Riviera Travel has unveiled a first look at its newest five-star river cruise ship, the Riviera Resplendence.

On Saturday, July 4, the ship will depart from Cologne on its maiden voyage, embarking on its inaugural “Rhine Cruise to Switzerland” itinerary, welcoming guests onboard for the first time.

“The Riviera Resplendence represents another significant milestone for Riviera Travel as we continue to grow our award-winning river cruise fleet,” said Stuart Milan, president of North America for Riviera Travel.

“As demand for premium river cruising continues to grow, we are expanding our fleet with thoughtfully designed ships that allow us to deliver the exceptional experiences and value that define Riviera Travel,” added Milan.

As the sister ship to the Riviera Radiance, the Riviera Resplendence is the third ship in Riviera Travel’s Radiance Class, showcasing the line’s signature split-level design, the company said in a press release.

Accommodating up to 178 guests across 89 cabins and suites, the ship also features three dining venues highlighting regional cuisine and an expansive sun deck.

Designed by the team at Scylla, Riviera Travel’s shipbuilding partner, the Riviera Resplendence features a fresh interior concept that sets it apart from the rest of the fleet.

According to the press release, the ship features gold accents, warm wood tones and vibrant wall coverings that replace lighter color palettes, creating an inviting, upscale atmosphere throughout.

“When guests come onboard, we want them to feel like they’re coming home for the next few days,” said Michel van der Velden and Cathy Schroder, interior designers at Scylla.

“We hope Riviera guests notice the thoughtful design details and leave inspired, whether it’s a beautiful wall covering or another design element they’d love to recreate in their own home. Creating that spark of interior design inspiration is what we strive for,” they added.

The Riviera Resplendence will sail 18 itineraries on the Danube and Rhine Rivers. Among the highlights are the:

• “Budapest to the Black Sea River Cruise”
• “Rhine Cruise to Switzerland”
• “Rhine, Moselle & Switzerland River Cruise”
• “The Blue Danube River Cruise, and
• Festive holiday sailings and dedicated solo departures.

The company stated that Riviera Travel’s Radiance Class will continue to grow with the addition of two more ships, the Riviera Reflection and Riviera Rhapsody, which are scheduled to debut over the next two years.