Riviera Travel River Cruises Launches Vacation Guarantee

Riviera Travel River Cruises has unveiled an all-new vacation guarantee, designed to give travel advisors greater confidence that what their river cruise clients book is what they’ll get. The Riviera Vacation Guarantee outlines and confirms the company’s commitment to clear communication, flexible alternatives, and practical solutions when circumstances like low water levels, extreme weather, or natural disasters require significant itinerary changes. 

“Travel advisors put their trust in us every time they recommend our brand to a client and we take that responsibility seriously,” said Stuart Milan, president of North America, Riviera Travel River Cruises. “While certain circumstances that can impact a traveler’s plans may be beyond our control, how we respond is not. Our new Vacation Guarantee is about giving travel advisors and their clients the confidence that in an unexpected event, they’ll receive proactive communication, clear choices, and the fast, personal support they deserve.”

Under the Riviera Vacation Guarantee, travelers whose itineraries are changed prior to departure will have three options:

• Continue with the revised itinerary and receive a goodwill gesture, such as a future travel credit;
• Reschedule the same vacation for the following year at the original year’s price;
• Or cancel and receive a full refund processed within seven days.

The Riviera Vacation Guarantee is built around five key commitments:

1.     Personal Communication: In the event of a significant itinerary change, Riviera’s team will personally contact travel advisors to explain the situation, discuss available options and provide ongoing support until the matter is resolved.

2.     Flexible Options for Travelers: If significant changes are required before departure, clients can continue with a revised itinerary and receive a goodwill gesture, reschedule the same vacation for the following year at the original price, or cancel for a full refund processed within seven days.

3.     A Commitment to Quality: If Riviera determines it cannot deliver the vacation experience guests expect due to significant disruptions, the company will make the decision to cancel the departure rather than proceed with an experience that falls short of its standard.

4.     Dedicated Onboard Support: Should disruptions occur during a vacation, Riviera’s experienced Cruise Directors, Hosts, and Tour Managers will be available in person to communicate changes, answer questions and identify the best possible solutions.

5.     Financial Peace of Mind: Riviera remains committed to transparency, fair treatment, and protecting travelers’ investments, supported by applicable financial protections.

Low Water Monitoring

As standard course of business, Riviera Travel has a legacy of taking a proactive approach to anticipating and managing any potential disruptions. The company monitors 52 river gauges daily to track water levels and identify potential itinerary impacts well ahead of departure.

Travelers receive updates 14 and seven days before their cruise, followed by personal communication no later than 72 hours before departure if changes are anticipated, allowing them to make informed decisions about their travel plans.

When adjustments are necessary, as they have been many time this year due to low water levels, Riviera Travel River Cruises prioritizes preserving the experience rather than replacing scenic sailing with extended motorcoach transfers. In cases where an alternative itinerary does not meet a traveler’s expectations, the new guarantee supplements the company’s existing approach, providing the flexibility to cancel for a full refund rather than proceed with a significantly changed vacation.