Review: Riverside Luxury Cruises – Modern River Cruising with a Fresh Twist ✨

If you’re overwhelmed by choosing a river cruise, this guide will help you figure out if Riverside fits your style. This is Real Talk from a Travel Advisor Who’s Been Onboard

I recently stepped aboard Riverside Luxury Cruises to get a true feel for what this new brand is bringing to the river cruise world. And after just two hours onboard, I found myself thinking: Yes. THIS is what I’ve been looking for all along.

I also had the chance to chat with Jennifer Halboth, who shared how Riverside is on a mission to do things differently—appealing to a new generation of cruisers. (Spoiler: I’m the crowd they’re after. And it’s working.)

Sure, websites can give you the specs. But nothing compares to walking the decks, chatting with the crew, and soaking in the vibe firsthand.

The Riverside Vibe

When the Riverside team described their brand in three words, they went with:
Exceptional. Exclusive. Amazing.

Here’s what I’d say:
Flexible Choices. Wellness. Millennial.

This ship had gelato I could easily grab and eat outside, a gym that didn’t feel like an afterthought, and a modern pricing model that lets you opt in to excursions, rather than paying for a bunch you may not want.

It felt like cruising 2.0—in all the best ways.

If you’re planning a milestone trip and want to make the right call,
I’d be glad to help match you to the right cruise for your priorities.
No pressure, just honest guidance.

Who Riverside Is Perfect For ✅

• You love freedom of choice—pay for what you want, skip what you don’t.

• You appreciate wellness-forward spaces, clean design, and modern luxury.

• You’re drawn to cruise brands like Virgin Voyages that are shaking things up.

• You’re looking for a river cruise that doesn’t feel like it’s built for your parents.

Who Might Prefer Something Else ❌

• If you want that more traditional, bundled river cruise vibe—with daily excursions and formal dining—this might feel too modern.

• This is the next wave of river cruising. (You either ride it, or wait at the dock.)

My Take

Riverside Luxury Cruises is fresh, flexible, and designed with people like me in mind.
It’s perfect for travelers who want a curated, elevated experience without feeling stuck in an all-inclusive model that doesn’t fit their style.

And next time? I’m staying way longer than two hours.

If Riverside sounds like your vibe, let’s chat—I’ll help you plan a cruise that feels like you.

Still comparing river cruise lines?

The wrong cruise line can turn an unforgettable trip into a missed moment - but the right one? It becomes a core memory. Let’s make sure you choose the best one that fits you.

Confused by all the river cruise options? This 1 page cheat sheet shows you the differences between 10 major brands - at a glance. Riverside is the new kid on the block, but it’s not the only option out there. I put together a one-page River Cruise Cheat Sheet that lines up 10 major brands side by side—so you can see exactly how Riverside stacks up against Viking, AmaWaterways, Uniworld, and more.

👉 Drop your email below and I’ll send the guide straight to your inbox. It’s the quickest way to figure out which river cruise is your best fit.