Rhone River Archives

November 10, 2023November 21, 2023

2024…Worlds Best Luxury Cruise Lines

Luxury cruise lines are plentiful, and all offer varying degrees of pampering, experiences and exotic voyages to the most unique and glorious destinations. Here are our picks for the brands, one new ( RITZ CARLTON) small and big, but mostly for being consistent across all areas including price, value, food, on board / off board activities and delivering on an unforgettable LUXURY experience.

RITZ CARLTON YACHT – The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers an unprecedented opportunity to be untethered. Here, freedom and flexibility allow immersion in life’s exceptional experiences; exploration of earth’s exquisite and unexpected hideaways; and stirring of passions and curiosities that create new and deepened connections. All of this delivered in an intimate setting with a heightened level of care and attention

Viking Ocean Cruises, With 250 awards to its name, “Luxury” should be its middle name. Currently operating a fleet of state-of-the-art ships that have received numerous accolades, including the second year in a row, Viking was voted the #1 River Line and Ocean Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2023 Readers’ Choice .

Azamara, It’s been said that guests sail with Azamara for the destinations, but come back for the staff and crew. Luxury comes in small packages, And we couldn’t agree more. Whether you’re greeted with a cool towel, a warm smile, or a glass of sparkling wine after a rewarding day spent onshore, their staff and crew are always ready and waiting to welcome you home.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises® consistently delivers unmatched luxury cruises with the very best value for over thirty years. Unrivaled onboard space. Unforgettable shoreside excursions. Incomparable culinary experiences. Exceptional personalized service. Every lavish amenity is included when cruising aboard The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet™

Silversea Cruises, small luxury ships, There is something uniquely satisfying about a smaller ship. The intimacy. The friendly camaraderie. The excitement of exploring secluded harbours where others cannot go . The intimate, ultra-luxury ships can sail up narrow waterways into the heart of a city, or tie up right at the pier while others must anchor off shore. And for those who yearn to explore the new and unknown, Silversea’s 4 expedition ships can transport you to the furthermost boundaries of the planet. Travel is the elixir of life at Silversea and every cruise is a voyage of discovery.

Oceania Cruises, their unique itineraries are specifically designed to showcase the most fascinating destinations across the globe. As Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Sirena, Marina, Riviera and Vista are all small and luxurious, each ship can call on the world’s most desirable ports, from historic cities to modern meccas to charming seaside villages nestled along sparkling coastlines.

Seabourn, Cruising on a Seabourn ship is unlike any other form of travel. The experience is luxurious, yet relaxed — elegant, yet casual — sumptuous, yet understated. Our intimate ships visit the most desirable destinations worldwide, sailing to the heart of landmark cities, as well as to hidden gems where larger vessels cannot follow.

August 29, 2023October 31, 2023

Riverside Luxury Cruises, Mozart Sails in Style

LUXURY RETURNS TO THE RIVER

The Riverside Mozart is an exceptional phenomenon. As one of the largest river cruise ships on the Danube, and certainly the most well-appointed, she knows – just like her famous namesake – how to captivate and constantly surprise her guests. A river cruise aboard the Riverside Mozart means luxury, local culture and loving life. No sense is left untouched. Dine in one of the first-class restaurants. Decompress in the spa with sauna and massage. Discover another world on an excursion. Or simply delight in an Earl Grey or a Taittinger on the Vista Deck as you sail serenely through the landscape of the Wachau Valley. It’s one big treat for the senses.

Time ticks differently on the Riverside Mozart, as does the ship itself. It sets the standard for true luxury on the river. Enjoy suites instead of staterooms, the smallest alone measuring 215 square feet, while the Owner Suites deliver an expansive 883 square feet. No other river cruise ship on the Danube offers so much space combined, with a suite to crew ratio of 1:1. The service on board is exceptional, catering to standards enjoyed in luxury hotels the world over. When it comes to styling, different tastes can certainly divide opinion – but this ship is without a doubt uncompromisingly beautiful.

No day on the Riverside Mozart is like the other. But each one is unforgettable. Every route has its charm and every city is special. You enjoy the finest cuisine and sleep in exclusive suites.

OWNER’S SUITE, With the Owner’s Suite you can treat yourself to the greatest luxury in the truest sense of the word. It offers space for two to four guests and is a place of possibilities: a chat in front of the fireplace – and always the view through the French balcony windows, which bring the light and the landscape inside. Private dinners or a casual evening in front of the television are also possible. Those who reside here enjoy limousine transfers (e.g. from the airport to the ship) on the days of embarkation and departure.

The Mozart Suite on the MS Mozart with a double bed and a view of the river through an open window.

MOZART SUITE, The great composer was space consuming. You too can be as a guest in this suite of the same name. And there’s a good chance you’ll look more wrinkled here than Mozart himself without effort: as for the guests of the Owner’s Suite, the butler will collect your clothes and bring them back washed and ironed. You can write down your wonderful experiences in your diary at your own desk. And this suite also offers French balconies and limousine service.

The sleeping area of the Penthouse Suite on the MS Mozart with double bed, sofa and wide window overlooking the river.

PENTHOUSE SUITE, Seahorses enjoy the peace and quiet and like to withdraw. And that’s exactly what you can do in our penthouse suites on the Seahorse Deck. All with a view of the landscape passing by through the French balcony windows. Perfect comfort in 30 square meters. With a walk-in closet, a sofa bed for the child and two sinks in the bathroom. And if someone has dreams that are too expansive – no problem. These suites also offer twin beds as an option. And the luxury of limousine transfers.

The interior of a suite with a sofa, double bed and desk in light gray and white.

RIVERSIDE SUITE WITH FRENCH BALCONY, Nomen est omen: Everything is in flux here in two senses. And it is always in sight from the French balcony. Enjoy style and comfort, perfectly formed, a king-size bed or alternatively twin beds and for a short nap in the afternoon there are also cozy sofas in the riverside suites. A great pleasure far away from everyday life – for romance in togetherness. But also for solo travellers.

ROUTES

THE DANUBE ROUTES

BELA BURJANcaptain

5 nights

VIENNA – BUDAPEST – BRATISLAVA – VIENNA

A building full of points in Prague, directly on the Danube in the atmospheric evening sun

3 nights

VIENNA – BRATISLAVA – BUDAPEST

The Habsburg monarchy – westward – On this tour you will collect impressions that you will talk about for a long time. It is rich and full of interplay. The peace and intimacy on board, the almost contemplative gliding of the ship and its culinary highlights, and then back to nature and the most beautiful cultural cities in Europe.

BE AMAZED OR TAKE OFF – EXCLUSIVE EXCURSIONS ON LAND OR IN THE AIR

Taste wine, marvel at the sculptures in the garden or just take off in a helicopter? Wherever the Riverside Mozart docks, we offer our guests special excursions in exclusive small groups. You can book as many as you like, but you can also explore the cities on your own.

ULRIKE NEHLS Director Land Operations

A small, yellow house with wooden doors in the traditional Vojvodina Village near Novi Sad on the Danube.

SALAS (TYPICAL SERBIAN FARMHOUSE)Novi Sad is a small Serbian dream. Pastel-colored houses in narrow streets. Museums and the Petrovaradin Fortress. And then there is the beautiful Matic family farm. The Matic have been farmers for generations. They offer guests of the Riverside Mozart a Vojvodin breakfast with homemade delicacies such as donuts – and Serbian music.

WINE TASTING

Even the ancient Romans referred to Ilok as “delicium mundi”. That means as much as deliciousness of the world. Wine growing in the Croatian town of Ilok and its localities Bapska, Šarengrad, Radoš and Mohovo goes back to a 2000 year old tradition. The drive there is like in a picture book and the famous and award-winning wines are pure pleasure

Budapest

BALLOON RIDE

Join Tom Sawyer in his ballooning adventure and enjoy the world from above. What an adventure to fly silently over Budapest – in a traditional hot air balloon at a height of 150 meters. And then stroll through the city and discover unusual shops and marvel at architectural jewels.

esztergom

SPA & FITNESS

Anyone who now thinks that he or she will leave the Riverside Mozart like an apricot dumpling after the trip is mistaken. Because in addition to the numerous excursions, there are opportunities for sports on board and of course for relaxation afterwards.

BEAUTIFUL INSIGHTS FOR GOOD PROSPECTS, It’s not just the head that decides to go on a cruise, but also the heart. Be inspired by our pictures. And then nothing stands in the way of your trip.

The bathroom of the Mozart Suite in light marble with bath, shower and washbasin.

Mozart's board bistro with round tables, white-grey chairs and warm light.

A long, set table with green velvet chairs on the MS Mozart.

The bar on deck of the MS Mozart with two white wine glasses, white bar stools and a view over the Danube.

November 2, 2017

National Geographic and Scenic Announce River Cruise Partnership

National Geographic Expeditions and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours have teamed up to launch a new line of National Geographic River Cruises. These new offerings will combine Scenic’s truly all-inclusive luxury river cruise experience with National Geographic’s 129-year legacy of science, conservation and exploration.

Each sailing will be accompanied by a National Geographic expert who will enrich the experience through educational presentations and informal discussions throughout the trip. European cruises will also have a National Geographic photographer on board to share professional techniques and help guests hone their photography skills. On National Geographic River Cruises, guests will have a menu of rich, experiential excursions to choose from, ranging from hikes and bike rides to in-depth learning experiences that focus on the natural world, culture and history.

“We are excited and proud to align ourselves with a brand as historic and well respected as National Geographic,” said Glen Moroney, chairman of Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours. “We believe Scenic’s dedication to providing guests with the most exceptional five-star, all-inclusive river cruise experience available is a perfect complement to the enriching and authentic experiences for which National Geographic Expeditions is known.”

“Our trips are designed to celebrate remarkable destinations, to foster genuine interactions with local cultures, and to promote a deeper understanding of the natural world,” said Nancy Schumacher, head of Travel and Tour Operations for National Geographic. “Bringing river cruises into our portfolio allows our travelers to reach spectacular parts of the world in a unique way. We are pleased to partner with Scenic, as they share our commitment to delivering outstanding experiences to guests.”

This partnership between Scenic and National Geographic River Cruises will offer numerous sailings in Europe: on the Rhine, Danube, Main and Moselle Rivers; in Holland and Belgium; through France’s Bordeaux region and Portugal’s Douro Valley—as well as on the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar (Burma). Departures begin in 2018.

Scenic, www.scenicusa.com/nat-geo

October 7, 2015October 7, 2015

Europe: Avalon Waterways 2016 Great Views Event, $1,500 River Cruise Savings and more

Thinking about visiting Europe in 2016? Luxury Cruise News brings you the latest from award winning Avalon Waterways. Check out their Panorama Suites featuring large floor to ceiling windows and large staterooms and $1,500 in savings per couple PLUS a $400 air credit.

Avalon Waterways, www.avalonwaterways.com

Category: Rhone River