Sailing solo through Germany’s storybook towns felt like stepping into a living fairytale—no rental car, no repacking—just castles, cathedrals and cobbled streets unfolding beyond my cabin window.
The writer was hosted.
A Classic Cruise, Rich in History
I cruised from Nuremberg to Mainz aboard the MS George Eliot, passing through 50+ locks along the Danube-Main Canal and Main River. Operated by Riviera Travel—a UK-based company with 40 years of experience in the river cruise market—the journey included guided port stops, quiet mornings and new friends made over afternoon tea. Best of all? Their upcoming ship debut could reshape solo river cruising for good.
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Nuremberg: A Historic Start
We boarded the MS George Eliot in the late afternoon, settled in and explored Nuremberg the next morning. Once the power center of the Holy Roman Empire, its medieval towers and Nuremberg Castle still stand guard over cobbled streets and half-timbered houses. But not all of its past is picturesque—our tour also visited the Nazi Party Rally Grounds and the courthouse where the Nuremberg Trials were held.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Book a cruise with an extra pre-cruise night. Nuremberg’s deep history deserves time on foot.
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Bamberg: A UNESCO City of Baroque and Beer
Bamberg still impresses—baroque palaces, arched bridges, and the 11th-century Bamberg (home to Pope Clement II) remain intact, spared in WWII. I wandered through winding lanes, past 14th-century breweries and admired the half-timbered Altes Rathaus, or Old City Hall, perched over the river on a man-made island.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Try the local Rauchbier—a specialty of Bamberg. You’ll smell the smoke before you sip.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber: A Living Fairytale
After mooring in Ochsenfurt, we transferred by coach to Rothenburg ob der Tauber—one of Germany’s best-preserved walled towns.
Turreted towers, cobbled lanes and medieval merchant houses made me believe I’d stepped back in history. I climbed the town’s walls, browsed artisan shops and sampled a Schneeball, Rothenburg’s signature fried pastry dusted with sugar.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t miss the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt—Christmas store and museum—it’s open year-round and packed with ornaments, nutcrackers and holiday magic.
Würzburg: A UNESCO Gem of Baroque Grandeur
Shaped by royalty and religion, the city dazzles with architectural drama. The UNESCO-listed Würzburg Residenz stuns with its sweeping staircase, mirrored halls and Tiepolo’s vast ceiling fresco—one of the largest in the world.
Though heavily bombed in 1945, Würzburg’s landmarks have been meticulously restored. After touring the palace and its formal gardens, I sipped crisp Franconian wine, reflecting on the city’s legacy of artistic and political power. We docked in the center of town, with time to explore at our own pace.
Wertheim: A Scenic Ruin with a Story
I hiked with a small group up to castle ruins perched above the Main River, where crumbling medieval walls frame views over half-timbered rooftops. Wertheim Castle, built in the 12th century, has remained in the possession of one noble family for generations.
A 17th-century explosion—when a servant left a candle near gunpowder—blew much of it apart. Today, moss-clad stone and sweeping views make the site unforgettable.
We climbed at a relaxed pace, and the group’s laid-back energy made it feel more like a casual wander than a formal tour.
Miltenberg: Memory in the Details
Approaching along the Main River, the steep half-timbered houses on the hills above Miltenberg gave the town a timeless feel. Known as the “Pearl of the Main,” its medieval architecture remains remarkably intact, having been miraculously spared during World War II.
What stayed with me most weren’t the houses or river views: it was the Stolpersteine, or “stumbling stones,”— brass plaques set into cobbles to honor Jewish residents taken during the Holocaust. Each sits outside a former home, engraved with names and dates.
They’re easy to miss—and unforgettable once noticed.
Mainz: A Fitting Finale on the River
Our final stop, Mainz, marks where the Rhine meets the Main. At St. Stephen’s Church, Chagall’s stained-glass windows cast blue light across ancient stone. The city’s Roman roots surfaced in hidden corners, like excavated baths beneath a shopping center.
Life Onboard the MS George Eliot
Accommodations/Cabins
Built in 2018, the MS George Eliot has 70 cabins, including four master suites and four junior suites. My cabin, featuring a French balcony, offered everything I needed: a cozy bed, charging ports, ample storage and a spacious bathroom. Waking up to the sounds of the river was a joy. Watching the water drift past from the upper deck quickly became my favorite activity—even though parts were closed under low bridges and during locks.
Dining Experience
Meals were served in the main dining room, with another intimate dining space at the ship’s aft that offered a great view. I appreciated the open seating, which made it easy for solo travelers to connect and share stories.
Highlights included beautifully plated regional specialties that tasted as good as they looked—schnitzel, sauerbraten and bratwurst with sauerkraut—paired with local wines that changed with the scenery.
Events like high tea and an ice cream social added extra fun to our days. A new friend with dietary restrictions was especially impressed by the custom vegan meals prepared just for her.
Entertainment & Amenities
Evenings were mellow— live music, trivia and cocktails. There was a book nook, board games and a comfortable lounge and bar with panoramic views, perfect for reading or conversation.
Excursions
All daily excursions were included, with options for various fitness levels. Maps were provided for self-guided exploring. That mix of structure and freedom mattered most.
The Solo Experience: Quiet Moments, Honest Perspective
I was one of a few solo travelers—outnumbered by couples. While some moments felt companionable, others reminded me that solo travel can get lonely in a paired-up world. Communal dining, trivia nights, and afternoon tea offered easy ways to connect, though not always seamlessly.
With just 130 guests, the ship felt intimate and relaxed. Still, the single supplement fee and couple-centric vibe made one thing clear: a solo-only river cruise is long overdue.
Coming in 2027: A Game-Changer for Solo Travelers—and Friends Who Like Their Own Space
Riviera Travel is doing something revolutionary: in 2027, the MS George Eliot will become the world’s first river cruise ship designed exclusively for solo travelers.
“It’s unprecedented in our industry,” said Marilyn Conroy, Riviera’s executive VP of business. “And no—it’s not a dating ship. It’s for people who want their own cabin without paying double.”
A Solo Ship Designed for Freedom
The new ship will host just 68 guests, each in their own full-size stateroom. No single supplements. No cabin sharing. Just thoughtfully crafted itineraries on the Rhine, Danube and Moselle—including a new 14-night cruise.
All-inclusive pricing covers excursions, an open bar from 10 a.m. to midnight and nearly a 2:1 crew-to-guest ratio. No tricky bills. No awkward splits.
Not Just for Solo Travelers
While designed with solo travelers in mind, this ship is also perfect for friends or groups who enjoy traveling together—but want privacy when the day ends.
It’s for girlfriends celebrating milestones, book club buddies or anyone craving both connection and their own space.
Because traveling solo shouldn’t mean traveling alone—or paying more for the privilege.
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