Cruises

New in Cruise: Riviera Goes Solo, Alaska Tragedy, Viking’s Mekong Expansion

By Susan J. Young Sep 22, 2025 12:00pm

With solo travel demand up 40 percent over the past three years, Riviera Travel is taking a bold step: In 2027, the line will dedicate one European river vessel, the George Eliot, solely to solo traveler departures in 2027. Guests will select from itineraries on Europe's Danube, Rhine and Moselle rivers. It's the first time any major river cruise line has fully dedicated a river cruise vessel to the solo travel market.

The George Eliot will sail itineraries on Europe’s Danube, Rhine and Moselle rivers. Unlike other lines that reduce or waive single supplements, Riviera has long run dedicated solo departures across its fleet. In fact, the company offered 55 such departures in 2024 and 2025.

“We’ve now jumped in with both feet,” said Marilyn Conroy, Riviera Travel’s executive vice president of business development. She emphasized that the new concept is strictly solo: Even friends or traveling companions must each book their own cabin.

What Advisors Should Know

Conroy shared other tidbits designed to help advisors with clients who may have questions about the new solo traveler ship product:

The audience interested in a solo traveler river cruise is getting a lot younger. Conroy expects the new departures will attract those in their 30s and 40s and 50s, not simply Boomers and mature travelers.
Yes, solo travelers could be single guests, or widows/widowers. But Conroy says they also might be organized groups of friends, club members or hobbyists who aren't necessarily single but want to travel with others who have a common interest. Yet, in doing that, they also want to stay in their own solo accommodations.
Also, the new product "isn't a dating game," Conroy explains. Instead, solo travelers typically book a Riviera solo departure because they're culturally curious. They want to go out and learn more about history, art, gastronomy, the local lifestyle and traditions.
And since Riviera includes alcoholic drinks within the guests' cruise fares, "they don't have the difficulty of meeting new friends and wondering who’s going to be picking up the tab," Conroy emphasized. "It makes it so much more relaxed."

Tragedy in Alaska

In other news, Britian Pool, a 36-year-old male cruise passenger from Texas, died while hiking on a popular area of the Mount Roberts Trail outside Juneau, Alaska, last week. His companion hiker was also injured. According to a press release from the Alaska State Troopers, the survivor, who sustained minor injuries, slid down the mountainside and was rescued by Juneau Mountain Rescue.

Four cruise ships were in port when the incident occurred on September 17. At press time, authorities had not identified which ship the two men were sailing on.

Unique Proposition

Residential cruise line Villa Vie Residences has unveiled “Month-to-Month at Sea” with a Rent-to-Own benefit, a flexible way to live aboard the Villa Vie Odyssey. Pricing starts at $2,999 per person, per month. This allows guests to try the lifestyle without a long commitment — while earning credit toward future ownership.

Inside villas rent from $2,999 per person, double occupancy, and ocean-view villas from $3,499 per person, double occupancy. The company said that its previous "Try Before You Buy” one-week trial was too short, and the one-year program was too long. They believe month-to-month is the way to go.

More Small Ship News

Viking has added a second new ship, Viking Tonle, to double its capacity on the Mekong River. The vessel will sail the 15-day “Magnificent Mekong” itinerary. Both the new vessel and its sister ship, Viking Saigon, will carry 80 guests in 40 outside staterooms

As for oceangoing small ship news, Aqua Expeditions, part of the Ponant Explorations Group, announced the sixth vessel in the brand’s fleet — Aqua Lares. Launching in February 2026, this 30-passenger superyacht will offer five- to 11-night voyages across the Seychelles. Select itineraries will also venture to the Aldabra Atoll or onward to Zanzibar, Tanzania.

With burgeoning small-ship expedition cruising interest, AdventureSmith Explorations reports there are many new ships, trips and experiences for travelers in 2026. These range from new ships with modern amenities to longer-duration itineraries and a greater focus on wellness and sustainability. TradeWinds is offering a fleet of nearly 50 modern, luxury catamarans, ranging from 52 to 77 feet in length. Guests can book a single cabin or charter an entire catamaran. Sailings are available in the Caribbean, Europe, the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.

More Cruise News

For the first time, Carnival Cruise Line will launch its first-ever dedicated series of Hawaii cruises in 2027-2028. Among other news for that timeframe, Carnival is also repositioning Carnival Freedom to Norfolk and extending Carnival Pride’s year-round service in Baltimore. Viva Cruises has unveiled plans for Viva Unique in Italy, while Princess Cruises has unveiled new ports of call for some 2026 and 2027 Mediterranean voyages.

Oceania Cruises will announce the official godparents of the new Oceania Allura in mid-October. Those godparents will be among Food & Wine's "Best New Chefs" alumni; they'll christen the ship at PortMiami on November 13, 2025. Separately, Paul Gauguin Cruises revealed its special guest lineup for this year's 10-night Thanksgiving cruise. The notable speakers will include Dr. Jacqueline Windh, a PhD scientist, author and photographer; musical duo Kai Gleusteen and Catherine Ordronneau; and Polynesian Cultural Advisor Tahiarii Pariente.

Industry veteran Carmen Roig has been promoted by Princess Cruises as the line's new senior vice president of sales. She previously served as vice president of sales. She'll now report to Jim Berra, recently tapped as the line's new chief commercial officer.