He became managing director position in November 2022 and oversaw the recruitment of Jon Knight as UK and Ireland head of sales, Riverside becoming an Abta member, and its bonding with Abtot. 

Previously, Perl was managing director at AmaWaterways, international sales and marketing director at Seabourn, and is a former Cunard marketing director too.

In a LinkedIn post on Monday (2 October), Perl revealed his involvement with the project was drawing to a close "bang on schedule".

“As an unknown entrant into the river cruise arena, brand awareness was essential and sales and marketing campaigns were agreed with trade and consumer publications as well as database initiatives with our travel agency partners," said Perl.

“Two of our five ships sailing – Riverside Mozart on the Danube and Riverside Ravel on the Rhone – and sales are coming in.”

Riverside Luxury Cruises and sister brand, Seaside Collection, later confirmed Eden Luxury Travel product director Charlie Hewitt Davies would take over from Perl as Riverside managing director, with responsibility for Seaside too.

In his post, he thanked White Hart Associates for “their incredible guidance and support in all things statutory, regulatory and accounting” and the Civil Aviation Authority, Abtot and Abta for “granting our start-up the licenses, bonds and membership required to go to market and sell”. 

He also appealed to operators across the industry as he looks for his next position. “As with all projects, it’s been hard work, rewarding and fun,” he wrote. 

“But I’m ready to go again and for those of you in this fantastic travel industry of ours, who may be hampered by your own lack of in-house resource to progress special projects to drive your businesses forward.

“I’d be delighted to discuss how my knowledge and experience could be of assistance.”