soloist.Personalise your holiday -Land train tour of StrasbourgPrice: from €8ppDuration: 30-40 minsHop on the Little Train and discover the charming narrow streets of Strasbourg's old town, the romantic 'Petite France', the many quays and covered bridges and the famous Cathedral Square.Optional excursions can be done after or instead of the guided walking tour.This excursion can be arranged with your Cruise Concierge on board and is payable locally. Personalise your holiday -Take a cruise tour of StrasbourgPrice: from €15.70ppDuration: 1hr 10minsDiscover Strasbourg from a unique perspective - the water! As it flows through the centre of the city, you'll explore three of Strasbourg's 15 districts. Along the way, you'll spot the UNESCO-protect Grande Île, the imperial district of Neustadt, the European Parliament and more.Optional excursions can be done after or instead of the guided walking tour.This excursion can be arranged with your Cruise Concierge on board and is payable locally.
DAY 6
Location: Breisach, Basel
Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breisach & Black Forest or Alsace wine route - This morning's cruising is spent gliding through the dramatic scenery of the rift valley separating the Vosges and Black Forest mountains.We arrive at the ancient town of Breisach, whose historic heart is surrounded by stone ramparts and dominated by the impressive Saint Stephan’s Cathedral, which you can see during time at leisure before lunch onboard.This afternoon you have a choice of touring the Black Forest and Freiburg or visiting the Alsace wine route with its typical wine villages. We drive through some of Central Europe’s most stunning scenery – the Black Forest Mountains. This is a fabled landscape of rugged valleys, white-water rivers, cascading waterfalls and rolling hillsides covered with huge, densely packed pine trees – exactly as you expect it to be.Look out for the Baroque spires of St. Peter Abbey as we drive through the quaint village and stop for a photo of the incredible countryside surrounding St Märgen, on our way to Freiburg. This vibrant university city in southwest Germany’s Black Forest, is home to a medieval old town, crisscrossed by picturesque brooks. On arrival, we'll follow a local guide around some of the city's sights - including the Münsterplatz and the historic Kaufhaus - before time at leisure to explore independently. Travelling, between the vineyards and mountains, along the Wine Route we make our way to Ribeauvillé - a charming village that lies in the shadow of the majestic ruins of the Three Castles of the Lords of Ribeaupierre. After a short walking tour, there's time to wander its picturesque streets to admire the 15th- to 18th-century buildings and Renaissance squares.Leaving Ribeauvillé, we head next to Riquewihr. Named the 'Most Beautiful Village in France', this medieval town lies right in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards. Famous for both its architecture and its wine, there's plenty to see during our walking tour. Afterwards, you can enjoy a little free time to explore before heading back to the ship.Back on board this evening there’s a truly memorable occasion – the ‘Chef’s Dinner’, when the chef prepares his superb ‘signature’ dishes for you to enjoy in the splendid surroundings of the ship’s restaurant, featuring delicious specialities of the countries and regions we visit during our cruise. Overnight we will continue to Switzerland and our final stop, Basel.
DAY 7
Location: Bernese Highlands, Lucerne
Accommodation Name: MS George Eliot
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lucerne & Bernese Oberland - Today you have the choice between a full day excursion to Lucerne and the Bernese Oberland, or a more leisurely guided tour of Lucerne and free afternoon in Basel.LucerneTo make the most of the day, we depart early and take the short drive to Lucerne, often considered Switzerland’s most beautiful city, spectacularly situated among stunning mountain views.It has been attracting well-heeled visitors for two centuries, including our very own Queen Victoria. Highly recommended is an invigorating stroll along the Chapel Bridge, a unique covered wooden walkway crossing the lake, supported by stilts and lined with colourful flower-filled window boxes. Not only is it the city’s most iconic structure, it’s a superb way to absorb Lucerne’s regal atmosphere, before we continue our exploration of the best of Switzerland.Bernese OberlandAs you enter the Bernese Oberland in central Switzerland, the views become quite literally breath-taking! This is the grand alpine heart of Europe with some of the finest mountain scenery on earth, described by the composer Mendelssohn as ‘the most wonderful of all in this unbelievably beautiful country’.On viewing the legendary snow-capped peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau you’ll be quite simply awestruck. We then ascend by mountain railway for more extraordinary vistas, with the crystal-clear lakes reflecting the meadows and forests below. This truly magical landscape is sure to enchant you.Later we’ll descend again by mountain railway before returning to the ship. Please note, temperatures will be significantly lower at altitude, even during the summer months, so it’s advisable to pack suitable clothing. Lunch is not included on this full day excursion; however, the ship will offer a packed lunch. If you chose a more leisurely start to the day, we drive to Lucerne.LucerneEnjoy a more comprehensive excursion in Lucerne, with a guided tour of the city. Then spend time at leisure wandering its medieval streets before returning to the ship for lunch.BaselThis afternoon you can choose to stay on board or hop on our shuttle bus to Basel for time to explore independently. With a mix of historic and modern architecture, Basel seamlessly blends tradition and innovation. While you're here, head to the old town to explore its narrow winding streets. At its heart, you'll find the magnificent cathedral with its red sandstone walls, colourful roof tiles, and twin towers. Or you could immerse yourself in the city's remarkable museums and countless galleries, celebrating its rich tradition of art collecting.
DAY 8
Location: Basel, Basel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Return home
Ship Details
MS George Eliot
Ship Overview
The five-star MS George Eliot – named after one of the leading English novelists of the 19th century – is 110 metres of fine Swiss engineering and craftsmanship.
As with all Riviera Travel cruise ships, MS George Eliot was built to the highest specifications and strict safety regulations by Scylla AG, world-renowned builders of the most modern cruisers in Europe.
Guests are welcomed in the elegant lobby with its gleaming marble floor, well-lit by sophisticated lighting. Thoughtful design is on tasteful display throughout the ship – sustainable hardwood furniture, intricate wrought-iron work, and polished copper and brass are beautifully complemented by soft leather and sumptuous Italian fabrics.
MS George Eliot offers the convivial ambience and personal service of a luxury boutique hotel with an enjoyable and intimate service.
There are 70 luxuriously appointed suites and cabins, which all feature an en-suite bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, mini fridge, telephone and facilities for making tea and coffee. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship.
Ship Details
Ship Name:
MS George Eliot
Adults Only Areas:
kids allowed
Ship Children Facilities:
none
Ship Nursery:
none
Smoking Areas:
some
Ship Size:
boutique
Ship Style:
luxury
Ship Type:
river
Ship Currency:
EUR
Ship Language:
en-GB
Ship Capacity:
132
Ship Crew Count:
36
Number of Decks:
4
Number of Cabins:
70
Ship Launch Year:
2018
Ship Length (Meters):
110 M
Ship Width (Meters):
12 M
Ship Speed (Knots):
13 Kn
Deck Plans
Diamond Deck
BistroTravel DeskReceptionShopPanorama LoungeBarLibraryDiamond Deck CabinDeluxe Balcony SuiteSuperior Suite
Emerald Deck
Wellness CentreEmerald Deck CabinSuperior Suite
Ruby Deck
RestaurantRuby Deck CabinSuperior Suite
Sun Deck
Sun Loungers & ChairsSplash PoolPutting Green
Cabins
There are 70 luxuriously appointed suites and cabins, which all feature an en-suite bathroom with shower, individually controlled air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe, minibar, telephone and facilities for making tea and coffee. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship.
Standard Cabin (Grade DD,RD)
Standard Suites are 172 square metres and feature full floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a French balcony. Standard Suites are located on the Diamond Deck and Ruby Deck.FeaturesIndividual climate controlFloor to ceiling windows with French style balconyTwin beds which can be configured as doubleNespresso machine and tea making facilitiesEnsuite bathroom with walk-in showerLuxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soapTowels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryerUK plug sockets & 2 USB charging pointsTable and chairsTelephone, radio and flat-screen TVSafe & mini fridgeTurn down service
Superior Suite (Grade EDS)
Superior Suites on the Emerald Deck benefit from a generous living area and smaller fixed windows.There are two Superior Suites the Emerald Deck (lower deck).FeaturesIndividual climate controlFixed windowTwin beds which can be configured as doubleNespresso machine and tea making facilitiesEnsuite bathroom with walk-in showerLuxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soapTowels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryerUK plug sockets & 2 USB charging pointsTable and chairsTelephone, radio and flat-screen TVSafe & mini fridgeTurn down service
Deluxe Balcony Suite (Grade DBS)
For the ultimate in space and river cruise luxury, the spacious Deluxe Balcony Suite offers a generous living area with chairs and table, plus soft cotton bathrobes and slippers. There are floor-to-ceiling windows and sliding glass doors that open out on to a small balcony with a table for two.There are four Deluxe Balcony Suites on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).FeaturesIndividual climate controlFloor to ceiling windows with outside balconyTwin beds which can be configured as doubleNespresso machine and tea making facilitiesSpacious ensuite bathroom with walk-in showerLuxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soapTowels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryerUK plug sockets & 2 USB charging pointsTable and chairsTelephone, radio and flat-screen TVSafe & mini fridgeTurn down service
Superior Suite (Grade DDS,RDS)
Superior Suites on the Diamond Deck and Ruby Deck benefit from a generous living area, plus floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open up to create a French balcony for guests to enjoy panoramic river views.There are two Superior Suites on the Diamond Deck (upper deck).FeaturesIndividual climate controlFloor to ceiling windows with French style balconyTwin beds which can be configured as doubleNespresso machine and tea making facilitiesEnsuite bathroom with walk-in showerLuxury toiletries: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soapTowels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryerUK plug sockets & 2 USB charging pointsTable and chairsTelephone, radio and flat-screen TVSafe & mini fridgeTurn down service
Standard Cabin (Grade ED,SED)
Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck have smaller fixed windows. Some are available for sole occupancy (supplements may apply) and are subject to availability.There are 10 Standard Cabins on the Emerald Deck (lower deck).FeaturesIndividual climate controlFixed windowTwin beds which can be configured as doubleNespresso machine and tea making facilitiesEnsuite bathroom with walk-in showerShampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soapTowels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryerUK plug sockets & 2 USB charging pointsTable and chairsTelephone, radio and flat-screen TVSafe & mini fridgeTurn down service
Dining
The main restaurant is on the Ruby Deck, with tables laid for up to six guests, serving buffet breakfast, buffet lunch and dinner
Bistro
The Bistro is on the Diamond Deck, with panoramic windows and al fresco seating, serving early-bird breakfast, light lunch and dinner (complimentary)
Main Restaurant
The spacious main restaurant offers an intimate yet relaxed fine dining experience with informal free seating. Guests are spoilt for choice with a hearty buffet at breakfast; a salad and dessert buffet plus pasta station at lunch with served soup and main courses, and sumptuous four-course dinners executed with silver service. (complimentary)
Riverview Kitchen
Escape to the Riverview Kitchen at the rear of the ship and enjoy a quiet read on the terrace. (complimentary)
Entertainment
Observation lounge and bar on the Diamond Deck with panoramic windows for breathtaking views.
Sun Deck with shaded sitting area plus comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers.
Bistro
Perhaps escape to the bistro at the rear of the ship and enjoy a quiet read on the terrace. Should you have any queries, stop by the reception desk in the lobby, or let a crew member at the travel desk help you with your travel arrangements.
Observation Lounge & Bar
At the heart of the ship is the elegant panoramic observation lounge, where guests can enjoy marvellous views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Take a seat on a leather armchair or modern settee, while the charming bar staff prepares your drink. During the evenings, the ship pianist entertains with a relaxing repertoire.
Panoramic Observation Lounge & Bar
The lobby, observation lounge and bar, bistro and boutique are located on the Diamond Deck.At the heart of the ship is the elegant panoramic observation lounge, where guests can enjoy marvellous views through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Take a seat on a leather armchair or modern settee, while the charming bar staff prepares your drink. During the evenings, the ship pianist entertains with a relaxing repertoire.
Reception and Travel Desk
Should you have any queries, stop by the reception desk in the lobby, or let our Cruise Concierge or Cruise Director at the travel desk help you with your travel arrangements.
Souvenir Shop
The Souvenir Shop can be found on the Diamond Deck.
Sun Deck
Crowning MS George Eliot is the Sun Deck, the ideal spot for taking in unhindered river views. There is a shaded seating area with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, as well as a putting green and splash pool.Please note: The Sun Deck is only accessible by stairs.
The Sun Deck
Crowning MS George Eliot is the sun deck, the ideal spot for taking in unhindered river views. There is a shaded seating area with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, as well as deck games such as giant chess. Cool off in the splash pool and enjoy a full bar service.
Enrichment
Excursions
On our river cruises we love to take you right into the heart of each town or city you visit along the way, and during your cruise local guides will offer a variety of guided walking tours, panoramic coach tours and/or visits to museums and local cultural favourites such as a wine tasting in Burgundy and a train journey through the Swiss mountains. You will have a good mix of touring and free time to learn about the history and the little quirks of each place, with plenty of time to explore at your own leisure. Please check the itinerary of the cruise for more specific details.
Excursions and activities
A daily programme is produced on board and delivered to your cabin each evening, detailing the following day’s activities.On our river cruises we love to take you right into the heart of each town or city you visit along the way, and during your cruise local guides will offer a variety of guided walking tours, panoramic coach tours and/or visits to museums and local cultural favourites such as a wine tasting in Burgundy and a train journey through the Swiss mountains.You will have a good mix of touring and free time to learn about the history and the little quirks of each place, with plenty of time to explore at your own leisure. Please check the itinerary of the cruise for more specific details.Optional excursionsVisits to places of interest are organised for most of the days of your holiday, but it it is not compulsory that you go on all the included experiences that have been arranged.Please note: entrance fees to museums are not usually included in the price of your holiday.
Kids and Teens
Please Note: There are no children's facilities on board.
Health & Fitness
There is a Wellness Centre on board MS George Eliot, located on the Emerald Deck.
Hair Salon
Book an appointment at the hair salon, which also offers manicures and pedicures for a small additional fee.
Hairdressers
Book an appointment at the hairdresser’s, which offers manicures and pedicures for a small additional fee.
Putting Green
The Putting Green can be found on the Sun Deck next to the Splash Pool.
Sun Deck & Splash Pool
Crowning MS George Eliot is the Sun Deck, the ideal spot for taking in unhindered river views. There is a shaded seating area with plenty of comfortable outdoor chairs and sun loungers, as well as a putting green and splash pool.
Wellness Centre
The wellness centre and hair salon are located on the Emerald Deck. The wellness centre features a spa, which guests can reserve for private use to take a sauna or unwind in the steam room. Book an appointment at the hairdresser’s, which offers manicures and pedicures for a small additional fee.
Gratuities
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.
Useful Information
Age Restrictions
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.
Air Conditioning
Our ships are fully air-conditioned throughout. Each cabin has individual air-conditioning and heating controls.
Children
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.
Dietary Requirements
We cater for most dietary requirements, please ensure you advise our sales team when making the booking.
Disabled Facilities
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us or call us on 01283 688 518 to discuss these concerns.MooringDue to the popularity of river cruising at some mooring places, or where our ship is moored alongside another vessel, access to the ship may be via the sun deck and require the navigation of steps so passengers must be able to walk on and off the ship themselves, without the use of crutches or other aids, as gangplanks can be positioned at a steep angle.On boardOur 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 please contact us to let us know. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be used on excursions however 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, but must be stored at reception.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.Whilst most of our ships have a lift on board, it does not operate to all decks.River cruising on European rivers offers the opportunity to take in the scenery from the comfort of the ship. If you are unable to do some of the shore excursions, your river cruise can still be enjoyable and worthwhile, so please contact us with any concerns or questions you may have.Shore ExcursionsFor our river cruises which include an extension and feature a hotel stay, the hotels we use have been chosen due to their location and standard, the facilities offered can differ, it is therefore important that we make the appropriate enquiries with our suppliers on your behalf to ensure any special needs or requests can be catered for.AccommodationFor our river cruises which include an extension and feature a hotel stay, the hotels we use have been chosen due to their location and standard, the facilities offered can differ, it is therefore important that we make the appropriate enquiries with our suppliers on your behalf to ensure any special needs or requests can be catered for.Overseas Transport ArrangementsAll of our tours involve coach travel. The coaches we use have not been adapted for wheelchair access.Air TravelWe are able to arrange airport assistance, from the check-in desk to the plane, for anyone with reduced mobility. This is a free service which must be arranged with the airline prior to travel. If you would like us to arrange this assistance for you it needs to be pre-booked more than 48 hours before your flight departs.EurostarIf you have reduced mobility and are travelling by Eurostar to your cruise, please contact us. Should you need to travel in your own wheelchair, Eurostar does have specially adapted wheelchair spaces which need to be pre-booked. If you would like assistance at St. Pancras, we can provide you with information and contact details for Eurostar Assist, although we cannot reserve this service for you directly.
Dress Code
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.
Drinks Packages
We have a drinks package included for all European river cruises in 2024, 2025 and 2026.Superior Drinks PackageFor all 2024 and 2025 European river cruises:Over lunch in our restaurants enjoy unlimited drinks from a choice of:Red, white, rosé and sparkling house wine, including non-alcoholicDraught beer, including non-alcoholicA selection of soft drinks and juicesThen from 6 pm until midnight in our bar and restaurants, enjoy all of the above, plus unlimited drinks from a choice of:Our cocktail and mocktail of the dayHouse spirits and mixers (including gin, vodka, rum and whisky)A recommended regional wine during dinnerMartini & Sherry pre-dinnerPort & Brandy after dinnerAll-inclusive drinks packageAvailable on 2026 European river cruise departuresAvailable from 10am to midnight each day:Red, white, rosé and sparkling house wine, including non-alcoholic?A choice of draught beer, including non-alcoholic?A selection of soft drinks and juices??Our cocktail and mocktail of the day?House spirits and mixers including vodka, gin, rum, whisky, martini, sherry, brandy, port and Baileys (excluding liqueurs)Daily recommended wines ?Tea and coffee from the bar
Laundry Service
A limited laundry service is available on board, except on the day of disembarkation. A dry cleaning service is not available.
Medical Facilities
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.
Onboard Lifts
On the MS Emily Brontë, MS Oscar Wilde, MS Thomas Hardy, MS Robert Burns, MS William Wordsworth, MS George Eliot, MS Douro Elegance and MS Douro Splendour there is a lift between all three internal decks but not the sun deck. All other ships have lifts, but these do not operate to the lower deck or the sun deck; with the exception of the MS Swiss Ruby which has no lift.
Passengers with reduced mobility
Do the coaches have wheelchair access?The coaches we use have not been adapted for wheelchair access.Please note: all of our tours involve coach travel. Can I arrange airport assistance?We are able to arrange airport assistance for anyone with reduced mobility.This is a free service which must be arranged with the airline prior to travel.If you would like us to arrange this assistance for you, it needs to be pre-booked more than 48 hours before your flight departs.Eurostar accessibilityIf you have reduced mobility and are travelling on one of our Eurostar tours please contact us.Should you need to travel in your own wheelchair, Eurostar does have specially adapted wheelchair spaces which need to be pre-booked.If you would like assistance at St. Pancras we can make Eurostar Assist aware of this requirement, you would then need to make your way to the Eurostar Assist desk at St. Pancras at least 60 minutes prior to your departure.Are the hotels accessible?The hotels we use have been chosen due to their location and standard, the facilities offered can differ, it is therefore important that we make the appropriate enquiries with our suppliers on your behalf to ensure any special needs or requests can be catered for.How do I make a special request regarding my mobility?We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us.If you have any concerns or special requests you would like to make regarding your reduced mobility, we encourage you to contact us 01283 688 206 to discuss these concerns. Will there be lots of walking required?We include guided tours, however due to the natural terrain of the locations we visit these may be a challenge for anyone with reduced mobility.Are there any accessibility challenges on the excursions?We also sometimes use different modes of transport to complete our itinerary which includes, though not limited to: boats, trains and jeeps. These may also pose a challenge for anyone with reduced mobility.Can I take my own wheelchair with me on board?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.Will I be able to get on and off the ship with ease?Due to popularity of river cruising when there is more than one ship in port, the ships could be moored alongside each other.If our ship happens to be moored away from the landing pier disembarking could involve walking across gang planks and the sun deck of other ships.Passengers must be able to walk on and off the ship themselves, without the use of crutches or other aids, as gangplanks can be positioned at a steep angle.Will there be assistance available on board?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.Are there any accessibility challenges on the excursions?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.Are there lifts between decks?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 and E-Cigarette Policy
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.
Special Dietary Requirements
In the morning a full breakfast is served which includes healthy options and your choice of eggs made to order. For lunch enjoy salads from the buffet, soup and a choice of main courses, including local dishes, plus dessert. The four course a la carte dinners include a selection of international and regional specialities. We cater for most dietary requirements, please ensure you advise our sales team when making the booking.
Water level impact on itineraries
Water levels on rivers can fluctuate on a daily basis. In serious cases it is possible that the itinerary can be affected with little or no warning. Should the ship be unable to follow the planned itinerary, we will do all we can to ensure all places are visited by alternative means, usually by coach.
What's Included
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Full board during your cruise from dinner on your day of arrival until breakfast on your final day (except one lunch)
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Free drinks package
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Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
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Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi (connection speeds may vary)
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All visits and excursions as mentioned
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Return flights or Eurostar & TGV
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Coach travel as mentioned
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Transfers from the airport or station to and from the port of embarkation
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English-speaking expert guides
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The services of a Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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Drinks with Meals
Check out our Q&As
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For almost 40 years
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I have reduced mobility; can I still travel?
We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your holiday with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the holiday due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns
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Do I require travel insurance?
It is a condition of booking that you carry suitable travel insurance.
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What is my luggage allowance?
You will receive details of your luggage allowance with your final travel documents, which are sent approximately 10 days prior to your date of departure.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Riviera Travel requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 101 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of riviera travel charges.
Up to 101 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 100 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Rhine Cruise to Switzerland - MS George Eliot
8 Days Starting in Cologne, Germany and ending in Basel, Switzerland
Visiting: Cologne, Koblenz, Rüdesheim am Rhein, Speyer, Strasbourg, Breisach, Basel, Bernese Highlands, Lucerne ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Ship Name:
MS George EliotGuide Type:
Fully Guided
Ship Capacity:
132
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Riviera Travel with specific dietary requests.
