The ceremony was followed by a celebratory gala dinner and sailing, attended by German media, tour operators and travel agents. The vessel’s maiden sailing for UK trade and media will take place on Sunday (20 August).

The addition of the vessel comes after Seaside Collection entered the luxury river cruise market as Riverside Luxury Cruises following the acquisition of the Crystal Cruises river fleet.

Sailing on the Rhone between Lyon and Arles, Riverside Ravel offers 55 suites, 24-hour butler service, four restaurants and a fitness centre including a swimming pool, gym and spa.

Anouchka Gerlach, co-founder of Riverside Luxury Cruises, said: "We are delighted that we can now offer our guests the French way of life with the Ravel: the cuisine is, of course, tailored to the region, and our crew has prepared very special experiences on land."

The line’s three-night Rhone Retreat: Lyon Loop sailing from 24-27 September 2023 comes in at £2,327pp based on a Melody Suite.