KCR Spring 2025 Magazine - Flipbook - Page 76
A Luxurious Spring Journey Aboard
Riverside Debussy
Springtime on the Rhine is a delight as the bright, crisp sunshine illuminates the grand façades of medieval towns and vine-clad valleys. Aboard
the Riverside Debussy, the experience becomes something even more: a
journey de昀椀ned not just by its itinerary, but by the seamless luxury and
elegance of life on board.
Sailing from Amsterdam to Basel, this eight-day voyage is part of Riverside Luxury Cruises’ signature itinerary through the soul of Europe.
With a near 1:1 guest-to-sta昀昀 ratio and a true boutique feel, Riverside
Debussy brings a sense of calm sophistication that is rare even among
top-tier river cruises.
Shoreline Discovery
Whether sailing the original route or the Mosel detour, the excursions
are superbly curated. In Cologne, a cathedral tour and a private chocolate tasting o昀昀ered charm and context. You could also take a cable car
up to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz revealed dramatic river views.
On the Mosel, the highlights included Cochem and Traben-Trarbach —
sleepy towns with cobbled lanes, timbered houses, and cosy wine bars.
At every stop, the guides were expert storytellers, 昀氀uent in English, and
skilled at weaving history with modern life. E-bikes and bicycles are
also available for independent exploration.
Yet, nature had a surprise in store for this particular journey. Due to
unseasonably low water levels, the itinerary was rerouted after Cologne, taking us along the Mosel River instead of continuing down the
Rhine. Far from a disappointment, it proved a gift: the Mosel delivered
storybook castles, lush green slopes, peaceful wine villages and quiet,
meandering days on water.
Wellness & Amenities
The tiny spa is a tranquil space o昀昀ering massages and facials, while the
pool room with views to the stern was a perfect place to relax fter excursions. There’s also small 昀椀tness room, and for those keen to get their
steps in, walking trails and biking routes at pretty much each mooring.
The 24-hour Pantry was a surprise favourite: artisan tea, fresh pastries,
and a quiet place to read — always open and always immaculate.
The Suite Life
My Seahorse Suite was positioned mid-ship with 昀氀oor-to-ceiling
windows and a Juliet balcony for a taste of the outside. With a large,
window-facing king-size bed, double vanity marble bathroom, dressing
area, and a generous walk-in closet, the suite felt less like a cabin and
more like a chic hotel room a昀氀oat. The minibar was stocked daily, a
welcome bottle of Champagne was chilling on arrival, and room service
was available around the clock.
Service with Soul
Service aboard Riverside Debussy is intuitive, personal, and never
overdone. Butlers for Seahorse Suites handle laundry, pressing, room
service, and more. Every meal is remembered, preferences anticipated.
Housekeeping is discreet and impeccable. The Cruise Director o昀昀ers
brie昀椀ngs with clarity and warmth.
From booking to departure, you feel taken care of. No sales pushes. No
up-sell culture. Just calm, capable hospitality.
The palette throughout was elegantly neutral — polished wood, soft
greys, teals and crisp white linens. Lighting was soft and ambient, and
the layout encouraged lingering: morning co昀昀ee by the river view and
lazy late-afternoon reading while the scenery drifted by.
A Final Word
The Romantic Rhine – Southbound cruise operates monthly through
to September 2025. Riverside Debussy is not loud, 昀氀ashy luxury. It’s
intelligent, slow, and intentional. It invites you to sit with a glass of
something chilled, let the Rhine (or Mosel) roll by, and realise you’ve
found something rare.
For those travelling in a Melody Suite, expect a re昀椀ned space with all the
essentials and the same understated style. But if indulgence is your goal,
the Seahorse Suite with the All-Inclusive Including Excursions package
is worth every cent.
Time on Deck
If you can tear yourself away from your cabin, and after a morning
excursion, a relaxing afternoon on Vista Deck is a must, reclining on
elegant loungers as castle after castle unfolds across the landscape.
The breeze was fresh, the skies clear, and the air carried the scent of
wild昀氀owers and verdant riverbanks. A chilled glass of rosé in hand, and
with the Vista Grill sizzling with fresh seafood and meat — it felt like a
pop-up brasserie with the most splendid Rhine and Mosel views.
On one particularly golden afternoon, a BBQ lunch served on deck
became a true highlight. Grilled prawns, asparagus with hollandaise,
and a crisp Grüner Veltliner, all while watching the hills roll by — it was
e昀昀ortless, elegant, and perfectly timed.
It’s hard to imagine a more perfect river cruise.
To book: https://riverside-cruises.com
By Lisa Curtiss
Dining & Culinary Excellence
Dining aboard Riverside Debussy is a daily celebration. With a host of
culinary concepts and a team trained under Michelin-starred chefs, food
is treated as both art and pleasure.
Waterside Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with menus
adapting as we moved through regions. Expect French pâtisserie in
Alsace, schnitzel near Koblenz, and hand-made pasta when docking in
Basel.
Bistro is a cosier venue, ideal for casual tapas and regional wine pairings.
The Vista Grill o昀昀ers relaxed, al fresco lunches (weather permitting).
The Pantry is open 24 hours with snacks, pastries, and excellent barista
co昀昀ee.
For the ultimate indulgence, the Vintage Room o昀昀ers a 7-course tasting
menu with rare wine pairings (€295 per guest). With only 10 seats, it’s
an exclusive, intimate evening — one that food lovers will not forget.
This was an absolute highlight of my trip and an experience I’d
de昀椀nitely recommend.
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
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