When Riverside Mozart launches on the Danube in spring 2023, it will mark the return of one of the widest and most unusual riverboats. The four-deck 77-foot-wide vessel, which is double the width of mainstream river ships, started life in 1987 as the River Mozart sailing for the former Peter Deilmann line. It was acquired by Crystal Cruises in 2016 and underwent a multi-million dollar bow to stern refurbishment before debuting as the luxury line’s first river vessel. Following the collapse of Crystal in 2022, the European hotel company Seaside Collection bought the ship and formed the all-new Riverside Luxury Cruises to operate the renamed Riverside Mozart. Since then, the company has also acquired Crystal's entire fleet of four other river vessels.
Riverside Mozart Deck Plans Feature Large Suites and Spacious Public Areas
Due to its large size, yet carrying fewer passengers than many mainstream river vessels, Riverside Mozart offers a large ratio of space per person. With 80 crew members, it also offers high levels of personal service.
The 81 cabins, which come in five categories, are also much larger than you would normally find on a river cruise ship. All cabins, apart from those on the lowest deck, have French balconies. The entry level lower deck cabins are 219 square feet, with fixed windows, and standard cabins on the next deck measure up to 204 square feet. Next up are the 300-square-foot Penthouse Suites that can sleep up to three and the Mozart Suites, which measure 667 square feet.
The largest staterooms on the ship are the two Owner's Suites, which are 883 square feet and accommodate up to four. Comprising two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a living room with a faux fireplace, these suites come with perks, such as in-room dining.
All suites come with butler service, daily hors oeuvres and high quality fixtures and fittings including marble bathrooms and velvet and silk furnishings.
With its double width, Riverside Mozart can accommodate facilities that are very small, or non-existent, on other river ships. This includes a gym and a spa with an indoor pool, changing rooms with a steam room and sauna plus a relaxation area.
It has multiple dining options, and in addition to the main restaurant that can seat all passengers, there is an informal bistro, a bar and grill, private dining room and all-day self-serve area with drinks and snacks. Besides the main lounge, there is also a piano bar, cigar bar and pop-up bar on the sun deck with operates on warm days. There is also 24-hour room service.
The ship also has a library and self-serve laundry facilities. An elevator serves all decks apart from the sun deck, which is reached by stairs.
When is Riverside Mozart's Launch Date?
The vessel is slated to enter service on April 4, 2023, and will offer the option of a 5- or 9-night round-trip Vienna itinerary.
Riverside Mozart Will Offer Itineraries on the Danube
The ship will sail on a variety of 3- to 11-night cruises on the Danube. Due to its size, the sailing area is restricted as it is too large to fit in some locks and sail beneath low bridges. However, it can navigate the river from west of Vienna down to the Iron Gates gorge on the Lower Danube, including the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley which is the most scenic stretch of the river.
Riverside Mozart Stats
The ship measures 395 feet and carries 150 passengers at full occupancy with 82 crew.
