The Riviera Travel team arrived in Dublin yesterday to launch 2026 at the beautiful Conrad Hotel in Dublin. Vicky Billing, Head of Trade & Partnerships UK & Ireland, and Steven Taylor, International Sales Manager, were joined by Riviera Travels’ PR Manager, Catherine Johnson, and Homeworkers Key Account Manager, Amanda Docherty. The team welcomed members of the trade and travel journalists to an informal evening where they introduced some new ships as well as new river cruise itineraries.
Steven Taylor opened proceedings by thanking everyone for joining them and enthusiastically remarked on 2025 sales from Ireland being up 50% year on year. Steven commented, “we know there’s a huge appetite for Riviera, and we’re delighted to be back, and we’re delighted to ramp up our energy and our investment and our intention of Riviera in the Irish market as well.”
Vicky Billing spoke next, giving a recap of what is new for Riviera in 2025, which included Themed Cruises, Discovery Cruises, Combination Cruises, Solo Festive Cruises and two new ships; Riviera Radiance and Riviera Rose. Riviera Travel are also offering a price freeze on 2026 until 15 Dec, frozen at 2025 prices.
Some new itineraries in 2026 include Gardens & Natural Beauty of the Rhine which is an 8-day sailing with prices starting from €2,599pp, Gastronomy of the Rhine & Moselle which sails for 8 days and starts from €2,649pp. Riviera have also introduced new solo itinerary, Medieval Germany, for 2026, onboard MS George Eliot. Solo travellers will now have 12 different itineraries with over 13 departure dates (and rising), to choose from.
Vicky was also delighted to announce that yet another ship, Riviera Resplendence, will be sailing from April 2026. This stunning, contemporary ship will have 89 cabins, which can accommodate 178 passengers, making it larger than the rest of their fleet. Resplendence boasts 32 square meter suites, 3 restaurants onboard and qualifies for Gold Standard on the Green Awards. Agents can book flights from Dublin & river cruises for 2025 and 2026 directly with Riviera.
2026 sailings will be offering all-inclusive drinks from 10am until midnight, and this will include:
- Red, white, rose and sparling house wines – as well as non-alcoholic
- Choice of draught beers
- Soft drinks and juices
- Cocktail and mocktail of the day
- House spirits and mixers including vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, martini, sherry, brandy, port and Baileys
- Tea & coffee from the bar
Steven joyfully remarked that Riviera have recruited a new Business Development Manager in Ireland, bolstering their commitment to the Irish travel trade once again. Ralph Uhlemann will be Irish travel agents point of contact for Riviera, bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role. Ralph has worked in the travel industry for 15 years and was most recently senior travel consultant at Best4Travel. Ralph will be stepping into the role from 30 September and plans to hit the ground running.
From all at ITTN, congratulations Ralph! We look forward to seeing more of you in the coming weeks and months.
