Riverside Luxury Cruises has appointed former AmaWaterways national sales manager Jon Knight as its UK and Ireland head of sales.

Knight will lead sales efforts and focus on developing a trade luxury distribution channel, the line said in a statement.

Riverside Luxury Cruises will start sailing this April, with the Riverside Mozart operating on the Danube.

In January, the line added to its fleet with the purchase of MS Bach, MS Ravel, MS Mahler and MS Debussy, originally designed and operated by Crystal Cruises.

The renamed Riverside Ravel will include sailings on both the Rhône and Saône in 2023, “providing guests a chance to indulge in all that southern France has to offer, sailing from Burgundy to Provence”, the line side.

Riverside Debussy, meanwhile, will sail along the Rhine, starting this year. Itineraries for Riverside Bach and Riverside Mahler will launch in 2024 and will be announced later this year.

Riverside Luxury Cruises to bring ‘new dimension’ to cruise

Riverside Luxury Cruises managing director Stuart Perl said: “We are delighted to have someone of Jon’s calibre and experience joining us and demonstrating our commitment to our trade-focused sales strategy.

“Developing and building strong relationships with travel agents and the wider industry will be a huge part of our success.

“Jon’s extensive network will play a crucial role in our growth as we move forwards with this exciting new river cruise venture.”

Knight added: “I am delighted to join the team as we embark on bringing a new dimension to luxury river cruising in the UK and Irish markets.

“I am excited to be able to introduce a unique luxury proposition to the trade and look forward to growing our distribution network and taking our travel partners with us on this exciting journey.”