Solo travellers are increasingly turning to river cruises for 2027 holidays, with bookings up 19% year-on-year and 72% compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to Riviera Travel.
The shift highlights growing demand for independent travel, with solo travel now accounting for 8% of Riviera’s customers, as more people choose to holiday alone by choice rather than circumstance.
This demand is already translating into early bookings. Riviera Travel has already seen over a quarter of its 2027 solo river cruise capacity sold, with one of the first departures for its new solo-only ship reaching full capacity, after launching in mid-September.
Why more travellers are choosing to go solo
The rise in solo river cruising reflects a broader change in how people want to travel, with many now seeking both independence and a shared experience.
River cruising offers a more structured and sociable way to travel alone, combining guided excursions with the flexibility to explore independently, making it an increasingly appealing option for solo passengers.
Removing the biggest barrier to solo travel
One of the key drivers behind the trend is the removal of the single supplement, which can significantly increase the cost of travelling alone.
New analysis from Riviera Travel shows solo travellers can save around £2,000 by avoiding single supplements on comparable river cruises.
While many providers typically limit solo departures to shoulder season, a dedicated solo ship gives guests more freedom to travel when they want, with a wider choice of dates across the season.
Riviera Travel’s new MS George Eliot, launching in 2027, has been designed specifically for solo travellers, with:
- Double cabins for sole occupancy on every sailing
- No single supplement across all departures
- A more intimate onboard environment with space designed around solo guests
- Expert-led excursions and a sociable onboard atmosphere
This allows travellers to book independently without paying a premium, while still benefiting from a curated group experience, supported by Riviera Tour Managers who are hand-selected for their sociability, empathy and ability to connect with solo travellers. A Riviera team member will also greet guests at the airport or Eurostar station and assist with check-in.
Demand extending beyond peak season
The growing popularity of solo travel is also influencing when people choose to travel, with more passengers opting for departures outside peak summer months.
Riviera’s solo-only programme runs across a full season, including spring and autumn sailings, offering greater flexibility and availability compared to more traditional cruise schedules.
Expert view
Katherine Greaves, Head of Cruise Product at Riviera Travel, said:
“We’re seeing a real shift in how people want to travel, with more customers choosing to go solo, not out of necessity, but because they value the flexibility and freedom it brings.
“River cruising offers a really appealing combination of independence and shared experience, which is why demand is continuing to grow so strongly.
“The response to a fully solo-only ship has exceeded expectations, with early bookings showing just how much appetite there is for travel designed specifically with solo travellers in mind.”
Fact box: MS George Eliot solo river cruises (2027)
| Detail | Information |
| Launch | April 2027 (maiden voyage) |
| Itineraries | Spring in the Netherlands: Amsterdam & the Tulips The Blue Danube River Cruise Cruise the Heart of Europe (Rhine, Main & Danube) Rhine Cruise to Switzerland Rhine and Moselle River Cruise Danube’s Imperial Cities & Yuletide Markets Christmas on the Danube New Year on the Danube |
| Season | April to December 2027, including festive and New Year departures |
| Peak travel | June to August sailings |
| Festive cruises | Christmas markets, Christmas and New Year on the Danube |
| Designed for | Solo travellers only |
| Cabins | Double cabins for sole occupancy |
| Single supplement | None on any departure |
| Availability | Strong demand, with some 2027 departures already close to full |
| Operator | Riviera Travel |
Images supplied
