Congrats on your recent win, Jennifer! Riverside Luxury Cruises has been celebrated for its unique approach to river travel. What inspired this vision, and how has it evolved over time?
Thank you! We are truly honored to receive this award, especially as we are just completing our second season sailing the rivers of Europe. Our parent company is renowned for its design-forward properties in Europe and the Maldives, offering understated luxury with top-tier service. This model influences the guest experience on our river ships as well. We are always seeking new ways to anticipate our guests' needs and desires, and to exceed their expectations.
How does Riverside Luxury Cruises define "luxury" in today's competitive travel market?
I believe luxury is deeply personal, and looks a little different for everyone. Of course, a beautifully designed and maintained space is a must. Excellent service is also paramount. We offer butler service in every suite, which allows guests to decide what pampering looks like to them. And we can't forget the culinary side. Great food is a make-it-or-break-it moment for river cruise lines, and we're so pleased to hear from our guests that their dining experiences were exceptional.
Riverside Luxury Cruises carries a max of 162 guests and offers spacious suites and public spaces. The Palm Court lounge is bright and airy, with tons of natural light, and Waterside restaurant provides an impressive buffet.
How does Riverside personalize the guest experience?
The process of getting to know our guests begins even before they board one of our ships. Our online guest portal allows the crew to learn their preferences, and gives them the opportunity to surprise and delight from day one. Our itineraries and schedules are flexible, allowing guests to choose the duration of their cruise. We offer a range of choices for excursions in each port, but we're also happy to help a guest book a private tour or make reservations.
What innovations does Riverside offer to enhance the guest experience?
We encourage guests to enter their food allergies and preferences into our online portal, allowing our servers to guide them through the menu. Guests have 24/7 access to their butler though WhatsApp, ensuring their requests are met. We also have a cozy pool with jets that create a current, allowing guests to swim while enjoying Europe's gorgeous vistas.
What trends are shaping the future of the river cruise industry and how is Riverside positioning itself within this landscape?
Trends are important because they tell us what travelers are gravitating toward. Riverside loves to innovate and add experiences that enrich our guests' journeys. We prioritize sustainability through energy-efficient ship designs and collaborations with local businesses and cultural attractions to support sustainable tourism.
How is Riverside embracing eco-conscious practices without compromising on luxury?
We prioritize sustainability through energy efficiency and reduced emissions in our ship designs. We partner with local tourism boards to support sustainable tourism and minimize mass tourism in sensitive areas. We believe luxury can coexist with eco-conscious practices.
Congratulations, Jennifer, on your success with Riverside Luxury Cruises. Your dedication to crafting remarkable experiences sets a standard for the luxury travel industry.
Source: Personal Interview
