Seaside Collection has acquired Crystal Cruises’ Mozart, allowing the operator to enter the luxury river cruise market as Riverside Luxury Cruises.
Riverside Mozart begins cruising in April 2023 with guests able to embark in Vienna, Budapest and Passau.
Before the pandemic, the Mozart was renovated by Crystal Cruises at a cost of millions and was awarded the words “Best of the Best” by renowned business publication, Forbes.
“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,” says Gregor Gerlach, who owns Seaside Collection with his sister Anouchka. Together, they enter the river cruise market as the founders of Riverside Luxury Cruises.
“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 1000 guests often travel.”
Local industry professionals were invited to celebrate the occasion in Vienna last week, with a reception hosted aboard the newly named Riverside Mozart. Similar launch events will take place in London in late November.
River Cruise expert, Stuart Perl, who joins the team as the newly appointed managing director of Riverside Luxury Cruises, will oversee the brand’s development and sales and marketing activities in the UK, Ireland and parts of Europe.
