A new ultra-luxury river cruise line wants to entice affluent travelers with suites, walk-in closets, and butlers — for up to $59,520 per person

Brittany ChangApr 4, 2024, 21:25 IST

Seaside Collection operates 11 properties and the new river cruise brand.Riverside Luxury Cruises

Newcomer Riverside Luxury Cruises wants to break into the growing river cruise market.
The ultra-luxury cruise line operates former Crystal ships in popular European rivers like the Danube.

A new ultra-luxury cruise line wants to be the swankiest travel-by-river vacation option.

To do so, it's enticing cruisers with truffle-infused butter, $320-per-person dinners, and butlers that can be beckoned with a simple WhatsApp message.

Affluent travelers, meet Riverside Luxury Cruises.

The budding company first set sail in March 2023. With a year of service under its belt, its three ships are now sailing some of Europe's most popular rivers — starting at more than $260 per person per day.

Riverside is operated by Seaside Collection, a European hotelier.

Seaside Collection owns 11 properties and five cruise ships. Its vessels' open-air Vista Deck has a "lounge feel" with couches, music, a bar, and high-end meals like grilled lobster. Riverside Luxury Cruises

River cruising has become increasingly popular as wealthy travelers gravitate to ultra-luxury small-ship vacations.

Riverside Luxury CruisesRiverside's Mozart, pictured above, and Ravel sailed a combined 52 cruises in its first year of service.

One of Riverside's shortest and cheapest 2024 voyages starts at $1,055 per person for a four-day Danube River cruise from Passau, Germany, to Vienna.

The most spacious option, the Owner's Suite, has two bedrooms and bathrooms, a fireplace, and a private dining room.Riverside Luxury Cruises

River cruisers tend to be over the age of 55.

Excursions could include hot-air balloon rides, wine tastings, and helicopter tours. Or, guests could spend their afternoon in the spa.Riverside Luxury Cruises

"Pampering” they will get.

Because of its width, Riverside Mozart can only sail in the Danube River, Halboth told BI.Riverside Luxury Cruises

Like most cruise liners, Riverside's three ships have spas, buffets, and plush lounges and bars.

Riverside Mozart has a cigar lounge.Riverside Luxury Cruises

Riverside’s ships have up to 5 restaurants. Vintage Room is the only specialty option.

The Vintage Room can seat up to 12 people but isn't available for every night of the cruise, Halboth told BI.Riverside Luxury Cruises

Infused, whipped butter is apparently one of Riverside's hottest commodities.

Riverside's Mozart and Ravel sailed 52 cruises in its first year of service. Riverside Luxury Cruises

Need to sleep off all that dairy? You're in luck. Every cabin has a king bed.

The 645-square-foot Mozart Suite has luxurious touches like a marble fireplace and a dual vanity bathroom.Riverside Luxury Cruises

Does Riverside’s more than $260 per person, per day fare seem reasonable now?

The three ships have fitness centers, as is traditional on most cruise vessels.Riverside Luxury Cruises

The company's CEO said bookings have been 'a little lighter' since the start of 2024.

The cruise line offers around-the-clock room service.Riverside Luxury Cruises

Riverside will operate its Mozart, Ravel, and Debussy ships for three years as it 'hones the brand,' Halboth said.

The Palm Court lounge serves up cocktails and mocktails.Riverside Luxury Cruises

I spent $1,000 for a 30-hour Amtrak ride in a private bedroom. Take a look inside the 45-square-foot space with its own bathroom.

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A new ultra-luxury river cruise line wants to entice affluent travelers with suites, walk-in closets, and butlers &mdash; for up to $59,520 per person