In so many ways, Europe is best toured by river — whether the Rhine, the Rhone, the Danube, or the Moselle. There’s truly nothing better than curving past castles or curling through the continent’s prettiest vineyards. And, historically speaking, long before you could drive a car down the highway, people sailed. So some of the greatest cities — and most charming villages—along the way are truly meant to be approached by water.
Founded just in 2022, Riverside Luxury Cruises’ ships are redefining onboard bliss. For example, the ultra-luxe Riverside Mozart, a ship that’s twice as wide as most, more than doubling the possibilities. Think: elegant, super-spacious suites with king-size beds within sight of (often) floor-to-ceiling windows. So you can watch the world go by, while snuggled deep under the covers, and high-thread-count sheets. Four restaurants, each offering its own distinctive, delicious, gourmet culinary experience. And, you won’t believe it — an indoor pool. Plus, a dedicated butler is included for every suite on board.
Voyages on the 162-guest vessel range from three nights, for the time pressed, to 23 nights, for passengers looking to really settle in. Here are more of the highlights from the Mozart. It’s a ship that makes beautiful music — a whole symphony, really — every time she sails the Danube.
EXPERIENCES
The best part of sailing on the Mozart: unpack once, and let the ship take you to some of the most glamorous places along the river In style. Rolling under soaring bridges in Budapest. Gracefully gliding past abbeys and fortresses and wineries in the Wachau Valley. Waltzing right through Vienna.
The ship will carry you directly to the doorstep. From there, walk or ride straight into an immersive (and unforgettable) experience. The destinations are, of course, the main reason you’ve taken this voyage. And Riverside offers a wide variety of wonderful ways to experience them. (Shore excursions are included in the premium all-inclusive with excursions fare.)
For example: biking both sides of the Danube, through 16th-century villages and past Habsburg redoubts, before crossing that mighty river, and over the border between Austria and Slovakia. (The ship carries both regular and e-bikes on board.) Or for a thrill, take a helicopter tour, flying high over the Wachau Valley. Add to that: so many opportunities to taste wine, beer, and special treats, sometimes in gardens or palaces or along the cobblestones of old towns. And so much more.
CULINARY
The variety of culinary options on board the Mozart is truly exceptional among river ships. Other vessels typically have one main dining room, and occasionally a single, small alternative venue. Here, you take your pick between four very different restaurants. And the best part? They all offer plenty of gourmet options, sometimes spiced with herbs harvested from the gardens on the sun deck.
Start the day at the cooking stations in the Marketplace, where you get a full, hearty breakfast, before heading out for a busy day. Lunch is available here, as well, but for the midday meal, you’ll have a decision to make. The Bistro evokes a coffeehouse atmosphere, and also serves tapas for dinner. The Blue Bar Grill is located on the stern of the ship on deck three, a bright and casual space serving burgers and wraps, and pasta. Seats overlook the ship’s wake, all that marvelous scenery ebbing behind (but lots more on the way).
Or you might want to keep it fresh, up top. The Mozart offers the unique option of dining in a dedicated al fresco space on the sun deck, called the Vista Deck. Weather permitting, the staff will grill fresh seafood, vegetables, and meats on outdoor barbecues. And take note: the Vista Bar is the perfect place for a sundowner drink, sipping a chilled Riesling, say, while rows and rows of vines climb away from the shore, the views extending a full 360 degrees.
Waterside is the main dining room, a place to get a little spiffy (if that’s your thing) and tuck into an ever-changing, à la carte menu. Those desiring an exclusive experience should consider the Vintage Room. In this rather opulent private space (for 12 max), you’ll dine on a well-curated tasting menu of seven courses, with wine pairings.
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SPA AND FITNESS
We’ve all been there. Looking for a little extra relaxation, you venture out in search of the spa. And find windowless treatment rooms buried deep in some sub-aquatic basement.
That’s definitely not the case on the Mozart. Here, the spa occupies a sunny spot on the bow of deck three. There’s a pool and a Jacuzzi. Take some time to lounge in the latter, letting the warm bubbles wash away a busy day. Or those seeking to keep extra pounds at bay can opt to push a button and create a counter-current to swim into, in the pool. (There’s also a fitness room nicely equipped with high-end Technogym machines.) Plus, a sauna and steam room in the locker rooms, and a full list of luxurious spa treatments, as well.
SUITES
By any standard, the guest suites on Mozart are spacious, sleek, and stylish. And uber comfortable. Even entry-level suites are outfitted with marble bathrooms (with a self-flushing, seat-warming Japanese toilet, a wonder), big closets, as well as espresso machines and a separate sitting area — in most cases, a sofa bed. And every cabin includes butler service.
Upper-level suites also feature French balconies and bathtubs. For a major splurge: opt for the Owner’s Suite, which covers almost 900 square feet, including two bedrooms and a couple of bathrooms. A perfect place to return after a busy day and a big dinner. Pour a glass of Gruner Veltliner, and maybe play a little of Mozart’s Jupiter Symphony (number 41, in C major). The ideal soundtrack for a night cruising along one of Europe’s greatest rivers. A whole new adventure is waiting for you in the morning.
SIDEBAR: THE RIVERSIDE DEBUSSY
The Mozart sails exclusively in the waters of the Danube, but Riverside offers a total of three ships. Including an upscale vessel named for innovative French composer Claude Debussy.
The Riverside Debussy navigates the scenic curves of the Main, Moselle, and the Rhine. Like the man himself, whose works comprised a “new form of music,” this vessel offers a fresh and almost lyrical take on river cruising. A five-star resort, but one that spirits you from the North Sea to the Alps, past the canals of Amsterdam and the twin spires of Cologne, and the small town charms of Rudesheim.
Spaces onboard are exceptionally bright, including the central Palm Court, with its honeycomb glass ceiling. Grab a drink, or even dinner on the top deck. Take a swim in the indoor jet pool. Enjoy a meal, made with local ingredients and featuring regional dishes, at Waterside. Then settle down into one of the suites, which ensconce guests in high-end materials (leather, velvet) while offering sweeping views out big, panorama windows.
In partnership with Riverside Luxury Cruises
