River cruising is booming for one UK-founded line, and the numbers coming out of Riviera Travel River Cruises' North American operation are eye-catching. As of September 2026, the brand's North American business was up 92 percent year over year, and it expects to clear 100 percent growth by the end of the year — the second consecutive year it has done so.

The most interesting development for travellers is the solo angle. Riviera is preparing to convert the George Elliot into the world's first dedicated solo cruise ship for 2027, and demand is already ahead of the plan: solo bookings have more than doubled year over year, while demand for solo departures is up 80 percent compared with 2025. Anyone who has looked at the punitive single supplements on most river cruises will understand why this matters.

Groups are the fastest-growing segment, driven by the line's offer of a free place for every eighth guest — a straightforward way for families or friend circles to trim the per-person cost.

Two itineraries are pulling especially hard. Rhine and Moselle bookings are up 200 percent year over year, which tracks with the enduring appeal of that castles-and-vineyards corridor between Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands. Meanwhile, the newer Mekong River itinerary, launched in 2025, is up 300 percent. That Southeast Asia route is set to expand for 2027 into a fuller Vietnam, Cambodia and Mekong programme, giving North American and European travellers a second region to consider beyond the European classics.

Behind the scenes, Riviera credits much of the growth to travel advisors. More than 3,000 agents have signed up to its Riviera Explorer training scheme since it launched a year ago, completing over 55,000 training modules, with 600-plus graduates so far. President of North America Stuart Milan has also hinted at an expanded 2028 programme under a new "Riviera Moment" collection aimed at more immersive experiences.

Why should a holidaymaker care? Because competition on the rivers is heating up, and that tends to mean better solo pricing, more group perks and fresh itineraries beyond the usual Danube-and-Douro rotation. If you've been put off river cruising by single supplements, 2027's solo-dedicated ship is one to watch. And if Europe feels familiar, the Mekong expansion puts Vietnam and Cambodia — with temple towns like Angkor within reach — firmly on the river cruise map.

Story via Cruise Industry News.