Summary
- Introduction – Riverside Luxury Cruises launches with a new river cruise line.
- Acquisitions – Riverside adds Crystal’s river ship fleet to its offerings.
- Lifestyle and Amenities – Luxury experiences defined through spacious suites and unique excursions.
- Upcoming Itineraries – Cruises set to begin from April 2023.
It’s time to add a luxury river cruise to your 2023 travel plans.
In Nov. 2022, boutique hospitality company Riverside Collection announced the launch of a new river cruise line, Riverside Luxury Cruises. This development followed its acquisition of the river ship Crystal Mozart from the recently shut down Crystal Cruises, marking just the start of exciting changes.
Today, Riverside Luxury Cruises proudly announced the addition of Crystal’s full fleet of river ships, introducing the newly renamed MS Bach, MS Ravel, MS Mahler, and MS Debussy to its upcoming offerings.
“As purveyors of luxury for many years, we recognized that a true luxury product was missing on the rivers, especially after Crystal River Cruises exited the market,” remarked Gregor Gerlach, CEO of Riverside Collection and co-founder of Riverside Luxury Cruises. This observation, along with the increasing demand from luxury travelers, inspired the company to step into the river cruise realm.
The ships are nearly ready to set sail, requiring only minor updates. For instance, on the MS Mozart, the team is making simple cosmetic upgrades and introducing a new dining option on the sun deck.
“Overall, the Crystal River fleet was operational for only a few years before the pandemic, and its elegant and timeless designs have maintained their excellent condition,” Gerlach added. “This is clearly demonstrated by the MS Mozart, continuously regarded as the most luxurious ship on the rivers.”
Riverside Luxury Cruises aims to provide an all-encompassing luxury experience; expect the largest average suite sizes across European river cruises. Each ship will boast a guest-to-staff ratio of 2:1, with dedicated butler services for each suite.
Regarding excursions, Riverside aims to exceed the traditional walking tours, offering thrilling options such as balloon rides over Budapest or helicopter tours in Linz, ensuring a variety of activity levels for all guests.
Aboard each ship, wellness amenities will include a spa, an indoor pool, and a salon. However, it’s Riverside’s forthcoming culinary program that truly sets it apart. “Riverside is committed to culinary excellence. We allocate more than double the budget that other luxury operators do for sourcing the highest quality, fresh, and local ingredients for multiple dining venues, along with 24-hour room service,” Gerlach emphasized.
MS Mozart is set to sail the Danube, beginning in April 2023, with three- to nine-night itineraries available. Meanwhile, MS Ravel and MS Debussy will embark on their inaugural voyages in May 2023; MS Ravel will cruise the Danube, Rhône, and Saône rivers, while MS Debussy will navigate the Danube and Rhine rivers. Itineraries for MS Bach and MS Mahler will be unveiled later this year, with departures planned for 2024.
“As we look ahead, we observe the rising demand for river cruising among luxury travelers and believe that Riverside will become their preferred choice,” concluded Gerlach.
A three-night cruise on MS Mozart begins at $1,712 per suite, providing an unforgettable river cruise experience.
