The start-up company, a division of German hotelier Seaside Collection, has acquired the former Crystal River Cruises fleet and in October last year, opened a UK office having appointed cruise veteran Stuart Perl to the position of managing director, UK, Ireland, MEA and Australia.
The company’s first vessel, Riverside Mozart, has now been showcased in Vienna, making its debut during Clia’s 2023 RiverView Conference. Designed to fit the wider locks of the Danube between Passau and Budapest, the 162-guest vessel has a unique design combining a monohull and catamaran.
Nearly twice the width of standard European river ships, the extra space permits large Symphony, Harmony and Riverside Suites; 31-square-metre Penthouse Suites; plus two-bedroom Owner’s Suites – the largest on any river vessels. With 82 crew members, the company claims the vessel is able to offer the most personal service on Europe’s rivers.
A display kitchen with food stations is a feature in the open-seating Waterside Restaurant. Blue Bar & Grill serves comfort food at lunchtime; while the Bistro offers snacks and light meals throughout the day. For a supplement, 12 guests can savour wine-paired dinners in the Vintage Room. There’s also a 24-hour pantry, plus an extensive room-service menu.
The attractive Palm Court and Cove Piano Bar aim to be popular spots before and after dinner. There’s a wrap-around promenade, a luxurious spa and fitness centre with indoor pool, beauty salon, as well as library and Connoisseur’s Club. On the Vista Deck there is a barbecue and pop-up bar, as well as comfy loungers.
During a preview sailing in April, Stuart Perl explained his company’s vision for positioning the brand. “We do not see ourselves competing in the luxury cruise sector, as we have so many USPs that position us a notch above,” was his opening gambit. “I’m keen to expand our distribution channels to agencies and tour operators who are already selling luxury holidays, but not necessarily cruise.”
Perl continued: “We’re aiming for the affluent, discerning high-net-worth guest who appreciates ultra-luxury. Just because this is a river cruise, it doesn’t preclude clients who want the best of the best. We’re also targeting new-to-cruise guests.
“As an ultra-luxury product, the UK market expects to see all-inclusive pricing. Our proposition includes all drinks [fine wines with meals]; plus one excursion from a varied selection at each destination. Additionally, all gratuities – onboard and onshore – are included, as is WiFi. We offer transfers between airport, train station, and pre- and post-cruise hotel. All guests have butler service, which is unique on the rivers of Europe.
“Our most important promotional tool is the product itself,” Perl said. “To that end we have incredibly competitive agent rates available; not to mention several fam trips planned during 2023.”
Riverside Luxury Cruises has also purchased the four newer-builds of the now defunct Crystal River Cruises. Riverside Ravel will commence operations on the Rhone and Saone Rivers in August. Riverside Debussy and Riverside Bach will offer itineraries along the Rhine in 2024, while Riverside Mahler will follow, joining the fleet in 2025.
