An Introduction and an Announcememt

The world of river cruising just keeps getting better and better. Choices abound and I can truly book any line a client prefers. 

But while there is a line to fit everyone’s style and budget, there are a handful that stand out: AmaWaterways, Uniworld, and Tauck have been my top recommendations for many years. Today I’m adding another to my (short) list of favorites: Riverside Luxury Cruises.

Riverside is a newer company in this niche, and it’s quite small. But its parent, the Hamburg-based Seaside Collection, has been in the luxury hotel and resort business for many decades. It has chosen to maintain a very carefully planned rollout of the cruise line, with its third ship (of five total) only having begun sailing in the spring of 2024. The Ravel began plying the Rhône and Saône Rivers in France, joining the Debussy on the Rhine and the Mozart on the Danube.

Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to inspect three of Riverside’s ships, and I actually was a resident aboard the Debussy earlier this year during ASTA’s River Cruise Expo in Amsterdam. 

Your butler will make sure you have everything you need in your stateroom, no matter what category you choose. Dining is at your convenience over a period of several hours, and your food will be cooked to order. Every cabin has its own espresso machine.

While the ships are the same size overall as other brands I love, you will be one of only 110 guests on the Debussy and the Ravel, maximum, as compared to 190 on Viking or 150-160 on other top lines.

Another unique aspect of Riverside is the ability to tailor your inclusions to your preferences. The full board package includes your accommodation, meals in the dining room with coffee and tea, afternoon treats, all gratuities (both on and off the ship), room service, and arrival/departure transfers on the day of embarkation and disembarkation.

Not a big drinker? No need to add the premium beverage package. On the other hand, if you’re like me and appreciate that bottomless glass of Taittinger, or a bottle delivered to your stateroom, or some additional dining options, you’re going to want the premium package.

Do you prefer to explore destinations entirely on your own, or maybe you just want to pick and choose a few excursions on an à la carte basis and chill out the rest of the time (maybe at the indoor pool?)? You can do that. Or, if you’re like me and want to do everything, you can add the all-excursions package, giving you maximum flexibility and choice each day. There are plenty of options, too, from walking and tasting to hiking and kayaking.

The fourth option is essentially “all of the above”—basic package plus premium beverage package plus all the excursions you can cram into a week.

No matter which package you choose, you will experience the most luxurious treatment imaginable onboard any Riverside ship.

And about that announcement...oui, oui!

You’ve probably figured out by now that this new trip I am adding or 2025 will include a Riverside cruise. Won’t you join me in France next year for the Rhône Roaming cruise and the Ravishing Riviera City Break in Nice? Choose either component on its own or join me for the full two weeks! My clients especially love traveling to France with me, parce que je parle français.

I was originally planning to offer this cruise and the week in Nice in 2026. However Riverside is offering some unbelievable launch discounts for 2025 sailings, so I’ve moved up those plans so that my clients can take full advantage. There are several promotions in effect at this time, but the first one expires at the end of November—so you’ll want to book right away to enjoy the best prices. Solo travelers, note that there are a limited number of cabins with the single supplement waived!

Start your week in the South of France with a luxuriously indulgent Rhône cruise aboard the Riverside Ravel, from August 27 to September 3. We will embark in Lyon and spend a leisurely week exploring the charming small towns and cities of the Rhône and Provence.

As you’ve just read, your floating five-star hotel has everything: true king (or twin) beds, multiple dining options, an indoor pool and spa, and even a butler for every stateroom. Riverside’s food and wine program has been recognized as the best on the rivers. The surprises and delights of the region are definitely to be found both on and off the ship!

Then from September 3 to 10, for the second half of this perfect pairing, we will be nestled into Nice, “Queen of the Riviera.” Nice is considered by many to be the most beautiful city on the Mediterranean, and it’s no wonder that so many artists have been drawn here. We’ll visit the best of Nice, along with a few day trips to surrounding villages and sights of the Côte d’Azur. From perfume-making to coastal paths and from the ancient Romans to today’s Carnaval de Nice, there is so much to explore in and around this elegant enclave.

You may choose the cruise only, the City Break in Nice only, or, of course take my recommendation and do both! For more information, please click the button below to learn more.

I'm now taking private travel planning requests for 2025 and 2026, so be sure to get on my book as soon as possible. Or join us for a Small Group Trip:

Both Berlin and Ireland are sold out. Contact me for wait list options.

Gems of Southeast Europe: This luxurious late June 2025 river cruise aboard the AmaMagna (the ship I call the Queen of the Danube) will be a change of pace. We'll visit countries that spent many decades behind the Iron Curtain. This cruise will surely be both enlightening and educational, in addition to being relaxing and indulgent. Only about ten cabins remain. Read more here.

One week in Hungarian wine country and Budapest: If you'd like to add a fabulous Hungarian wine tour (and a taste of Budapest) for the first week of July, reservations for this specially curated land are limited. We're staying at a castle. On a vineyard. Seriously. See the brochure here.

You are welcome to participate in this Hungarian tour even without the cruise. 

Wonders of Colombia: Looking for a new destination? How about Colombia's Magdalena River? Join us for this colorful new itinerary aboard the brand new AmaMelodia in late January 2026, with land extensions in Colombia and Panama. Did you know that Colombia has more bird species than any other country, and is number two for butterflies and amphibians? The natural scenery (and probably the natural soundscape) on this route will be like no other river cruise you have experienced.

Note that there are only three cabins and two suites left on the ship, even though this trip is more than a year away. Take a look at this cruise here.