By Gerry Barker
Photos Courtesy of Riverside Luxury Cruises
Last April in Miami, Riverside Luxury Cruises CEO Jennifer Halboth talked to Splash about the cruise line’s first year as Europe’s newest choice for luxury river travel. Now, as 2024 draws to a close, we caught up with her to get an update on the year in review.
Q. The last time we spoke at Seatrade Miami, you were looking forward to honing the brand in 2024. Talk about what has happened since that time.
A. “Yes, and I’m still excited. We hit a new milestone this year, sailing all three ships for a full season. The reviews are in and people continue to fall in love with Riverside. The Debussy crew in particular was a standout, jumping right into extraordinary service after we christened the ship at the ASTA River Cruise Expo.
“We continued to elevate our culinary in every way, which is likely why we earned Cruise Critics Award for best cuisine on the rivers for our second consecutive year. I can see from guest surveys, advisor testimonials and journalist’s articles that our on-board team is shining at every level.
“Authenticity, attentiveness and genuine sweetness/care are the things people cite when sharing their experience with the onboard team. I also believe we have really elevated our ‘surprise & delight’ moments – I can’t share any of those as you need to sail with us to find out.”
Q. Riverside has collected more cruise industry awards in 2024. That has to be gratifying.
A. “Yes, but not because I believe that awards are proof of how good someone’s product is because, let’s be honest, we know it’s a volume game. Yet, for us to be named to Travel + Leisure’s Best List and be recognized by Cruise Critic again for our culinary excellence, simply helps people be more aware of who we are, why we’re different and hopefully provide a little inspiration to learn more. It’s not easy to break into and stand out in this crowded but wonderful river cruise space.”
Q. Cruise travel in general is enjoying increased popularity as more people discover the benefits of a cruise vacation. Does that hold true for river cruising as well?
A. “I believe river cruising benefits the MOST from this trend. River cruising is more similar to a land vacation than an ocean cruise, with its extra time in port, cultural immersion and intensely local experiences, yet it’s coupled with everything that travelers love about cruising.
“River cruise offers ease (unpack once), it appeals to multiple types of people on one vacation, allows guests to befriend the passionate crew and it is more inclusive from a pricing and experiences standpoint than land vacations or ocean cruising. It’s hard to beat her style, sass and substance.”
Q. What are some of your main takeaways from the feedback you’ve collected from your guests?
A. “They can’t get enough of the crew. They can’t get enough of the food. They LOVE the king-size beds and simply adore our styling, particularly in the oversized and well-appointed bathrooms. They feel the entire experience is luxury, high end, with a very grounded, authentic feel which is what today’s luxury traveler really values.”
Q. For anyone planning to take a river cruise in Europe, how does Riverside stand apart from the competition?
A. “Fewer people on board coupled with more crew to cater to our guests means our service levels, culinary and variety of onboard spaces and experiences far exceed what you will find on other lines. And the other lines do a great job. We are simply striving to be exceptional.”
Q. Looking ahead to 2025, what’s coming next for Riverside? Do you plan to add any more ships?
A. “More tulip time and Christmas markets departures. Signature ‘must experience events’ on every cruise, like our private visit to the Belvedere Palace with concert. Refined and more engaging shore experiences and a crew of beautiful people that cannot wait to welcome you back or onboard for the first time. We actually own five ships, yet are only sailing three through the 2026 season. We’ll fold one ship back into our portfolio in 2027 and the fifth in 2028. We have plenty of room to grow along with our guests’ love of Riverside.”
Riverside operates three ships — Mozart, Ravel and Debussy — all formerly owned by Crystal, offering guests all-inclusive sailings on Europe’s Rhine, Rhone, Danube and Main Rivers. Find out more on their website.
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