River cruising through Germany’s medieval heartland was everything I hoped it would be — castles, cobblestone streets and charming half-timbered villages. As a solo traveler, I wasn’t sure what to expect aboard Riviera Travel’s MS George Eliot on their 7-night Medieval Germany: Bavaria and the Romantic Road itinerary, but what I found was a well-run ship, a welcoming crowd and a travel experience that struck just the right balance between history, scenery and personal space.
We sailed from Nuremberg to Mainz, passing through a series of locks that lifted and lowered our ship along the Danube-Main Canal and the Main River — an engineering marvel I never tired of watching. Along the way, we docked in towns that felt like fairytales — many spared from World War II bombings and remarkably well preserved.
A Classic Cruise, Rich In History
This wasn’t a solo-only sailing. Onboard were about 130 passengers — mostly couples and a mix of solo travelers, friends and a few mother-daughter duos. Riviera Travel currently offers more than 20 dedicated solo departures each year, mostly in spring and fall. A UK-based company with over 40 years of experience in the river cruise market, Riviera has only recently begun actively marketing to U.S. travelers. Most of the guests on my cruise were British, which added another delightful layer to the cultural experience.
We began in Nuremberg, a city I’d known mostly from WWII history. But beyond the trials, it’s a medieval gem — encircled by old walls, crowned by an imperial castle and rebuilt with care. The food? Sausages and lebkuchen — pure Franconian comfort. A surprisingly rich and fitting place to start our journey.
From there, each stop revealed something special:
- Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, wowed me with its old-world atmosphere and winding lanes.
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber was camera-ready at every turn, with turreted walls and postcard-worthy streets.
- Würzburg brought us grandeur, with a tour of the baroque Würzburg Residenz, also a UNESCO site.
- In Wertheim, a hike up to the castle offered sweeping river views, followed by quiet exploration in Miltenberg, known as the “Pearl of the Main.”
Our final stop, Mainz, blended Roman history and modern charm. The highlight? Gazing at Marc Chagall’s luminous blue stained-glass windows in St. Stephan’s Church.
Life Aboard the MS George Eliot
The MS George Eliot felt more like a floating boutique hotel than a ship — refined, not fussy. My cabin had a French balcony and plenty of storage. Communal spaces like the lounge with panoramic windows, bar and sundeck made it easy to relax or connect. The lounge doubled as the hub for daily briefings, cocktails and evening entertainment.
Meals in the main dining room highlighted regional German dishes — schnitzel, sauerbraten, warm pretzel rolls — paired with local wines that changed with the scenery. For a quieter dinner, the smaller stern restaurant offered aft views and a cozy vibe. I loved sipping coffee on the top deck, watching medieval villages drift past. Entertainment was low-key: live music, trivia and easy conversation. But honestly? The river was the real star.
Coming in 2027: A First-of-Its-Kind Solo River Cruise Ship
Now for the big news: Riviera Travel recently announced that the MS George Eliot will be reimagined as the first dedicated solo-only river cruise ship in the industry, launching in 2027.
“It’s totally unprecedented in our industry to have a ship dedicated to solos,” said Marilyn Conroy, Riviera’s Executive Vice President of Business. “And no—it’s not a dating ship. It’s just for people who want to travel without paying a double supplement and still have their own cabin.”
The reimagined ship will carry just 68 solo travelers, each in their own full-size cabin. Four itineraries on the Rhine, Danube and Moselle will be offered — including a new 14-night cruise. And unlike most lines, Riviera is going all-inclusive: open bar from 10 a.m. to midnight, shore excursions and an exceptional crew-to-guest ratio of nearly 2:1.
This isn’t just a win for solo travelers — it’s ideal for small friend groups, bachelorette parties or club members who want their own space but still enjoy traveling together. No sharing, no awkward splits, no compromises.
“There’s so much more personal space and personal attention,” Conroy said. “And our prices are extremely competitive. We’re not cheap—but we are very, very good value.”
Why Travel Advisors Should Take Note
This solo ship is just one part of Riviera’s broader solo strategy.
“Our solo market approach is strategic, not tactical,” said Conroy. “Other lines waive supplements now and then. We plan entire solo sailings in advance, and in 2027 they’ll be year-round.”
For advisors, it gets even better. Riviera pays commissions before departure, has a strong group policy (sell eight, get one free — even for solo cabins) and offers customized marketing tools from webinars to flyers and live events.
“We’re probably the most user-friendly river cruise company in North America,” Conroy said. “And that makes a difference for both agents and their clients.”
Whether you’re a travel advisor looking for fresh solo options or a traveler dreaming of going it alone (without feeling alone), keep your eye on 2027.
Visit Riviera Travel for more information.
Sharon Kurtz
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