Rise Of The ‘Chosen Family’: Solo Travellers Swap Traditional Christmas Gatherings For Festive River Cruises. Riviera Travel responds to growing demand for festive solo travel by launching Christmas and New Year sailings exclusively for solo guests
As travellers begin planning their festive getaways months ahead of December, Riviera Travel has launched its first-ever solo-exclusive Christmas and New Year Festive River cruises, responding to growing demand from travellers looking to spend the festive season with what many are calling a “chosen family” of like-minded adventurers.
The launch comes as Riviera Travel records a 620% increase in solo river cruise bookings compared with pre-pandemic levels, reflecting a broader shift in how people choose to celebrate special occasions. Rather than spending Christmas at home, increasing numbers of solo travellers are opting for experiences that combine independence, companionship and shared experiences.
Christmas Planning Starts Earlier Than Ever
While Christmas may still be months away, July has increasingly become a key planning period for festive travel, with many travellers securing Christmas and New Year holidays well in advance. Google Trends data shows consistent consumer interest in Christmas-related searches long before the festive season begins, highlighting how early travellers are now planning seasonal breaks.
For solo travellers, planning ahead can be especially important, with specialist departures often selling quickly as demand continues to grow.
The Rise Of The Chosen Family
For many solo travellers, spending Christmas alone is no longer the reality. Instead, travellers are increasingly forming meaningful connections with fellow guests through shared experiences and group travel.
Previous Riviera Travel research found that meeting like-minded people and forming new friendships remains one of the most rewarding aspects of solo travel, with guests seeking the confidence of travelling independently while still enjoying the companionship of a group.
The new departures have been designed specifically around this desire for connection, allowing solo guests to celebrate Christmas and New Year alongside fellow travellers in a sociable environment.
Festive Travel Planning Starts In Summer
While Christmas may still be several months away, summer has become an increasingly important period for festive travel planning. Consumer search activity related to Christmas consistently begins building well before the festive season, reflecting a trend towards earlier holiday planning.
For specialist departures such as solo travel experiences, securing a place early can be particularly important as availability is often limited.
Next year, Riviera Travel is offering two dedicated festive departures exclusively for solo guests:
Christmas on the Danube River Cruise for Solo Travellers
- Departure: 23 December 2027
- Eight days
- From £3,999pp with a Double Sole Occupancy Cabin
New Year on the Danube River Cruise for Solo Travellers
- Departure: 30 December 2027
- 6 days
- From £3,166pp with a Double Sole Occupancy Cabin
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Katherine Greaves, Head of Product – Cruising at Riviera Travel, said: “One of the most interesting things we’re seeing is that solo travellers aren’t waiting for an occasion to fit around their lives – they’re reshaping special occasions around the experiences they want to have. Christmas and New Year are no longer automatically tied to staying at home. For many people, they’re becoming an opportunity to travel, try something new and create memories that feel far more personal.”
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