Riverside Ravel - A Luxury River Cruise in a Class of its Own

Written by Dawn Wilson

Luxury is defined as “the state of great comfort and extravagant living.” I believe most people would agree that it involves a high degree of comfort, but doesn’t have to be extravagant. In recent years, terms such as ‘quiet luxury’ indicate it’s more subtle. Its subtlety suggests it is understated, not so bold. It highlights the nuances of what luxury means: high-end details, style, craftsmanship, convenience, guest immersion, and exclusivity. It isn’t often a brand ticks all the buttons, but Riverside Cruises certainly does.

My impression of the cruise line began before boarding the ship. Greeted by a representative at the airport, we were quickly whisked off to the cruise port. In fact, we were met curbside and escorted onto the ship as the last ones to board. Once on board, we were handed a warm towel and a glass of champagne, just what we needed to start our trip on a fantastic note. With warm, welcoming smiles all around, we immediately felt as though we were in for something truly special.

The first thing I noticed was how beautiful the ship was. The lobby area was upscale and sophisticated with shimmering chrome accents, decadent welcome refreshments, such as croissants, madeleines, pain au chocolat, and macarons. There was also a drink station with coffee, tea, and hot cocoa. Check-in was a breeze. Instead of heading over to the check-in desk, someone came up to us with keys in hand and directed us to our suite. Talk about efficiency!

A Seamless All-Inclusive Luxury Experience

What makes Riverside River cruises unique is that it is an all-inclusive experience, providing an elevated level of convenience. Included on every cruise are shore excursions, Starlink Wi-Fi, 24-hour dining, premium wines & spirits, butler service, gratuities, and a welcome bottle of champagne.

There are 4 decks, with up to 7 dining options on board, which include several lounges and bars. Guests also have access to a self-service laundry facility, spa and gym facilities, an indoor pool, and complimentary electric bicycles.

Seahorse River View Suite

We stayed in a Seahorse Suite on Deck 2, complete with around-the-clock butler service. The interiors were in soft grey tones with jewel-tone green accents and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered uninterrupted scenic views from every angle, including the bed. I spent hours gazing at the beautiful castles, chateaus, rolling hills, charming villages, and vineyards, as though I were looking through landscape portraits framed by the imposing window. Other suite amenities include a fully stocked mini-bar, plush bathrobes, soft slippers, an espresso and tea station, a 40-inch flat HDTV, 24-hour room service, and a safe.

Having a butler is such a treat, as he was eager to provide us with whatever our hearts desired. We wanted to have a cappuccino delivered every morning while dressing for breakfast, and freshly popped popcorn delivered every evening after dinner. The latter isn’t something we asked for, but our butler noticed how much we enjoyed the popcorn and asked if we wanted it delivered after dinner. I love how they anticipate guests’ needs and step up to ensure they have these things. This is just one of the many examples of the extraordinary service we received while sailing.

International Gourmet Cuisine at the Waterside Restaurant

The dining experience on Riverside Cruises is as much of an attraction as their destinations. The Waterside Restaurant is the ship’s main restaurant, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As you can imagine, it’s as lovely as the rest of the ship. The atmosphere is one of refined elegance, not what you might be accustomed to seeing on a cruise ship. It is set up as a fine dining venue, with blue velvet chairs, leather banquettes, marble and mosaic accents, complemented by soft lighting.

There is a separate buffet station for breakfast and lunch service, discreetly situated in a separate room toward the back of the restaurant, where the options seemed endless. With the variety of food offered, there was never a wait to get what we wanted. Based on our previous orders, servers would often recommend menu items that might appeal to us, to ensure we experienced something different than what we are accustomed to eating. It was as though they were waiting just for us to arrive, which felt like we were receiving personalized attention. It is this level of service that stands out as truly something exceptional.

Dinner featured carefully selected regional cuisine, presented with obvious attention to detail. We were spoiled for choice, as there was a different menu presented to us every night. Some items that remained on the menu could also be added to any portion of the evening specials. We dined on gourmet items, such as delicious salmon gravlax, succulent milk-fed veal tenderloin, and flavorful pasta con broccoli pesto.

Each meal was better than the last. We especially enjoyed meeting Executive Chef Benoit Tesson, who allowed us to express our gratitude for the incredible dining experiences we enjoyed. We also met Restaurant Manager Adrian Constantinescu, who made sure we were 100% satisfied with our food and service whenever we dined in the restaurant. Dinner reservations were not necessary, as the dining room and kitchen could easily accommodate the number of guests on board.

Since the cruise offers such a laid-back atmosphere that fosters relaxation, there were some nights when we simply wanted to shower, put on our PJs, climb into bed, and watch classic movies. This allowed us to order room service. The room service menu featured simple salads, sandwiches, chicken, and burgers. Shortly after finishing a delicious meal, our warm popcorn arrived just in time for our nightly movie ritual.

Traveling Through France in Style

I never appreciated cruising much until I realized the number of countries and destinations visited during a single trip. We chose a cruise along the Rhône and Saône rivers in France, which allowed us to visit multiple towns, such as Lyon, Avignon, and Chalon-sur-Saône. We discovered the creative street art of Lyon, the enchanting medieval town of Avignon, and the quintessential French town of Chalon-sur-Saône with its beautiful flower shops, cafés, chocolatiers, and traditional bakeries. Regardless of your travel style, the excursions are sure to offer something of interest.

Our time sailing on the Riverside Ravel assured me that luxury river cruising is the best way to discover the alluring charm of France.