A new river cruise line called Riverside Luxury Cruises will set sail next year.

Operated by hotel group Seaside Collection, the line will launch with one ship, Riverside Mozart, in April 2023, with guests able to embark in Vienna, Budapest and Passau.

The ship was formerly part of the Crystal Cruises fleet.

Stuart Perl, previously UK & Europe managing director at AmaWaterways, has been appointed managing director of Riverside Luxury Cruises, and will oversee the brand’s development and sales and marketing activities in the UK, Ireland and parts of Europe.

Perl also worked as international sales & marketing director EMEA for Seabourn, and spent time as marketing director EMEA at Cunard and as UK managing director at Peter Deilmann River & Ocean Cruises.

‘An exciting new river cruise venture’

Gregor Gerlach, who owns Seaside Collection with his sister Anouchka, said: “We had been watching the market for river cruise ships for a number of years, and when the opportunity arose to take over the Mozart, we didn’t hesitate for long.

“With only 100 to 150 guests on board the Riverside Mozart and around 80 crew, we can offer the highest level of personal service on the rivers.

“River cruise ships are much closer to the topic of luxury than the ocean liners, on which well over 1,000 guests often travel.”

Perl said: “I am so pleased to be part of the leadership team of this exciting new venture. Offering exquisite cuisine and the highest standards of personal service on the rivers, Riverside Mozart will become the leader in true luxury river cruising for discerning guests.

“We look forward to working with our trade partners who would like to join us on this exciting journey.”