Seaside Collection enters river cruising after Crystal ship acquisition
Seaside Collection is entering the luxury river cruise market as Riverside Luxury Cruises, following the acquisition of Crystal Cruises’ Mozart in September 2022.
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.
“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,” says Gregor Gerlach, co-owner of Seaside Collection with 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 80 crew, we can offer the highest level of personal service,” Gerlach said.
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 joins the team as the newly appointed Managing Director of Riverside Luxury Cruises.
He will oversee the brand’s development and sales and marketing activities in the UK, Ireland and parts of Europe.
He has worked in the luxury and premium sectors with both ocean and river cruise lines for more than 25 years.
Previous roles include International Sales & Marketing Director EMEA for Seabourn, Marketing Director EMEA for Cunard, and most recently Managing Director UK & Europe for AmaWaterways.
Ray Monty
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