From June 2027, the five-star MS George Eliot is set to become the world’s first cruise ship dedicated entirely to solo travellers. Operated by Riviera Travel, the ship is expected to ‘redefine solo travel’ with departures scheduled for the whole river cruise season.
While most cruise lines already offer cabins for solo travellers, Riviera is taking it a step further: the MS George Eliot will operate exclusively for solo guests with no single supplement. Stuart Milan, Riviera Travel’s president for North America, explains that this decision is part of the company’s adaptability and flexibility in meeting its clients’ needs. “With growing demand for more solo departures, we knew it was time to dedicate an entire ship to this thriving market segment and redefine solo travel by offering an all-new luxury river cruise experience.”
The company launched solo river cruises in 2018, one year after its establishment in 2017. “Our solo river cruises are among our most popular itineraries,” said Milan. The company highlights that river cruising offers a naturally sociable environment, making it easier to meet like-minded guests in the intimacy of a ship than in the anonymity of a large hotel or big city.
“A welcome dinner and cocktail reception, as well as daily entertainment will let travellers connect with those who have shared interests for a social connection when desired,” the company advertises.
Named after the Victorian novelist, the George Eliot measures 110 metres and will host up to 132 guests. Passengers are welcomed in an elegant lobby with a gleaming marble floor, before settling into one of the 70 suites and cabins. Each cabin has an en-suite bathroom, and most have a private balcony. Facilities on board include a lounge, bar, sun deck, splash pool, outdoor putting green and hair salon, along with evening entertainment. A higher staff-to-guest ratio is intended to enhance comfort and service.
Industry experts agree that this model shows promise. “River cruising has grown hugely in popularity,” said Jeff Leckey, Cruise Australasia’s general manager for House of Travel Group. “The camaraderie and informality make it a fantastic option for solo travellers, with opportunities to share tables at mealtimes and make lifelong friends.” He added that the cruises are ‘perfect’ for solo travellers but also suit groups of friends who prefer the privacy of their own cabins.
There are six solo-exclusive itineraries departing from Budapest or Cologne on the George Eliot. These include the Blue Danube cruise through Hungary, Austria and Slovakia; the Rhine cruise to Switzerland via France and Germany; the Rhine and Moselle river cruise, which focuses on Germany; and the Rhine, Strasbourg and Heidelberg river cruise, which links Germany and France. Longer journeys include a 15-day voyage from Budapest to the Black Sea ending in the Danube Delta and a 15-day Cruise the Heart of Europe route along the Rhine, Main, and Danube through Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia.
The first solo-exclusive cruises are scheduled for spring and autumn, which are traditionally the quieter seasons, but Riviera has confirmed that departures will be available throughout the year. Prices vary by itinerary and cabin type, starting at approximately €2,700 for a seven-day package and €6,300 for a 14-day trip. Fares include meals, an all-day drinks package, and excursions ashore. In many cases, they also include flights or rail segments. For a limited time only, a free deck upgrade is also included on select 2027 sailings.
