Riviera Travel River Cruises has announced the appointment of James Golding as chief customer experience officer, as well as the introduction of dedicated cruise hosts across its fleet.

Riviera said that these investments reflect the company’s commitment to enhancing the guest experience and creating an improved journey for travelers.

“As an innovator in the river cruise industry, we are always looking for new ways to enhance the experience we provide to our guests,” said Stuart Milan, president of North America for Riviera Travel.

“The appointment of a dedicated chief customer experience officer and the addition of cruise hosts across our fleet are important steps in prioritizing the needs of our North American customers.

“Through these strategic hires, we aim to create an attentive, welcoming and personalized experience for our guests, making time onboard our ships just as lively as time on land,” added Milan.

Golding was appointed in mid-March 2026 to oversee the cruise host program and lead the overall customer experience strategy.

Before joining the Riviera team, he served as vice president of global sales at Travelopia, where he managed sales and guest performance initiatives across key markets, including North America.

The company said in a press release that the introduction of dedicated cruise hosts was shaped by guest feedback and insights from Riviera’s trusted travel advisor partners, who highlighted increased interest in opportunities for social interaction and additional support onboard.

The hosts will focus on supporting first-time and solo river cruise travelers and will work with existing cruise directors to provide a consistent, guest-centered experience.

They will lead onboard activities including quizzes, games and wellness and movement sessions, including Tai Chi, and help enhance the overall onboard experience.

The cruise host role will be progressively rolled out across Riviera Travel River Cruises’ fleet throughout the 2026 season.