The best-themed river cruises to book for 2025

Riviera Travel’s new range of themed cruises aren’t just about relaxing and exploring ashore but about onboard experiences that are tailored to your tastes.

Perhaps that means art or maybe it means music, gardening, golf, history, cookery, comedy or wine. Regardless of your interest, chances are there’s a cruise itinerary for you.

Themed cruises have become so popular that our friends at Riviera Travel have added 32 new themed departures to its 2025 European river cruise programme.

Available across eight itineraries, the themed cruises will depart between April and October 2025 and focus on food, art, music, history, or gardens.

Head of product, Will Sarson, told World of Cruising: “We believe in offering immersive holidays that go beyond traditional travel and we’re confident our new themed programme of river departures will add an extra dimension to guests’ cruises.

“These sailings offer a wealth of enriching experiences along some of Europe’s most captivating waterways and are designed to both inform and entertain like-minded guests and enthusiasts.”

The message? If you fancy combining your hobbies with a holiday at sea and hanging out with like-minded holidaymakers, then a themed cruise is the way to go.

Here’s our pick of the best-themed cruises with Riviera Travel to book for 2025.

Food and wine-themed cruises: Gastronomy of the Douro
Sailing from Portugal to Spain onboard MS Douro Splendour, this seven-night cruise includes a port sampling tour in Porto – aka the home of Port wine – almond tasting in Castelo Rodrigo, tapas tasting in Salamanca, and the opportunity to sample delicious regional delicacies in a local restaurant in Lamego. All told, you’re in for a mouthwatering adventure on the Douro. Prices start at £2,099 per person, including flights.

History-themed cruises: Art and history on the Danube
Calling all history buffs. Riviera Travel’s seven-night ‘The History & Art of the Rhone’ cruise includes a visit to Schönbrunn Palace, the opulent royal residence of the Habsburg rulers, as well as Esztergom Basilica and Melk Abbey – two iconic religious houses on the banks of the Danube.

Other highlights include a call at Budapest's Museum of Fine Arts, where you can learn more about the museum’s most prominent pieces. Back on board, enjoy entertainment such as a traditional Hungarian folklore show and a classical music performance. Fares from £2,099 per person including flights.

Music-themed cruises: The Music of the Blue Danube
Fancy following in the footsteps of some of history's greatest composers? Then this week-long cruise along the Danube has your name on it. Learn more about the incredible life of Mozart in his birthplace, Salzburg, take a ‘behind the scenes’ tour with the renowned Vienna Boys Choir, and cruise through pretty Nibelungengau – which was immortalised in the music of Wagner – all while enjoying the beauty and splendour of the Danube. Prices from £1,899 per person including flights.

Garden-themed cruises: Gardens and Natural Beauty of the Rhône
If you love gardens and nature, then Riviera’s Gardens and Natural Beauty of the Rhône’s seven-night cruise is the one for you. Expect to see vine-clad slopes of Burgundy to rainbow-coloured floral displays and fragrant lavender fields of ProvencYou’ll sail to some of the most picturesque corners of France – expect to see the vine-clad slopes of Burgundy and the rainbow-coloured floral displays and fragrant lavender fields of Provence.

An incredible nine experiences are included in this cruise including tours of glorious Lyon and its Parc de la Tête d'Or; quaint Vienne with Jardin de Ville; the stunning Eden Garden in Tournon; and Avignon's idyllic Rocher de Doms. Fares from £1,899 per person including flights, rail travel, and all meals.