In the end, Riverside Luxury Cruises offers something quietly transformative: the grace and intimacy of river travel reimagined for the modern luxury traveller. With shorter sailings, the freedom to combine journeys, and an unwavering commitment to exceptional dining and personalized service, Riverside invites guests to experience Europe’s great rivers in a way that feels both effortless and indulgent. It’s a refined alternative to the traditional getaway, where the comforts of a five-star hotel meet the romance of the river — and where even a few days can become a journey that lingers long after you return home.
250-390-7410
Ron Pitcher
Vacation Consultant
News & Notes
April 2026
The Art of the Short Escape, Perfected on Europe’s Rivers
For the luxury traveller who treasures bespoke experiences, impeccable style, and seamless service, a river cruise once might have seemed an indulgence requiring more time - and resolve - than a hotel getaway. Enter Riverside Luxury Cruises, Europe’s newest standard-bearer for refined river travel, widely praised as a new luxe brand on the rivers, turning hesitation into exhilaration with a fresh, flexible approach to cruising that’s as appealing to hotel loyalists as it is to seasoned seafarers.
The River Escape Redefining Luxury Travel
Imagine awakening in a riverside Château town after a star-sprinkled night’s sleep; lingering over a cappuccino on deck as your ship glides through a sun-dappled valley; or—after just a few days—returning home feeling remarkably refreshed and deeply enriched. That’s the promise of Riverside’s shorter itineraries, which range from three to five nights, presenting an elegant, accessible first taste of river cruising.
Exclusive Offers for Expedia Cruises Guests
- €400 onboard credit per suite on sailings 7-nights and longer.
Cruising Meets Cuisine: Award-Winning Dining at Every Turn
This is a game-changer for luxury travellers accustomed to boutique city stays or five-star hotels: savvy guests can now savour European culture, cuisine, scenery and service on a compact schedule that feels like an extension of their refined travel habits — not a departure from them.
But the innovation doesn’t stop there. What truly sets Riverside apart in the river cruise arena is the ability to effortlessly combine these short escapes into longer voyages — modular sailings that can be stitched together into week-long or extended departures. Whether planning a romantic Danube weekend or a two-week exploration of the Rhine, this flexibility invites travellers to curate their own journey with confidence and sophistication.
Cruising Meets Cuisine: Award-Winning Dining at Every Turn
Riverside’s allure goes beyond scenery and schedule. For the gastronome, culinary discovery is a compelling reason to board. In the 2025 Cruise Critic Best in Cruise Awards, Riverside Luxury Cruises was honored not only as Best Dining but also Best for Luxury in the river cruise category — a distinguished double accolade that reinforces the brand’s commitment to a deluxe, multi-sensory experience.
Stationed at the heart of this culinary distinction is a dining philosophy that rivals that of Michelin-starred restaurants. Chefs craft menus with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the regions the ships traverse, while onboard sommeliers design wine pairings to elevate every course. From elegant multi-course dinners in refined dining rooms to lively top-deck barbecues and intimate meals in private dining venues, Riverside delivers cuisine that’s not merely inclusive, but unforgettable — and increasingly recognized by critics and travellers alike.
For Hotel Lovers Who Cherish Personalization
What makes Riverside Luxury Cruises especially appealing to luxury hotel devotees is the level of personalized service. Think of a river vessel as a floating boutique resort, where suites rival the spaciousness and elegance of hotel penthouses, complete with butler service, premium amenities, and thoughtfully curated excursions in each port. The experience feels less like traditional cruising and more like a series of private invitations to the cultures and landscapes that define Europe’s great rivers. For the hospitality-savvy traveller, that blend of intimate service, thoughtful design, and immersive exploration is a natural extension of what you already seek in a world-class hotel stay — elevated by the ever-changing vistas that unfold from deck.
Perfect for First-Timers and Returning Connoisseurs
Whether you’re a seasoned river cruiser or someone who’s always adored luxury hotels but never quite taken the plunge into cruising, Riverside’s short sailings provide the ideal introduction. They are concise yet rich in experience, and they free you from the long-held perception that river cruising demands weeks away from life’s commitments.
And for those days when one short escape simply isn’t enough? Just combine sailings. It’s an elegant, intuitive way to travel that mirrors the bespoke, modular philosophy of modern luxury — designed not just to see Europe, but to feel it.
A Small Sample of Available Short Departures:
Danube Serenade
4 days Vienna to Budapest aboard Riverside Mozart
April 19 – November 8, 2026
Into the Lower Danube
4 days Budapest to Belgrade aboard Riverside Debussy
May 20 & September 16, 2026
Snapshots of the Rhône With Châteauneuf-du-Pape
5 days Lyon to Avignon aboard Riverside Ravel
April 19 – October 17, 2026
Scenes of Southern France with Rhône Delta
4 days Avignon Roundtrip aboard Riverside Ravel
April 23 – October 21, 2026
Festive Greetings from the Rhine
4 days Frankfurt to Dusseldorf aboard Riverside Debussy
November 28 & December 10, 2026
*Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your Vacation Consultant.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises – Discover the world with all your senses
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises stands for cruises beyond the ordinary: Plenty of space for a small number of guests, access to remote harbors, hidden bays and cultural treasures as well as exclusive culinary indulgence that reaches for the stars. Whether you’re in search of some luxurious relaxation, a casual lifestyle or a real expedition – experience winter and summer from a new perspective with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: exclusive, curated and with blissful anticipation.
Expedition cruises - Where worlds of wonder await you
Venture further into regions than other ships, open doors to new experiences that would otherwise remain closed and get exceptionally close to the wonders of nature: in places where larger cruise ships would have to turn back, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ expedition ships are right in their element. It is the interplay of small, modern ships, fascinating destinations and the extensive experience of our captains and crew that opens up new dimensions of discovery. Come aboard the HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit to explore innovative, award-winning routes in uncharted territory.
The three structurally identical expedition ships are among the most modern of their kind worldwide. With a maximum of 230 guests, the highest ice class for passenger ships (PC6) and exceptionally large open deck areas, they enable intensive observations of the surrounding nature – often even closer to the action than from the bridge. Retractable glass balconies, the deck tour at the bow and plenty of individual space create ideal conditions for experiencing landscapes, wildlife and varying moods of light at first hand.
The “Inspired by nature” design concept also carries the expedition theme into the ship interiors: colours, materials and lines reflect the shapes and structures of the regions visited, creating a conscious connection between the outside world and life on board.
The HanseAtrium and the Ocean Academy are the centres of knowledge transfer. Here, experts prepare content on geology, wildlife, oceanography and culture before the landings and then deepen the experiences in briefings, presentations and personal conversations. Up to 16 interdisciplinary experts accompany each cruise. A total of 17 on-board Zodiacs, a marina at the stern and free snorkelling equipment enable flexible landings and discoveries directly from the ship – even in places where there are no ports.
Exclusive offers
- Early booking discount on several summer 2027 expedition cruises until 31 October 2026
- Complimentary selection of soft drinks and hot beverages like coffee and tea specialties – an exclusive comfort that makes the travel experience even more enjoyable.
Into Alaska’s Wild Heart: An Intimate Expedition Through the Inside Passage
Embark on a breathtaking 14‑day expedition from Seward to Vancouver or vice versa in July 2026 and July 2027, exploring one of the world’s most spectacular sea routes through British Columbia’s and Alaska’s Inside Passage. Immerse yourself in dramatic fjords, towering glaciers, and pristine wilderness while enjoying unforgettable wildlife encounters—from whales and orcas to bald eagles and bears.
With its small size, the HANSEATIC spirit brings you closer to nature, offering intimate views, expert insights, and extraordinary moments far beyond traditional cruise routes. This is Alaska at its wildest—pure, powerful, and unforgettable.
Antarctica: Ice, Silence, Wonder
Travel to the southernmost points of the earth during the Antarctic summer from November to March. Where gigantic icebergs, thousands of penguins and impressive whales can be observed, the ice class of the small expedition ships HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit enables a respectful and flexible exploration of great natural spectacles. Only the arrival and departure dates are fixed - everything else is expedition in its purest sense.
Why discover Antarctica with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises?
- Small, state-of-the-art expedition ships with no more than 199 guests
- Decades of expedition expertise with an award-winning route concept
- Captains and crews with experience in polar voyages, who have often travelled in the Antarctic
- Safety in the polar regions – thanks to the highest ice class for passenger ships (PC 6)
- Respectful travel: state-of-the-art environmental technology, 100 % free from heavy fuel oil
- Nature up close: more open deck space than any other ship
- Feel the thrill of expeditions on numerous Zodiac rides and landings
- An expedition team of up to 16 members provides exciting background knowledge
- Decades of membership in IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) – for a respectful approach to polar nature
Madagascar and the Seychelles: tropical diversity as an expedition area
New routes open up two of the world’s most species-rich regions for expedition-style travel. In Madagascar, you can discover endemic animal species such as lemurs and chameleons, hike in national parks and, accompanied and guided by experts, venture deep into regions that are seldom explored. In the Seychelles, the focus is on remote atolls, UNESCO World Heritage Sites with restricted access such as Aldabra, and untouched lagoons and coral reefs that can only be reached on Zodiac landings. The state-of-the-art HANSEATIC nature and HANSEATIC spirit with their shallow draught can thus reach islands and coasts that are only accessible with small ships like this. The ship’s own Zodiac fleet on board makes landings in small groups possible, without relying on any local logistical infrastructure.
The Great Lakes: Cities, wilderness and lock adventures
The Great Lakes region is one of the most exciting expedition territories. Narrow waterways, locks and hidden coastal towns allow only a few ships to navigate the area. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ HANSEATIC inspiration is ideally equipped for these challenges.
The ship will navigate through the approx. 45 km (28 mi.) long Welland Canal connecting Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. The canal overcomes a difference in height of almost 100 m (328 ft), allowing the Niagara Falls to be bypassed. The expedition ship must navigate through eight locks, each of which is only 2.5 m (8 ft) wider than the ship itself. Every manoeuvre requires the utmost precision from the captain. For guests, this is a fascinating spectacle of technology and finesse.
What are you waiting for? Contact your Vacation Consultant today to start planning your next getaway with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and discover the world with all your senses.
Voyages Curated for Independent Explorers
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions is expanding savings for solo travelers with a new, year-round benefit. On select departures, the solo premium is waived on qualifying cabins—offering exceptional value while preserving the full expedition experience, from expert-led exploration to immersive excursions.
This year-round savings opportunity spans destinations across the globe, with eligible voyages refreshed regularly. Explore a curated selection of current offerings and see what’s possible through solo travel.
New Solo Traveler Savings
On select departures and qualifying cabin categories, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions will waive the solo premium, allowing single travelers to explore at an exceptional value. Guests enjoy the full expedition experience—expert-led exploration, immersive excursions and the camaraderie of small-ship travel—with eligible voyages updated regularly based on availability.
On select departures, waived solo premium on qualifying cabins, offering exceptional value for solo adventurers.
- Eligible voyages span a wide range of destinations and departure dates, and they are refreshed regularly based on availability.
- Enjoy $200 onboard credit per stateroom on select sailings
Solo Traveler Offers - Featured Itineraries
Voyages with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions are a natural fit for solo travelers, offering in-depth experiences and a shared sense of discovery within a welcoming community of like-minded explorers.
Galápagos Escape
Explore Darwin’s islands aboard the elegant National Geographic Islander ll through 2026, and new in 2027, sail aboard the new National Geographic Gemini. Witness the iconic wildlife that sparked the theory of evolution by natural selection, snorkel ocean waters teeming with sea lions and sea turtles, and hike black-sand beaches and lush highlands. As with the classic, 10-day expeditions, honed over more than 50 years, each voyage is crafted to offer a diverse perspective of the archipelago with multiple adventures daily on land and undersea.
Wild Arctic Shores: Circumnavigating Iceland and Exploring Greenland
Experience geological extremes across two distinct Arctic islands, from the thundering waterfalls and bubbling hot springs of Iceland to the rugged fjords that carve out the coast of East Greenland. Hike and bike over volcanic landscapes, witness iconic wildlife in remote fjords, learn history steeped in sagas and see local traditions in tiny seaside villages as you circumnavigate Iceland. Across the Denmark Strait, navigate East Greenland’s icy coastline or its network of wild fjords, as the season allows. Along the way, Icelandic experts and musicians add insight and energy to this immersive Arctic adventure.
Greek Isles Odyssey: Mythology, History and Cerulean Seas
Legends come to life in the Greek Isles, where sun-drenched shores hold ancient relics and the rich cultural and culinary traditions of an illustrious civilization. Embark on an Aegean odyssey designed as part of an exclusive wine collaboration with the experts at Food & Wine magazine, and discover Cycladic islands both storied and secret, from historic Delos to laid-back Naxos and Paros. Delve into the region’s legendary culinary delights—from unique sweets and delicious olive oils to spicy volcanic wines—and explore the mythology and archaeology that make these islands iconic. Bask in the beauty of whitewashed villages, and go for a swim in the Aegean's inviting turquoise waters. Nightly tastings guided by their onboard wine expert highlight more than 40 bottles personally selected by Food & Wine magazine’s Executive Wine Editor, Ray Isle.
What are you waiting for? Contact your Vacation Consultant today to start planning your next getaway onboard National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions and take advantage of this spectacular offer and inquire about these transformative itineraries!
Contact Us*Term and conditions: Solo Savings
Book a cabin in qualifying categories and waive the solo supplement on select departures. Fares are per guest and in US dollars. Offers valid on new bookings only for select departures, subject to availability and offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice, not applicable on airfare or extensions, and may not be combined with other offers. Contact your Vacation Consultant for full terms and conditions.
Into the Heart of Arctic Greenland
South Greenland. The majestic alpine Arctic - a world of towering granite cliffs brushed with snow, glaciers flowing steadily toward glass-calm fjords, and icebergs gliding through deep blue channels. This is a land shaped by ice and altitude, where the Greenland Ice Sheet, the second-largest ice mass on Earth, meets a dramatic coastline of fjords and inlets, and waterways dotted with islands. South Greenland is wild yet welcoming—a place where expedition travel reveals the Arctic at its most spectacular.
Three Distinct Regions to Explore
Quark Expeditions' polar-obsessed team will feature three unique perspectives of South Greenland.
The Wild East
Along Greenland’s uninhabited east coast, steep-walled fjords rise dramatically from the sea, their sheer faces carved by ice and crowned with hanging glaciers. Quark explores wild fjords such as Lindenow Fjord, once home to Paleo-Inuit hunters, rich with wildlife, marine mammals, and deep Arctic history. Today, whales frequent these waters, with the possibility of polar bears drifting south on sea ice.
The Westlands
Sailing Greenland’s west coast into the remote Westlands, Quark traces the route once followed by the Greenlandic Norse as they ventured toward the western fjords. Here, the vast Greenland Ice Sheet—the second-largest mass of ice on Earth—contrasts with lush coastal valleys steeped in Viking history, including the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage site. Hike rugged foothills, cruise through ice-choked waters, and connect with resilient local communities whose traditions reach back to the Viking age.
South Greenland: Home to Arctic Patagonia
South Greenland unfolds as a realm of dramatic fjords, where glaciers pour into the sea and steep mountains define the horizon. Along the 105-kilometre-long Prins Christian Sund, towering cliffs and cascading ice frame one of Greenland’s most scenic waterways. Deeper in the 70-kilometre Tasermiut Fjord—often referred to as Arctic Patagonia—iconic peaks such as Nalumasortoq and Ulamertorsuaq rise above pristine wilderness, offering hiking, heli-exploration, and visits with residents in villages such as Aappilattoq.
Unique Off-ship Adventures Included for Every Guest
On this Greenland itinerary, every guest enjoys kayaking, heli-flightseeing and the incredible helicopter-supported Ice Sheet Experience—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel by helicopter from the heli-deck of the ship and set foot on the second-largest ice mass on the planet. All three experiences are included in the cost of the trip.
Guests also have the option to immerse themselves in Greenlandic culture by booking:
- Tundra to Table: Inuit Culinary Experience – a rare chance to savour Indigenous cuisine prepared by local chefs.
- Greenland Camp Experience – an overnight camping adventure along the Tasermiut Fjord, accompanied by local partners.
Why Quark Expeditions?
Quark Expeditions has been polar-obsessed since 1991, when they became the first operator to take commercial travellers to the North Pole. Polar is all they do, and no other operator can say that.
Their expedition team is the most seasoned and respected in the industry—and the largest in polar travel—which means guests get off the ship faster and more often. From Zodiacs and kayaks to helicopters, hiking, camping, biking and, cultural immersion, they offer more ways to explore than anyone else.
Your Adventure Awaits
Experience it all on Quark Expeditions’ 14-day South Greenland Adventure: The Majestic Alpine Arctic aboard the technologically advanced Ultramarine, with the best expedition team in the polar regions. Three sailing dates available:
- August 17 – 30, 2026
- August 29 – September 11, 2026
- August 7 – 18, 2027
What are you waiting for? Contact your Vacation Consultant today to start planning your polar adventure with Quark Expeditions.
Contact UsTerms & Conditions
*Expedia Extras offers are per stateroom (unless otherwise stated) on select sailings, based on double occupancy, apply to new bookings only, are not combinable with any other offer, are capacity controlled and may be withdrawn without notice. Certain restrictions may apply. For full terms and conditions, click the specific Expedia Extra offer or contact your Expedia Cruises Vacation Consultant.
Prices are per traveller, available within last 24 hours and valid for US and Canadian residents only. Taxes, fees, and port expenses are included. Fuel supplement may apply. Savings advertised and Expedia Extras are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings. Availability & prices can change frequently, please continue with the booking to check latest availability & prices.
