Riverside Luxury Cruises

I have not sailed Riverside yet, though it is on my radar, and I am looking closely at a possible 2027 sailing of my own. Every interaction I have had with the Riverside team so far has left a real impression, enough that if the experience on board matches it, this line could move quickly toward the top of my recommendation list.

Riverside is new to the river cruise market, but the ships are not. Their three vessels are the former Crystal Cruises ships, renovated and updated, which let Riverside launch operations quickly with a fleet already built to a high standard rather than starting from nothing.

Why does that matter to you? Because a new company with proven ships is a very different proposition than a new company with an unproven one. You are not the test case for a brand-new build.

The onboard experience is upscale, with butler service included in every suite category, not reserved for the highest tiers. Riverside also takes a fresh approach to structure. Some of their river cruises run as short as three days, which opens up river cruising to travellers who cannot commit to a full week or two. Their entry-level suite carries no single supplement, a real advantage for solo travellers used to paying close to double for the privilege of traveling alone.

Pricing is also flexible in a way most cruise lines do not offer. You can choose a fully all-inclusive fare, or a fare that leaves out shore excursions, or one that leaves out the drink package. If you do not drink, you are not paying for a beverage package sitting unused for the length of your cruise. You choose what you actually want.

"If Riverside is on your list of cruise ships to try, let's talk about whether it fits the trip you are picturing."

You can also browse current Riverside sailings through my co-branded page directly with Riverside: riverside-cruises.com/?insider=3rmo-helen-king