New European river cruise operator Riverside Luxury Cruises has announced that it has taken ownership of four additional river vessels from the former Crystal Cruises, in addition to the already-acquired Crystal Mozart. The ships are set to join the fleet starting this spring and will embark on voyages along the Rhône & Saône Rivers as well as the Rhine.
The newly acquired ships include the 106-passenger Crystal Bach (now known as Riverside Bach), Crystal Mahler (now Riverside Mahler), Crystal Debussy (Riverside Debussy), and Crystal Ravel (Riverside Ravel). Both the Riverside Debussy and Riverside Ravel will be ready to welcome guests when they launch their inaugural trips Spring 2023. However, those eager to experience a voyage aboard the Riverside Bach or Riverside Mahler will have to wait until 2024, when these vessels debut.
This latest acquisition is yet another move for the new German river cruise operator setting out to expand its selection of vessels with added amenities and state-of-the-art facilities. Each ship offers spacious lounges and cabins with high ceilings, staterooms with balconies, a fitness center, a spa area, a library, and multiple dining venues.
The news comes just months after Crystal Cruises filed for bankruptcy due to financial struggles aggravated by travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic. Crystal ceased operation in January 2022, and the Riverside acquired ships did not sail during 2022.
