Having launched in 2022, Riverside Luxury Cruises is one of the newer river cruise brands on the block. However, following the acquisition of Crystal River Cruises that same year and the debut of three shiny new ships — the reimagined Mozart (April 2023), Ravel (August 2023) and Debussy (March 2024) — the company is making a name for itself thanks to its high-level of service, unmatched luxury and infectious spirit. But don’t take our word for it, Riverside is so good it was recognized with Travel + Leisure’s prestigious World’s Best Awards after just one year of sailing. Intrigued? Here’s what travel advisors need to know about the brand.
The Vibe
While speaking at ASTA’s Inaugural: River Cruise Week, Jen Halboth, CEO of Riverside Luxury Cruises, The Americas, shared that the brand’s target audience is travelers in their mid-40s and 50s. Halboth said the river cruise line is energetic and fun, and it works to strike the perfect balance of luxury paired with high spirits and true hospitality. According to Riverside, the brand sees lots of similarities between luxury hotel guests and river cruise guests, including well-behaved kiddos as children are invited to join in on the fun and there’s no age limit to sail.
The Fleet
Riverside has three river cruise ships: Mozart, a former Crystal ship, Ravel and Debussy. Halboth compared Mozart to a “sailing luxury hotel” and shared that the 75-ft-wide vessel makes for the perfect way to discover destinations along the Danube. Those hoping to explore the wonders of France will love traveling aboard the Ravel, Riverside’s ship that traverses the Rhône and Saône. Lastly, there’s Debussy, the brand’s newest ship where vacationers can discover iconic destinations along The Rhine including Amsterdam, Brussel, Cologne, Rotterdam and more.
Space and Design
Travelers who sail with Riverside can rest easy knowing they chose the brand with the largest average suite size on the rivers. That’s right, at 190 to a whopping 833 square feet, these rooms are luxurious with most boasting a separate sitting area, walk-in closets and extra-large bathrooms. Like other lines, Riverside suites do not have external balconies, with the brand instead opting for large panoramic windows that can go up and down to let in fresh air. A few other things sailors can look forward to include butler-personal concierge service in every suite, king-sized beds in every suite and 24-hour room service. “(You will) feel like you’re in a luxury hotel no matter where (you are) on the ship,” said Halboth.
Culinary
Regarding the eats, Halboth said Riverside’s culinary offerings “will surprise and delight you.” And, with gourmet cuisine prepared a la minute, a pop-up bar and grill on the Vista Deck, specialty seven-course dining in the Vintage Room and mouthwatering spreads awaiting them when they return from shore excursions, foodie-focused travelers have a lot to look forward to. In addition to the ability to indulge in local delicacies whenever, wherever they want, guests will be impressed by the freshness of their food as every meal is cooked on demand by Riverside’s talented team of chefs. On top of all that, since Riverside specializes in smaller sailings, the brand budgets more per guest resulting in truly delicious, 5-star culinary experiences.
Experience
“River cruise is about land,” said Halboth. Expanding on this idea, she shared that a lot of the time, when people think about river cruises they think about cruising. However, according to Halboth, river cruising is more about land than cruising, and advisors should try selling it from that perspective. “(It’s) all the simplicity of a cruise, but (the) immersiveness of a land vacation,” she said. Regarding the land experiences offered by Riverside, the brand gives travelers a handful of shore excursions to choose from in every port. Whether they’re looking for a traditional experience like a guided walking tour, want to sample local foods and beverages or are hoping to get active with a biking or kayaking adventure, the brand gives clients a choice and encourages them to explore at their own pace.
Regarding price, Halboth shared that excursions are included in Riverside’s “All-Inclusive” and “Full Board plus excursions” packages. If travelers don’t want to purchase these packages, they can opt to purchase one-off excursions as they see fit. Halboth also shared that cruise-goers are encouraged to pre-book their desired experiences and said the brand usually offers two to four selections at each port.
Travel advisors can learn more about Riverside Luxury Cruises when they visit the brand’s website. Additionally, advisors can register to join the river cruise line’s agency network where the brand expects to launch a new education program for travel pros soon.
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