ABOARD THE RIVERSIDE DEBUSSY
Aboard the Riverside Debussy, the atmosphere was electric with joy. Laughter filled the air, and guests mingled seamlessly with the crew, creating an ambiance reminiscent of a family reunion rather than a simple river cruise. The warmth and camaraderie were palpable, much to the delight of guests and staff alike.
During a recent eight-day journey along the Rhine River, from Amsterdam to Basel, CEO Jennifer Halboth emphasized that the joy experienced onboard stems from the crew’s unique approach to luxury service. “Our staff’s creative and understated style sets the tone for a genuinely enjoyable experience,” Halboth explained.
I witnessed this firsthand aboard the Debussy, where playful interactions between crew and guests were common. Humorous exchanges, energetic performances by onboard entertainers, and even spontaneous bartending lessons from staff highlighted the ship’s commitment to fostering a fun and inviting environment.
Halboth’s vision for Riverside Luxury Cruises is clear: to showcase the authentic personalities of the crew to enrich guests’ experiences. She believes that the magic occurs when crew members express their true selves, enabling guests to share their stories in return. “When every crew member is allowed to be their authentic self, the ship truly shines,” Halboth shared.
Photo Credit: Riverside Luxury Cruises
The crew’s lively presence contributes significantly to the cruise experience. One memorable instance involved a guest coordinating a surprise birthday cake delivery during a wine tasting to celebrate a crew member’s special day, demonstrating the bonds that form aboard.
Executive Chef Simeon Petkov, who previously worked with Crystal Cruises, emphasized how Riverside’s management allows him creative freedom. “Here, my imagination can flourish, and I am encouraged to experiment,” Petkov noted, enhancing the culinary experience for guests.
Riverside Luxury Cruises prides itself on standing out in every aspect, from its relationships with travel advisors to its onboard experiences. The line is innovative in its approach, exemplified by unique events like the upcoming Christmas-in-July to highlight its holiday market cruises. Moreover, the line’s northeast director, a professional sommelier, hosts engaging wine tastings to reinforce Riverside’s culinary dedication.
Despite facing competition from other river cruise operators with significantly larger fleets, Halboth is committed to showcasing Riverside’s offerings. The company is proactive in marketing itself to travel advisors by participating in events, such as the ASTA River Cruise Expo, and providing advisors with attractive deals to experience their products.
Halboth feels confident in the onboard hospitality and culinary offerings, stating that “the front of the house has really delivered.” The focus is now shifting to enhance back-of-house operations, particularly the booking engine, to ensure a seamless experience for future travelers.
Photo Credit: Brinley Hineman
The Riverside Debussy, with its capacity of 110 passengers, was at about half-capacity during the cruise, offering a relaxing and spacious atmosphere. The ship’s modern decor evokes the luxury of a high-end hotel, providing an exceptional setting as it glides through picturesque landscapes dotted with historic castles.
Looking to the future, Riverside Luxury Cruises plans to expand its fleet with the addition of two new ships, the Bach and Mahler, set to launch in 2027 and 2028 respectively. This expansion will bring Riverside’s fleet total to five vessels.
When asked about further fleet growth, Halboth indicated that the company will carefully assess the outcomes of the 2026 season as they anticipate a dynamic future ahead.
