Riverside Debussy

Every cabin on Riverside Debussy is considered a suite. Accommodations feature a king or two twin bed configuration, refrigerator, coffee machine, closet, in-room safe, 220/110 volt outlets, USB ports, and individually controlled heat and air-conditioning. Spa-inspired bathrooms feature heated floors, rainfall and handheld shower wands, and Natura Bissé toiletries in large refillable bottles. All suites face the outside, but none have balconies. Instead, they offer near floor-to-ceiling windows that open halfway down with the touch of a button. Housekeeping is provided twice a day and butler service is included with every suite.

Connecting suites are available; Seahorse and above suite categories feature a window-facing king bed or pair of twin beds, double-sink vanity, and walk-in closet.

Announcements made by ship staff cannot be heard within suites.

Wheelchair accessibility is limited on Riverside Debussy. There is an elevator that offers accessibility to decks 2 and 3, but steps are required to reach the top, Vista Deck. While the dining room and lounge can accommodate wheelchairs, suites cannot due to thresholds between the room and bathroom, and limited door widths.

It is common for riverboats to tie up to each other in clusters during port stays. When this occurs, guests must be able to walk across other ships to get ashore.

There are a trio of dining options on Riverside Debussy: the Waterside Restaurant, the Atelier, and the Vintage Room. According to cruise line owner Gregor Gerlach, Riverside’s food budget is twice what other luxury cruise lines spend per guest, allowing for high-end ingredients and a legion of choices at every meal.

Waterside Restaurant is open for three meals a day, with breakfast and lunch served buffet-style. Start your day with cooked-to-order eggs, waffles, and pancakes, as well as a plethora of freshly baked breads, pastries, cured meats, cheese, juices, and daily smoothies. Lunch is loaded with possibilities such as fried chicken, sweet potato curry, leg of lamb, assorted sandwiches, and a salad bar with a dizzying amount of mix-in choices. Sweet treats are prolific at both meals.

Plated and served by restaurant staff, dinner boasts the potential to become a multi-course affair. Menu selections might include seared foie gras, jumbo cocktail shrimp, veal schnitzel, and asparagus risotto. Vegetarian options are always available. Depending on the cruise package booked, wine may or may not be included with your meal. On days that shore excursions run past early evening, dinner service may be switched to a buffet.

With seating for up to 10 people, the Vintage Room offers a set multi-course tasting menu paired with wines from around the world. Dishes on previous sailings have included white tomato soup, braised beef cheek, venison with charred asparagus, and a goat cheese tartlet. There is an additional fee for all guests to dine at the Vintage Room; reservations are required.

Akin to a floating coffee house, the Atelier is the most casual dining option onboard. A late riser’s mini breakfast buffet is offered in the Atelier until 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch-centric spread with open-face sandwiches, cheese, cold cuts, vegetables, and easy-to-grab snacks such as German-style pretzels. A trio of burgers, club sandwiches, flatbread, milkshakes, and bubble waffles are part of a limited made-to-order menu served daily until 6 p.m. However, depending on the package booked, there may be an additional charge for guests to order from the menu.

A pair of Big Green Egg grills reside on the ship’s top Vista Deck. When sunny skies prevail, lunch and dinner barbecues offer a fun al fresco dining experience with gourmet selections such as steak, lamb, and jumbo prawns.

Depending on the package booked, room service is either available only during restaurant hours or around the clock.

There are two bars on Debussy, the main Palm Court Bar and the rooftop Vista Bar. An onboard sommelier can assist with wine selections. Craft cocktail enthusiasts have tough choices to make, as the cocktail menu stretches multiple pages, offering a dizzying number of botanical selections. Servers and bartenders are pleased to share their favorites and offer suggestions; for indecisive guests, the rotating Cocktail of the Day serves as a good starting point. A handful of mocktails are also available. Some of the fresh herbs used in the bar program are grown in pots on the ship’s top deck.

Wine, spirits, and champagne are included in two premium all-inclusive packages offered by Riverside.

An onboard pianist and singer performs most evenings after dinner service in the Palm Court lounge. Local, classical musicians may also perform on evenings when the ship is in port.

On sailings that cruise the castle-studded Upper Middle Rhine Valley or Rhine Gorge, commentary is provided via an app guests must install on their smart phone or tablet.

Two of the four cruise packages offered by Riverside Luxury Cruises do not include shore excursions.

The 24-hour fitness center is equipped with a variety of free weights, exercise mats, and assorted TechnoGym strength and cardio equipment.

Fehi Spa is small, but a dedicated therapist offers facials and massages. There is only one treatment room and no changing area. Guests typically head to the spa wearing the robe and slippers from their suite.