18 March 2025

Gliding Through Luxury: My Experience on the Riverside Mozart Some people panic when things go wrong; others are like swans, serene on the surface but working tirelessly beneath the water. That’s exactly how I’d describe my experience with Riverside Mozart. Fortunately, I secured a spot on a FAM trip, a two-night sailing aboard the Riverside Mozart following the CLIA River Cruise Conference in Budapest. But as fate would have it, nature had other plans, low water levels in Hungary meant the itinerary had to change. Instead of a sailing from Budapest to Vienna, we had a coach transfer to Vienna, then a cruise to Krems and back. As I always say, "Embrace change, and you’ll often find the experience turns out even better." The Journey Begins Our adventure started with a mini city tour of Budapest, followed by a stop at the iconic Gundel Restaurant, a name synonymous with Hungarian fine dining. The famed Gundel Palacsinta (a crepe filled with rum-soaked raisins, walnuts, and lemon zest, served with chocolate sauce) was an indulgence I won’t forget. En route to Vienna, we had a quick break at a service station, where we were greeted with champagne, a very refined touch. It was an early glimpse into the attention to detail that defines Riverside Cruises. As dusk settled, we finally arrived in Vienna, where the Riverside Mozart was waiting for us. Stepping aboard felt like walking into a five-star boutique hotel; elegant, luxurious, yet charmingly welcoming. A Suite That Feels Like Home I was assigned Cabin 250, initially set up as a twin, but to my surprise, after dinner, I returned to find my bed had been converted into a king. That’s the level of service I love; intuitive, thoughtful, and effortless. At 20 sqm, the suite was a masterclass in design and functionality, with ample wardrobe space (which, trust me, is crucial). As Charlie, the MD, put it, "You get to visit multiple cities but only have to unpack once." A Culinary Affair at Sea The evening began with pre-dinner drinks, and without asking, I was served a cognac—a drink that became my signature throughout the cruise. Each time I arrived at the bar; a cognac was waiting for me. That’s what I call personalised service. Dinner was a gastronomic masterpiece, paired with carefully selected wines. Highlights? • Escargot to start. • French onion soup • A traditional schnitzel (which I regretted not saving for a sandwich the next day!) • Sacher torte for dessert The cheese course had to wait till the following day. We found ourselves enchanted by the evening entertainment, a live singer and DJ duo. As if the night couldn’t get any better, I discovered the Cigar Lounge—safe to say, it was a late one. Waking Up on the Danube The next morning, I woke to the gentle movement of the ship and opened my curtains to see two swans gliding toward me on the Danube. No loud engines, no disruption, just pure tranquillity. Exploring the ship before breakfast, I discovered Riverside Mozart’s impressive facilities: • A spa with a current pool, jacuzzi, whirlpool, and steam/sauna rooms • A large gym with cardio and strength equipment • Multiple dining options, including a private dining space for up to 10 guests. • A self-service laundry room (a surprising highlight—I love the freedom of fresh, pressed clothes while traveling!) Watching the ship navigate the locks was another unexpected highlight. As we rose and fell within the chambers, someone even suggested we hum the Jurassic Park theme tune badly, a moment that will stay with me forever. Exploring Krems Docking in Krems, a charming Austrian town, we embarked on a walking tour, soaking up the history before heading to a schnapps distillery for a tasting experience. Back on board, I indulged in a spa session before unwinding in the panoramic lounge, watching the ship effortlessly glide back toward Vienna. The Riverside Difference The final night was spent chatting with the Captain, who shared his fascinating family history of river navigation. His deep respect for the Danube and its ever-changing nature gave me an even greater appreciation for the art of river cruising. The next morning, after one last breakfast, it was time to disembark and say goodbye to Riverside Mozart, but not before one final stroll through Vienna. Would I Do It Again? Absolutely. I have never been on a river cruise before, and to say it exceeded my expectations would be an understatement. Each ship I visited during the conference had its own charm, but Riverside Mozart stood out. Why? Impeccable personalised service (from remembering my drink order to adjusting my bed setup) Refined luxury without the pretence Culinary excellence Wellness and relaxation on board Unforgettable experiences, from historical tours to floating through the heart of Europe. Having worked in hospitality for years, I know what goes on behind the scenes. The crew at Riverside are true professionals, moving effortlessly like swans, graceful on the surface but working tirelessly beneath to create a flawless experience. If you’re looking for a luxury river cruise that delivers on every level, this is it. Until next time, Riverside Mozart. Where’s your next adventure taking you?