Seaside Collection is entering the luxury river cruise market as Riverside Luxury Cruises, following the acquisition of the Mozart from Crystal Cruises in September 2022. The Riverside Mozart, refurbished before the pandemic by Crystal Cruises, will begin cruising in April 2023, with guests able to embark in Vienna, Budapest, and Passau.
“We had been observing the river cruise market for several years, and when the opportunity arose to acquire the Mozart, we didn't hesitate,” says Gregor Gerlach, owner of Seaside Collection with his sister Anouchka. Together, they are entering the river cruise market as founders of Riverside Luxury Cruises.
Both see great potential in river cruises. Gregor Gerlach states: “With only 100 to 150 guests on board the Riverside Mozart and around 80 crew members, we can offer the highest level of personal service on the rivers.”.
Local industry professionals were invited to celebrate the occasion in Vienna last week with a reception held aboard the newly christened Riverside Mozart. Similar launch events will take place in London at the end of November, where Gregor and Anouchka will share the latest developments across the entire luxury portfolio, as well as culinary delights from the kitchens of their Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives resort, the Grand Hotel Residencia*****GL in Gran Canaria, and the Riverside Mozart's executive chef.
River cruise expert Stuart Perl, who joins the team as the new Managing Director of Riverside Luxury Cruises, will oversee brand development and sales and marketing activities in the UK, Ireland and parts of Europe.
Stuart has over 25 years of experience in the luxury and high-end sector, working for both ocean and river cruise companies. His roles have included International Sales and Marketing Director for EMEA at Seabourn, Marketing Director for EMEA at Cunard Line, Managing Director for the UK at Peter Deilmann River & Ocean Cruises, and most recently, Managing Director for the UK and Europe at AmaWaterways.
“I am delighted to be part of the management team of this new company. Riverside Mozart will become the leader in luxury river cruises for the most discerning guests. We look forward to working with our business partners who want to join us on this exciting journey,” says Perl.
