Former Silversea CEO Albert Peter aims to bring the 'Silversea touch' to European river cruising.
Jewel River Cruise Line, a new, luxury, river cruise brand, will debut in 2008 with its first ship, Jewel Imperial Blue. The vessel will depart Paris on April 5 and sail along the Seine. The new company, founded by former Silversea Cruises CEO Albert Peter, also incorporates Emerald River Journeys, a premium line; and, the contemporary Princess River Journeys.
There are several exciting features about the new, all-suites vessel, which accommodates just 90 passengers. According to Peter, some of its distinguishing characteristics will include "a superior dining experience, intriguing and engaging shore experiences providing an exceptional level of exclusivity and access, a dedicated wellness spa, unrivalled hospitality and service and co-branding with internationally renowned luxury partners offering unique opportunities for guests." In other words, a river-going version of Silversea, which will no doubt delight the high-spending river cruise passenger.
Peter is aiming high with the new company and aims to become a 'dominant force' in river cruising. The first vessel, currently in service for another operator, is being converted into a luxurious floating hotel at a cost of $3.5 million. Typical clients are expected to be affluent, active, aged 45-60 (so considerably younger than most river cruise passengers) and in search of cultural 'experiences' rather than ordinary shore excursions.
Bookings for the new venture open on January 1, 2008.
