Riverside Luxury Cruises: A New Experience Along The Rivers Of Europe

Europe’s magic isn’t confined to bustling capitals and iconic landmarks. Anyone who has experienced the Old Continent can testify the magic of its cobbled streets, and the breathtaking landscapes gracing its rivers. What better way to unveil hidden Europe amongst canals and rivières than aboard a Riverside river cruise, one of the latest additions to our catalog of luxury river cruises.

Owned by the German hotelier Seaside Collection, Riverside Luxury Cruises is entering the market with five of Crystal Cruises’ former luxury ships, with the ambition of being nothing short of the best of the best. 

Sailing from April 2023 with the spacious Riverside Mozart, a vessel twice the width of a regular river cruise ship, we are excited to introduce you to the brand’s unique experience. 

Spacious suites, and elegant design onboard a unique luxury river cruise

A river cruise is an experience in itself, combining space and time to offer an immersive journey within an intimate atmosphere. 

Forget crowded mega-ships and generic itineraries; their spacious vessels, named after legendary composers, offer an air of exclusivity and personalized service only fit for an ultra-luxury line. From the spectacular Owner suite, fitting up to 4 guests in 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms within 882 square feet, to the lavish Penthouse Suite, expect a private butler, deluxe marble bathrooms with smart Japanese Toto toilets, and velvet and silk furnishings no matter the stateroom you choose. 

Begin your cruise with a bottle of Champagne or sparkling wine, which you can enjoy while overlooking the view from panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows. Riverside luxury cruises’ itineraries span a wealth of European waterways – from the Danube to the Rhône and Saône.

Such elegant and spacious design goes on along every space of Riverside Luxury Cruises’ ships. Relax in their intimate lounges, or witness the passing scenery from a thoughtfully designed top deck with ample seating.

Ultra-luxury service adds to the already intimate experience

While a river cruise is all about the off-board experience, Riverside’s ships are spacious enough to provide ample space for keeping yourself unwind and entertained. 

The Riverside Mozart, for example, is twice as large as a regular cruise ship, meaning there is plenty of room for an indoor pool, a large, fully equipped gym, and a delightful spa where to relax after long days of on-shore activities. 

Space per passenger will make you feel at times you have the ship to yourself, fitting only 150 guests. With two crew members per traveler onboard, this means you never have to wait for someone to bring you your favorite cocktail. Considering a good part of their staff is comprised of former Crystal Cruises’, expect ultra-personalized service, in which you don’t even need to remind anyone how you like your coffee in the morning.

While fine dining is certainly a pillar of the brand, offering 5-course menus in their main dining room, the brand exceeds in providing plenty of onboard options, with up to 4 restaurants per ship. Get a gourmet breakfast buffet, head to the indoor pool, and come back to a bistro for fresh-leaf tea. Grab a burger or salad at The Blue Deli, or enjoy a barbeque at the top deck on a beautiful summer day, all with the same level of quality and taste. 

A la carte cruising, or all-inclusive? It’s up to you

In a bid to redefine the experience of luxury river cruises, Riverside breaks the mold by offering both an all-inclusive experience, but also a very personalized one. 

Their all-inclusive fare includes accommodations, all meals and drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, transfers, and one excursion per destination. Guests staying in one of the upper-category suites are picked up in a limousine upon their arrival at the airport and receive complimentary laundry services onboard. Ask the butler to do unpacking and packing for you, and arrive home with a suitcase full of freshly washed clothes. 

However, here is the twist: For guests looking for a more a la carte service, Riverside Luxury Cruises also provides the option to book full board accommodations without the included drinks or excursions. Choose within a variety of packages – some include everything, even room service, and some a bit more modest, but all include meals of your choice in all restaurants and bars, plus pastries, waffles, and ice cream. 

The same personalization extends to their itineraries, which range from 3 to 14 nights but can be combinable to make a longer cruise. Let’s say you want to start your voyage in the Danube, but wish to extend it to the Rhône and Saone Rivers, and get a taste of the Riverside Ravel – with more ships being deployed by the brand over the most beautiful rivers in Europe, this is now a possibility. 

For 2024, experience the Riverside Debussy, sailing the Rhine River, or book a Christmas Market cruise to ensure a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

Ready to book your Riverside Luxury Cruise? Contact our travel advisors and ask about the latest offers the brand provides, plus all the extra perks only a Virtuoso travel agency can offer.