Riverside Luxury Cruises

5 Reviews
Riverside Luxury Cruises

About Riverside Luxury Cruises

The world's newest river cruise line was founded in winter 2022 to operate European vessels that were previously owned by Crystal Cruises, the luxury ocean and river company which ceased trading in early 2022 following the bankruptcy of parent company Genting Group. The Germany hospitality group Seaside Collection launched its river cruise arm with the acquisition of the former Crystal Mozart, the distinctive double-width ship that carries 150 guests.

In early 2023, Riverside took over the other four vessels in the Crystal river fleet; the identical 106-passenger "Rhine Class" vessels Crystal Mahler, Ravel, Bach and Debussy. All five vessels have been rebranded with the Riverside name and will sail on a variety of itineraries, ranging from three to 14 nights, on the Danube, Rhine, Saone and Rhone.

The Seaside Hotels chain was created in 1969 by Theo Gerlach who set out to build hotels based around the concept of "unobtrusive" and "casual" luxury. In 2019 the group was renamed Seaside Collection and owns 11 four- and five-star boutique properties in Germany, the Canary Islands and Maldives.

The company is family-owned and the Gerlach's son, Gregor Gerlach, is the founder of Riverside Luxury Cruises.

  • More about Riverside Luxury Cruises

  • Who goes on Riverside Luxury Cruises cruise ships?

  • Do I have to dress up on a Riverside Luxury Cruises cruise?

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Riverside Luxury Cruises Tips, Activities, and Overview

Who goes on Riverside Luxury Cruises cruise ships?

The line will attract mature, well-traveled guests looking for high levels of personal service and luxury, such as butlers to every suite, upscale dining, wine sommeliers and 24-hour room service.

The ships will be English-speaking and it is likely many Riverside guests will already have sailed with Crystal and welcome the opportunity to travel on familiar vessels that will be little changed under the Riverside brand.

Do I have to dress up on a Riverside Luxury Cruises cruise?

Reflecting the founding company's ethos, the ships have a stylish but friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Guests from mainland Europe typically dress up a little more in the evening than guests from the U.S, and smart-casual attire is the norm. There are no formal nights. For daytime clothes are casual and comfortable and suited to changeable European weather.

Is everything free on Riverside Luxury Cruises cruises?

Yes and no. Riverside breaks the river cruise norm with a very flexible "a la carte" pricing policy where guests can choose the fare and inclusions that are right for them. Prices lead in with a cruise-only fare which covers full-board meals, wi-fi, gratuities onboard, and ashore and airport transfers. From this basic fare guests can opt to add drinks and/or excursions. Riverside says this pricing policy allows guests to make a choice, such as exploring ports of call independently or with their own private guide rather than going on group shore tours. It also means that those who prefer not to drink or go on shore tours are not subsidising those that do. Cruises can also be booked with or without air travel.

What are Riverside Luxury Cruises’s most popular activities?

In addition to classic walking tours that introduce guests to destinations being visited, Riverside offers one-of-a-kind experiences. These include a balloon ride over Budapest and helicopter flights over the Austrian alps and UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley. There are also active options such as e-bike rides and hands-on and immersive cultural tours including craft workshops and breakfast on a family farm in Serbia. The onboard concierge is also available to assist guests with bespoke experiences.

Best for: 40+ young-at-heart travel enthusiasts looking for fine dining and luxuries including butler service and rich experiences.

Not for: Budget cruisers and young families

Riverside Luxury Cruises Cruiser Reviews

Terrific - Overdelivered on our high expectations

That isn’t the cruise lines fault, but it is a risk of a larger ship as some of the smaller ships were still on that part of the river.The ship itself is beautiful, and very spacious for a river cruise.Read More
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CTH75

few6-10 Cruises

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Age 49s

six stars

The Riverside Cruise along the Danube is not just a five-star experience; it's a true six-star gem.The excursions planned by the cruise are so well-curated that the six-star treatment doesn't end when you step off the ship.Read More
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rsollinger426

many10+ Cruises

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Age 30s

Over the top amazing

It has very high end finishes and fabrics, spacious public spaces, and four lovely dining venues (Waterside main dining, a bistro, a breezy venue at the back of the boat for specialty nights like an Asian inspired menu, and the top deck grille).I knew nothing about the new Riverside line and took a leap, hoping that the food and service would equal the boat.Read More
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ljd123

couple2-5 Cruises

•

Age 60s

Absolute Luxury Firing on all Cylinders

Although this cruise was "all inclusive" including gratuities, we could not leave the ship without acknowledging the above and beyond efforts of a number of the cruise staff.Whether you have always wanted to try a river cruise or you are a veteran of river cruising, I am sure you will be impressed with the entire experience on Riverside Luxury Cruises and I cannot recommend them highly enough.Read More
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CrazyCanuckCruiser

many10+ Cruises

•

Age 50s

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