6 Reasons John Roberts is Excited That Riverside Luxury Cruises’ Saved Riverside Mozart

Riverside Mozart

By John Roberts

Riverside Luxury Cruises jumped at the chance to purchase the Crystal Cruises river boats when the longtime premium cruise line went out of business in 2022.

Sister and brother Anouchka and Gregor Gerlach, owners of luxury resort group Seaside Hotels, jumped at the chance to add the world’s most-luxurious river cruise ships to their fledgling line — Riverside Luxury Cruises. They aim to target an international clientele comprising both Europeans (especially Germans) as well as North Americans. This is a similar strategy that another new German-owned company is pursuing — Viva Cruises. Read more about Viva here.

And what better ship to get things started for the first season than the legendary former Crystal Mozart? This is the Danube’s first double-wide vessel and arguably the poshest river ship of them all.

Longtime Crystal Cruises fans and river cruisers in general should be happy that Mozart has been given a new life with this cruise line. It would have been a shame if this special vessel had remained sidelined after Crystal went bankrupt early last year.

Riverside started in April 2023 with its first voyages aboard Mozart, which carries up to 162 passengers in 81 staterooms.

The river boat offers an all-inclusive experience with butler service, meals and drinks, shore excursions, gratuities and transfers.

John aboard Riverside Mozart enjoying a beer on the lovely top deck. * Photo: John Roberts

What really stood out for me during my weeklong summer sailing from Budapest to Vienna was that I ate the best river cruise meals I have ever eaten.

The food is just one of several things Riverside Luxury Cruises is doing well in its inaugural season.

Let’s jump right in and tell you what we liked about our time on the Danube on Riverside Mozart.

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1. Five Restaurants on Riverside Mozart Offer a Dizzying Array of Meals

Riverside Mozart features six distinct dining experiences — five dining areas and room service.

The culinary program immediately jumps to the top of this boat’s experiences, and it was designed that way.

General Manager Sonja Gruber said Riverside Luxury Cruises’ owners wanted to allow the line’s chefs to be creative and try new things when inspiration strikes.

This was obvious during our voyage, as chef Paula Iacoblev and her team whipped up a wide variety of meals, including two tapas-style extravaganzas and two al fresco barbecue dinners on the Sun Deck. These meals were enhanced by lovely sunsets.

Barbecue dinner aboard Riverside Mozart * Photo: John Roberts

Waterside is the main dining room, and it offers a buffet area for breakfasts and lunches.

The Waterside restaurant. * Photo: John Roberts

Dinners are fully plated multi-course meals that cruisers select from an enticing menu that always features meat, fish and vegetarian options.

The regional flavors and creative dishes include items like candied pumpkin and sweet potatoes, slow-roasted beef tenderloin with truffle fries, and filet of Danube catfish.

Steak and veggies. * Photo: John Roberts

A wonderful food plank feast. * Photo: John Roberts

The cruise always will feature a meal or two (weather permitting) on the sun deck at the Vista Grill. This outdoor seating area is next to Vista Bar and utilizes two large Green Egg smokers to create incredibly flavorful food.

The Vista Bar. * Photo: John Roberts

Vista Grill on the Sun Deck. * Photo: John Roberts

The menus tempted us with grilled halloumi, beef ribeye, butterfish, shrimp, octopus, orange-infused scallops, smoked tofu, vegetables and caramelized camembert.

Delicious grilled brie. * Photo: John Roberts

Bistro is a casual venue midship around the atrium on Deck 3. This delightful space is where you can get breakfast, with a small buffet featuring healthy options like fruits, yogurts, smoothies, juice shots, muesli, seeds and nuts. You also can select from the fresh-made breads, pastries and French toast, as well as deli meats, vegetables, bacon and sausage.

The casually elegant Bistro. * Photo: John Roberts

Eggs made to order, waffles and specialty coffees are on the small menu, too.

Lunch will also be served here and in Blue, a deli at the aft of Deck 3. The lunch menus offer delicious soups, salads and pastas of the day, a hearty sandwich choice and fantastically juicy cheeseburgers.

A juicy cheese burger. * Photo: Riverside Mozart

Finally, the top dining experience: Vintage Room. Costing a hefty €295 euros per person, this chef’s table seven-course wine-pairing meal seats up to 12 cruisers.

The main course in Vintage Room. * Photo: John Roberts

Dessert in the Vintage Room. * Photo: John Roberts

Room service is also available; with breakfast included in your fare and other meals coming with an a la carte surcharge.

2. Riverside Mozart Has a Huge Pool & Spa

The spa facility and large indoor pool and hot tub set this ship apart from anything else you’ll see on the rivers. When you spend time here to enjoy the views and amenities, such as a relaxation room overlooking the water at the bow of the ship, you will feel like you’re at a boutique resort hotel.

Riverside Mozart’s spa offers separate changing rooms for men and women, each with a large steam room, sauna and shower.

The pool has a deeper end and shallow end. Plus, lap swimmers will appreciate the swim-against current that you can activate with the touch of a button and easily adjust.

The indoor pool and hot tub aboard Riverside Mozart. * Photo: John Roberts

A mini-fridge has cold bottles of water available, and pitchers of fruit-infused water are also always on hand.

Additionally, spa services include massage treatments and a salon for hairdressing, haircuts and facials.

3. Amenities to Please Active Travelers

Riverside Mozart has a large fleet of 30 bikes, including 10 e-bikes (electric assist).

Riverside Mozart’s fleet of bikes. * Photo: John Roberts

On my voyage on the Danube, I took a guided 20-mile bike ride in Bratislava along the river and past an old Iron Curtain region to reach the Devin Castle ruins at the confluence of the Danube and Morava Rivers.

I also grabbed a bike to pedal around independently in Grein and in Vienna. I explored via the easy-to-navigate bike paths to cruise past the castle and through the small town center in Grein.

John biking in Grein. * Photo: John Roberts

I went all over Vienna, crossing bridges out to the Donauinsel (Danube) city island and back, visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral and to Stadtpark, the large green park near the river that is adjacent to the Prater and Vienna’s iconic Ferris wheel.

John cycling in Vienna and stopping for a selfie in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. * Photo: John Roberts

When a ship carries a nice fleet of bikes, the trip can offer so much more for an ambitious active traveler, and Mozart’s bikes are high-quality cycles. Having the e-assist bikes makes these activities accessible to even more travelers.

The fitness center at the front of the ship down on Deck 1 features a large cardio room with two treadmills, three exercise bikes, a rowing machine and a Technogym arm bike (a machine that works just the arms and upper body).

The cardio room aboard Riverside Mozart. * Photo: John Roberts

Cruisers can also find walking poles in the gym, available for your use throughout the voyage.

The shore excursion program offers moderate to strenuous hikes in some locations.

4. Attentive Crew with a Sharp Focus on Service

There were only eight cruisers onboard during my trip. Yes, you read that right.

Riverside Luxury Cruises came to the marketplace swiftly and launched early this year after buying all the former Crystal Cruises ships. (Riverside Ravel debuts later in 2023, and Riverside Mahler, Riverside Bach and Riverside Debussy are slated for 2024 starts.)

Because of this, the lead time for the marketing efforts have made spring and summer slim on passenger counts. However, the line said it expects more brisk business later this year for the Christmas markets season and into 2024.

Riverside has a German heritage via its owners, and the ship’s programming, menus and website are presented in both English and German. However, the cruises are decidedly international. This contrasts a little bit from what I expected before arriving for my trip.

Gruber says that the mix has been about 50% German speaking with mostly North American passengers making up the rest, along with a handful of cruisers coming from places like Argentina, Spain, Israel, Great Britain and Denmark in the initial batch of sailings.

Service meets all the standards you would expect for a five-star premium river cruise.

My butler, Gorica, seemed to always pop up right when I needed something, whether in my room or elsewhere on the ship.

Speaking of rooms, here’s John’s cabin, #219. * Photo: John Roberts

The staff, in general, is trained to be highly flexible and able to assist in answering questions or making requests happen quickly, even if it means stepping outside of their traditional job title.

The captain, for example, gathered my bike from me at the end of my ride in Vienna and whisked it back up to its spot on the Sun Deck.

Wait staff learned my breakfast order and drink requests at every meal or wherever I happened to be perched around the ship. They anticipated what I would be asking for and had it ready to bring to the table moments after my arrival.

Many of Riverside’s senior crew members are former Crystal Cruises staff, so this type of service has been part of their DNA for years.

Bartender Severin at Vista Bar. * Photo: John Roberts

5. Exciting Variety of Shore Excursions

In each stop, there were nice options for the tours included in the all-inclusive cruise fares*.

In Budapest, I went on a tour of the city’s iconic parliament building. The program also offers the standard city tour, visit to Buda Castle Hill, Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion.

But my tour brought us inside the ornate parliament building that many typically only see from the river during the Grand Illumination cruises in the evening.

The Grand Illumination of Budapest’s ornate parliament building. * Photo: John Roberts

The interior of the parliament house in Budapest. * Photo: John Roberts

In Bratislava, I enjoyed the epic bike ride to Devin one-on-one with my guide. Others had a walking tour of the picturesque Old Town with a Slovakian beer tasting session.

In Krems, my fellow cruisers, who all are wine aficionados, raved about the Wachau Wine Tasting excursion to the Sandgrube 13 wine collective that treated them to the varieties that come from the region’s famous Gruner Veltliner and Riesling grapes. The trip included a tasting session in a cozy wine cave.

I tried the Kittenberger Garden Experience that toured some landscapes and pretty grounds on a sprawling property that was more of a family amusement park than anything. Luckily, our guide, Ari, noticed a craft brewery next door that his friend owns and kindly showed me around there during my free time.

I enjoyed a quick tour of Brau Schneider and a couple pints to salvage my outing.

At Linz, an all-day tour to Salzburg resulted in great reports from the cruisers who had a wonderful time there learning the hills are truly alive with the sound of music and the flavors of beers, pretzels, sausage and, of course, Mozartkugel.

Since I have been to Salzburg a few times, I chose the Linz city walk to see that vibrant city of modern art and design.

View of Linz during John’s walk. * Photo: John Roberts

In the evening, we all headed out after dinner for the Riverside Signature Event, a private after-hours tour of Lentos Art Museum.

We were greeted by the curators and a musical trio for a cocktail reception as the sun set on the Danube. The museum is situated right on the banks of the river and is part of a park area that bustles with festivals on the weekends.

We were led around to see the modern works displayed in the museum that opened in 2003 and is a point of pride for the city.

A complimentary Riverside Signature Event is also on the program in Vienna. Travelers who start their cruise in Vienna get treated to a private evening concert.

Tours in Mauthausen (to the concentration camp) and Steyr and Grein (for city walks) followed before we reached Vienna. Here, there were morning and afternoon excursions to Stephansplatz and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, as well as Schonbrunn Palace to see the summer home of the Habsburgs.

I delightfully did my own tour, riding a bike all over town.

Riverside also offers a brochure full of additional premium experiences offered at an additional cost.

For instance, there is the hot air balloon ride over Budapest or a hike in the Szemlo-hegyi cave that is called the underground flower garden of the city.

How about an Alpine helicopter ride over Linz or Vienna?

Or a city bike tour in Linz to an air-raid tunnel? You can also pick cooking classes.

VIDEO:  Below is a recap of my sailing with Riverside Luxury Cruises.

6. Space to Spread Out Aboard Riverside Mozart

We had loads of space, of course, on our voyage. But even at full capacity, Riverside Mozart always stands out for its roomy public areas and fantastic viewing points as you sail on the Danube.

The Vista Sun Deck is wide open with loungers and bean-bag style green- and peach-colored chairs, couches and tables.

Cruisers naturally gathered up here to enjoy sunsets and scenic sailing late each afternoon, sharing stories of the day over cocktails as we passed under bridges and by small towns with castles and vineyards in the hillsides.

The comfy seating on the Sun Deck of the 162-pax Riverside Mozart. * Photo: John Roberts

There is no walking track on a turf surface up there. Instead, it features a series of garden boxes filled with flowers, plants and herbs.

Cruisers can walk laps on the Deck 3 promenade that encircles the ship.

The Blue Cafe and Bistro eateries feature large window views, and the main dining room also has numerous tables with window area seating that diners will enjoy.

The Blue Cafe. * Photo: John Roberts

The central lobby atrium down on Deck 2 is flanked by a coffee station room with a cooler filled with bottled water. Here, you’ll find a small conversation seating area. Matching that space on the opposite side past the reception desk is a small library living room. These two serene spots are where you can do some reading, enjoy a coffee or wait for your shore excursion to get going.

This deck also has a large self-serve laundry room with washers, dryers, ironing board, detergent pods and dryer sheets.

On Deck 3, just outside the Bistro, you find another cozy place to hang out by a fireplace (simulated ambient fires).

And the Cove is a bar and small lounge that leads to the Palm Court main lounge.

The Cove bar. * Photo: John Roberts

The Palm Court main lounge. * Photo: John Roberts

This is a fantastic spot to meet friends for a pre-dinner drink and listen to the piano player as he sets the mood for a relaxing evening onboard.

There are seats along the window or at the bar and even at a long high-top table.

A second piano is also on the main stage, and we were treated to evening tunes from the resident pianist as well as a big final-night show from an accomplished duo of pianist Lord Byron and tenor/showman Steffan Mullan.

Riverside Mozart also features a richly decorated cigar and whisky lounge called The Connoisseur Club. It has a large TV so that it can double as a sports lounge of sorts.

VIDEO: Watch my full ship tour of Riverside Mozart below.

Speaking of space to spread out, here are details about the cabins aboard Riverside Mozart:

The ship offers four types of cabins.

The Mozart Suite is the largest at 667 square feet, and it can be connected to a Riverside Suite (the standard French balcony-style cabin; 215 square feet) to make the 882 square-foot Owner Suite. The Penthouse Suite features a bit more space at 333 square feet and a large bathroom with a tub. These cabins can add a third person.

John’s Riverside Suite, #219, a standard French balcony-style cabin measuring 215 square feet. * Photo: John Roberts

The Harmony Suite is the same as the Riverside Suite but down on Deck 1 with large windows instead of the balcony.

Cruisers staying in the Mozart, Owner and Penthouse Suites get a limousine transfer included.

The cabins are all luxuriously decorated, feature attentive butlers, mini-fridges stocked with your choice of beverages and coffee machines.

There are large walk-in rainfall showers and a selection of premium bath products (lotion, shampoo and body wash).

You also get bathrobes, slippers and a TV that offers a selection of on-demand movies and a limited number of cable channels. The TV is most useful to view the daily programming and information about the spa services and shore excursions available on your cruise.

A pair of binoculars is in each cabin, which is an unexpected and nice addition.

The rooms have European-style outlets (bring converters for your U.S. devices plugs) and some USB ports.

VIDEO: Here’s a tour of my Riverside Suite # 219, below.

VIDEO: Below, John give a tours of four other cabins on Riverside Mozart.

What’s Included on a Riverside Mozart Cruise

Riverside Luxury Cruises offers all-inclusive cruise packages (and also several non-all-inclusive pricing options for those who prefer it) that include the following in the fares:

• Meals
• Drinks (wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks)
• Gratuities
• Shore excursions in each port
• Room-service breakfast
• Use of spa amenities
• Wi-Fi
• Self-service laundry
• Transfers

Why Go on a Riverside Mozart Cruise?

Riverside Mozart is the latest iteration of a legendary Danube river cruise ship, probably the most well-known and most-luxurious ship that you can cruise. The standards set by Crystal Cruises over many years have been picked up and enhanced in many ways.

So essentially Riverside is offering the Crystal brand as we remember it; they haven’t redesigned much. Riverside Mozart’s interiors, food and pricing are outstanding in my experience.

Riverside is offering a completely different experience from mass-market river cruise programs from lines such as Viking, CroisiEurope, Avalon, Emerald and Riviera.

There are no set meals times. Instead, the restaurants are open over a period of one-and-a-half to two hours (generally, breakfast 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., lunch noon to 1:30 p.m. and dinner 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.), and diners come when they are ready.

Butlers will even prep packed lunches if you have a long day off the ship on a shore excursion.

A dessert trio served aboard Riverside Mozart. * Photo: John Roberts

An attractive salad aboard Riverside Mozart. * Photo: John Roberts

Meals are prepared a la minute instead of banquet style.

There is not a cruise director, either. The shore excursion manager is the point of contact for daily programming. Riverside Luxury Cruises also features a wider range of excursions, with premium offerings like helicopter and balloon rides. Plus, the included excursions limit the number of guests per guide to about 20 people.

Be Sure You Understand the Four Pricing Tiers of a Riverside Mozart Cruise

Riverside Luxury Cruises is an international line and so they offer four tiers of pricing for their voyages to cater to a variety of markets. The expectation is that North Americans are likely going to be attracted to the all-inclusive package, while some Europeans may prefer less-inclusive fares.

Make sure you get the exact program you want. The Riverside approach to pricing is a bit different than other river cruise lines you might have sailed with in the past.

Riverside offer these four packages*:

1. Full Board is the barebones base package that includes meals at all restaurants (with the exception of the €40 fee for dinners at Bistro); water, tea and coffee only during meals; and Wi-Fi.
2. Premium All-Inclusive includes the base package plus adds on a premium beverage package (wine, beers, spirits) including the minibar in your suite.
3. Full Board Including Excursions is the base package plus your choice of the included shore excursions in each port.
4. Premium All-Inclusive Including Excursions is the whole package (options #1, #2 and #3 combined) that resembles the traditional all-inclusive cruise, including drinks and excursions.

The pricing difference if you choose option #4 Premium All-Inclusive Including Excursions is about $1,200 more than the #1 Full Board package in a standard stateroom.

The aft of Riverside Mozart. * Photo: John Roberts.

My Conclusion About Riverside Mozart

Riverside Mozart is a special ship and it has never been a better time for cruisers to think about taking a journey on it.

Right now, prices are more affordable as Riverside Luxury Cruises tries to establish its brand in the early going.

Overall, the food quality and variety, plus the spacious ship with its luxury spa and staterooms, all come together to make the Riverside Mozart a thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable cruising experience.

I was able to stay active on independent outings and guided excursions alike, and also indulge in excellent cuisine all day long and chill out in the pool, sauna and hot tub each afternoon.

The flexible structure of the daily program allows people to travel how they want without the rigid structure I have experienced on many other river cruise lines.

Interested in a Riverside Mozart Cruise?

Fares for the seven-night “Treasures of the Danube”cruise start at $2,917 per person.

Here is info on booking and available dates.

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