This River Cruise Line Ranks Among Europe’s Best-Kept Secrets

When Riverside Luxury Cruises debuted in the competitive river cruise arena last year, it benefited from launching with one of the most modern and luxurious fleets navigating Europe’s inland waterways.

However, anyone who travels frequently understands that luxury encompasses much more than just the ship or resort's physical features. It also includes the crew, cuisine, amenities, and, importantly, the level of service provided.

From all indications, Riverside is dedicated to not only participating but excelling in every facet of luxury river cruising. After a week sailing the Rhine and Main Rivers on the recently launched 110-passenger Riverside DeBussy, I found myself agreeing with a fellow traveler, a seasoned river and ocean cruiser, who claimed the onboard dining was the finest she had experienced on a ship—having sailed with many luxury cruise lines.

Though there were a few minor service hiccups in the dining area—something typical for any ship's inaugural season—it was evident that this new entrant in the luxury river cruise market possesses the service skills and hospitality expertise essential to uphold the high standards established by the ships’ former owners, the now-defunct Crystal Cruises.

Most importantly, the cruise was a blast. I sensed it would be fun when, during our first afternoon of sailing, Miroslav, the bartender, kicked off a cocktail-making demonstration by asking us to define mixology. When no one could answer, he quipped, “The art of getting hammered.” The next hour sped by as we laughed through demonstrations and tastings.

The vessel

Riverside DeBussy is one of five ships acquired by the German luxury hotel group Seaside Collection during the bankruptcy proceedings of Crystal Cruises. Since these ships had only sailed for a season or two before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and Crystal’s eventual closure, they feel brand new and showcase original decor that is elegantly simple and contemporary (like a sophisticated boutique hotel, featuring plush velvet fabrics and subtle art deco touches without being overwhelming). Premium amenities include heated bathroom floors and exceptionally comfortable true king-size beds in the staterooms and suites.

One of the most significant luxuries aboard is the abundant space. The Riverside ships boast larger-than-average cabins ranging from 194 to 706 square feet, complete with walk-in closets and double vanities in the bathrooms. The communal areas are also spacious. With a maximum of only 110 guests, these ships feature the highest staff-to-guest ratio in any river cruise line, with one crew member for every two guests. Additionally, there are numerous indulgent extras, including butlers for every stateroom, 24-hour room service, high-end Natura Bissé products from Barcelona in the spa and cabins, an indoor pool, a compact yet well-equipped fitness center, and a self-service guest laundry, alongside laundry and dry-cleaning services.

The cuisine

From homemade cookies to a special eight-course tasting-menu with wine pairings, Riverside’s culinary offerings, sourced locally, truly stand out. I’m typically hard to impress when it comes to food, yet I savored every dish during my week on board, whether it was eggs Benedict for breakfast, homemade soups at lunch, or the gourmet options served each evening.

The highlight was undoubtedly the seven-course tasting menu, available for an additional 295 euros per guest (approximately US$317 at current exchange rates), served in the ship’s Vintage Room—a private dining space for 10, boasting panoramic views of the scenery through its floor-to-ceiling windows. On the evening I dined there, the menu featured roasted yellow bell pepper soup with fresh anchovy, coriander, and a paprika chip; surf and turf with beef sirloin and seared scallops; and succulent pink spring veal cooked with pistachios. Equally impressive were the exceptional wine selections from France, Germany, Switzerland, and Hungary. Among my favorites was the Donatsch Completer Malanserrebe, a rare white wine made from ancient grapes indigenous to the Graubünden region of Switzerland.

The itinerary and excursions

I cruised on the DeBussy from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland. This seven-day journey (with an option to extend another week to Budapest) began with an overnight stay that included a nighttime canal cruise in Amsterdam. The following morning featured a walking tour of central Amsterdam, with a stop at Café Luxembourg to sample local Dutch Bols gin and apple pie. We also learned about cheese-making and enjoyed tastings at the family-owned Henri Willig before setting sail. The next morning, we cruised through the picturesque, castle-lined Rhine Gorge. Our itinerary then took us to Düsseldorf, celebrated for its art and architecture, before we diverged from the Rhine onto the Main River, exploring its charming, well-preserved medieval towns such as Miltenberg, Würzburg, and Bamberg.

In line with the culinary theme, excursions (all included) featured demonstrations and tastings of local Bavarian beers and wines. Although rainy weather canceled our bike and art tours in Düsseldorf, there were typically three to four activities to choose from each day. In Miltenberg, I opted for the witch-hunt-themed excursion, where we delved into the history of witchcraft and how devastating epidemics, poor harvests, and storms ignited an era of witch hunts that led to imprisonments and executions. We also explored the last remaining witch’s cottage, tucked away in the garden of a private residence. For active travelers, Riverside offers hiking and biking tours, and guests can also borrow bikes for independent rides.

Onboard activities

While each day presented options for off-ship excursions, I would have been equally content lounging on board, enjoying mimosas on the sun deck or indulging in spa treatments from the skilled masseuse and aesthetician. The lively crew kept us entertained with a variety of activities, including mixology classes, a pastry demonstration, and bingo games where spa treatments were the prizes. Evening entertainment ranged from performances by the onboard pianist to a Bavarian brass band, and an entertaining game called “Liar’s Club,” where some crew members answered questions while we tried to discern who was telling the truth.

Pricing

As a newcomer, Riverside might just be the best-kept secret on Europe’s rivers, offering travelers great deals and a variety of choices as the company strives to enhance its international brand recognition. Riverside DeBussy operates 3- to 22-night itineraries along the Rhine, Moselle, Main, and Danube Rivers. All-inclusive rates (covering gratuities, transfers, wine, beer, and spirits) begin at $2,413 per person for a three-day cruise, based on double occupancy.