Cruise Frog guide
Emerald Cruises vs Riviera Travel
Riviera Travel rates higher than Emerald Cruises on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.8 to 3.7 out of 5 across their rated ships. Emerald Cruises leads on cabins; Riviera Travel on value. Pick Emerald Cruises for adventure seekers; Riviera Travel for solo travelers and first-time cruisers.
Comparison updated
| Fact | Emerald Cruises | Riviera Travel |
|---|---|---|
| Style | River | River |
| Best for | Couples, Value seekers, Adventure seekers, History and culture | Couples, Solo travelers, History and culture, Value seekers, First-time cruisers |
| Fleet rating | 3.7 / 5 | 3.8 / 5 |
| Cabins | 4.4 | 4.2 |
| Dining | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Entertainment | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Service | 4.0 | 4.0 |
| Pools & decks | 3.0 | 3.0 |
| Value | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Ships in service | 13 | 13 |
| Ships on the way | 4 | 2 |
| Newest ship | Emerald Astra (2026) | Riviera Resplendence (2026) |
| Guests per ship, average | 147 | 154 |
| Usually sails | Rhine, Danube, Mediterranean, Caribbean | Danube, Rhine, Douro, Rhône |
| Solo cabins | Some ships | — |
| Single supplement | US solo program: single supplement from 50% on selected river and yacht sailings (Select fares 75%, Preferred fares 50%), waived on select… | — |
| Loyalty program | Scenic & Emerald Rewards | — |
| Owner | Scenic Group | Silverfleet Capital Partners |
| Headquarters | Zug, Switzerland | Burton upon Trent, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 2013 | 1984 |
Ratings are Cruise Frog's editorial scores of each line's ships in service, 1 to 5, averaged; the higher figure is highlighted. How we rate.
Quick answers
Which is better, Emerald Cruises or Riviera Travel?
Riviera Travel rates higher than Emerald Cruises on Cruise Frog's editorial scores, 3.8 to 3.7 out of 5 across their rated ships. Emerald Cruises leads on cabins; Riviera Travel on value.
Is Emerald Cruises or Riviera Travel better value?
Riviera Travel scores higher for value, 5.0 to 4.0 out of 5 (what you get for the fare, extras included).
Is Emerald Cruises or Riviera Travel better for dining?
They score the same for dining, 4.0 out of 5.
Is Emerald Cruises or Riviera Travel better for entertainment?
They score the same for entertainment, 3.0 out of 5.
Is Emerald Cruises or Riviera Travel better for cabins?
Emerald Cruises scores higher for cabins, 4.4 to 4.2 out of 5 (comfortable, quiet, well kept).
How many ships do Emerald Cruises and Riviera Travel have?
Emerald Cruises has 13 ships in service and 4 on the way; Riviera Travel has 13 ships in service and 2 on the way.
Are Emerald Cruises and Riviera Travel owned by the same company?
No. Emerald Cruises is part of Scenic Group; Riviera Travel is part of Silverfleet Capital Partners.