Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to Linkedin Palm Court lounge on Riverside Ravel Ian Schemper When the recently launched Hamburg-based Riverside Luxury Cruises acquired several ships from the former Crystal River Cruises fleet they knew they had some swanky shoes to fill. Riverside acquired five ships from Crystal—ships designed to dazzle with all-suite cabins, walk-in rainfall showers in every bathroom, luxurious seated three-course dinners, a rooftop bar, spa, and an indoor pool. Today, those marvelous ships sail with the same luxurious amenities and in many cases, the same Crystal staff, many of whom have found positions with Riverside.
Indeed, people are at the heart of the Riverside experience as all of the luxury in the world means nothing without genuine hospitality. Everyone at Riverside, from the personal butler (every suite has one) to the barista, delivers service with warmth and passion for the job. Most of the cruises operate in Germany, but the Riverside Ravel is one of the few cruise lines that takes guests on a relaxing journey through France’s Rhone region, traveling both the Soane and Rhone.
Routes begin in Lyon or Avignon and include stops in Arles, Vienne and Tarascon. Dessert prepared by Riverside's pasty chef Riverside Cruises Scenery, staff, and luxuriousness aside, the defining characteristic of cruising on the Riverside Ravel is the culinary experience. Little things such as white glove service at dinner, or having your napkin placed in y.