RIVERSIDE Luxury Cruises, the startup European river line founded by German hotelier family the Gerlach Group, has acquired the four near-new river ships which were constructed by Crystal Cruises in the years leading up to its demise (CW 10 Feb 2022). Riverside had already purchased Crystal’s first river ship, the...
RIVERSIDE Luxury Cruises, the startup European river line founded by German hotelier family the Gerlach Group, has acquired the four near-new river ships which were constructed by Crystal Cruises in the years leading up to its demise (CW 10 Feb 2022).
Riverside had already purchased Crystal’s first river ship, the double-width Crystal Mozart (CW 06 Oct 2022), which was constructed in 1987 but totally renovated in 2016 to become the backbone of the Crystal fleet.
The cruise line subsequently built four additional identical ships – Ravel, Debussy, Mahler, and the 106-passenger ultra-luxury Bach, which were delivered in 2017 and 2018.
Riverside will commence its first operations in Apr, with inaugural voyages plotted aboard Riverside Mozart, Riverside Ravel and Riverside Debussy.
Sister ships Riverside Bach (pictured) and Riverside Mahler will return to the rivers in 2024.
Mozart will cruise on the Danube, while Ravel itineraries include the Rhone and Saone, and Debussy the Rhine.
“If personalised service, serene spaces with impeccable design and sumptuous cuisine top your list of favourite things, then Riverside Luxury Cruises is about to become your new favourite way to travel,” the freshly minted Riverside website notes, promising extensive onboard space, an extraordinary culinary offering and unique destination experiences and itineraries.
While Australia and NZ aren’t yet on the Riverside radar, the company has already established an American office which is offering generous rebates for travel advisor famils, as well as 21% commission on all departures this year.
