Now in its third full season, Riverside Luxury Cruises has carved out a solid niche in the highly competitive river cruise sector. Known for delivering a five-star hotel experience onboard its ships, the line is seeing strong growth, particularly in Canada. In this week’s Take 5, Riverside’s Peter Ouzounov, Senior Director of Sales, Canada, shares what the company is focusing on in 2026 to sustain that momentum and the central role travel advisors play in those plans.
1. Riverside Luxury Cruises has been building strong momentum in the premium river cruise space. What new product developments or onboard enhancements are you most excited about as you head into 2026?
“Heading into our third full season with three ships, we’re focused on continuously elevating the onboard experience. That means investing in the people who create deeply personal and intuitive interactions, ensuring every guest feels genuinely cared for. Our goal is to make each guest feel as if the ship and the entire experience were designed just for them. We’re also continuing to enhance our culinary program, already recognized by Cruise Critic and Forbes as the benchmark for river cruising, taking it to levels that simply cannot be matched.
“Onshore experiences are another area we’re refining. They’re challenging to develop, particularly as a new brand, but by partnering with experts who understand the same high standards we uphold onboard, we can deliver excursions that match the luxury guests enjoy on the ship.
“In 2026, we’re introducing a series of themed sailings. Guests will be able to enjoy a beer-themed cruise, a golf-themed sailing, our Rhine on Flames voyage and a special departure celebrating Hungary’s Independence Day with a fireworks display unlike anything seen on the rivers. These sailings are more than itineraries — they’re curated stories designed to create unforgettable memories.”
Riverside Cruises’ Debussy on the Rhine
2. How would you describe Riverside’s growth trajectory in the Canadian market, and what factors are driving increased interest among Canadian travellers and travel advisors?
“Canada is the second-largest market for the brand, and the growth here has been incredibly encouraging. This momentum is driven almost entirely by travel advisors who believe in what we do. They recognize the level of service, the culinary excellence and the overall quality of experience we deliver. Advisors want the very best for their clients, and they know we can deliver. The service, the culinary offering and the intimacy of our ships all resonate with them.
“Advisors are the ultimate ambassadors. When they trust us, their clients experience the difference firsthand. They are recommending Riverside because they trust the experience and their enthusiasm is contagious. Word is spreading quickly and more Canadians are discovering what makes us different, knowing that every aspect of the journey is exceptional.”
3. Travel advisors play a central role in Riverside’s sales strategy. What tools, training or resources are you prioritizing to help Canadian agents sell river cruising with confidence?
“Travel advisors are at the heart of everything we do. In 2025, we reached several milestones to support them, including the launch of our online specialist training program. We’ve also built strategic partnerships with Approach Guides and Rallio to provide advisors with turnkey tools that make it easier to introduce, present, promote, and sell Riverside Luxury Cruises with confidence.
“Our goal is to make selling Riverside intuitive, rewarding and empowering. When advisors feel fully supported, it shows in the way they present the experience to their clients. That is when magic happens and that is when everyone ultimately wins.”
4. As competition in the river cruise sector continues to evolve, how is Riverside differentiating its brand and guest experience to stand out with both advisors and their clients?
“There are many excellent river cruise brands with long-standing reputations, large fleets and strong industry relationships. They all deliver quality experiences, but they also follow a similar formula. Riverside is different because of our hotel heritage. We bring the philosophy and standards of ultra-luxury hotels directly to the rivers, creating a new benchmark for river cruising.
“The result is an experience that feels more like checking into an intimate, five-star hotel. It’s deeply personal, exceptionally refined and refreshingly distinct. Every element, from personalized butler service to award-winning culinary offerings to curated onshore experiences, is designed to set us apart. We are redefining what guests and travel advisors can expect from river cruising.”
Mozart Deck Bar, Riverside Luxury Cruises
5. Looking ahead to 2026, what are Riverside’s top goals in terms of expansion, partnerships or market development, particularly in North America?
“Our primary focus is ensuring our ships remain consistently full over the next couple of years while continuing to elevate the guest experience. We’re very proud of the brand we’ve built, but we’re never complacent. We want to support the market with a product and experience unmatched in river cruising while strategically aligning partnerships, resources and marketing efforts to grow awareness and demand in North America.
“Expansion is on the horizon but for now, our priority is perfecting what we offer and making every voyage exceptional. Our goal is for every guest to leave saying, ‘I have never experienced anything like this before’.”
For more information about Riverside Luxury Cruises, go to riverside-cruises.com/en/.
