German hotelier acquires former Crystal Cruises’ Mozart and will set sail on the Danube in April 2023
By
Rebecca Gibson |
German hotelier Seaside Collection has launched its first luxury river cruise brand after acquiring a vessel from former luxury operator Crystal Cruises.
The new Riverside Luxury Cruises brand will begin operating Mozart on the Danube in April 2023, with guests being able to embark in Vienna, Austria; Budapest, Hungary; and Passau, Germany. The all-suite vessel has sailed for multiple brands in the past and underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation for Crystal Cruises before the pandemic. It will carry between 100 and 150 guests in all-suite accommodations and also offer an indoor pool, several bars and four restaurants.
“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 for long,” said Gregor Gerlach, who co-owns both Seaside Collection and Riverside Luxury Cruises with his sister Anouchka Gerlach.
“With only 100 to 150 guests onboard the Riverside Mozart and around 80 crew, we can offer the highest level of personal service on the rivers,” said Gregor Gerlach. “River cruise ships are much closer to the topic of luxury than the ocean liners, on which well over 1,000 guests often travel.”
Cruise industry veteran Stuart Perl will serve as managing director, overseeing the brand’s development and taking responsibility for marketing activities in the UK, Ireland and parts of Europe. Perl has worked in for both luxury and premium ocean and river cruise lines for more than 25 years, including brands such as AmaWaterways, Seabourn, Cunard, and Peter Deilmann River & Ocean Cruises.
“I am so pleased to be part of the leadership team of this exciting new venture,” said Perl. “Offering exquisite cuisine and the highest standards of personal service on the rivers, Riverside Mozart will become the leader in true luxury river cruising for discerning guests. We look forward to working with our trade partners who would like to join us on this exciting journey.”