Stuart Perl has left Riverside Luxury Cruises after “firmly establishing the foundations” for the business.
He has been succeeded by Charlie Hewitt Davies who has been appointed managing director of both Riverside Luxury Cruises and Seaside Collection.
In a statement on Linkedin, Perl, who has held senior positions at AmaWaterways, Cunard and Seabourn, said he joined Riverside last year with the “exciting prospect” of setting up its UK office, adding the project is nearly complete, “bang on one year later”.
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Under his leadership, Jon Knight was appointed head of sales for UK and Ireland and four former Crystal Cruises ships were added to the line’s fleet.
Perl said: “Riverside Luxury Cruises approached me in 2022 with the exciting prospect of setting up their UK office. Bang on schedule, one year later, the project is drawing to a close.
“As an unknown entrant into the river cruise arena, brand awareness was essential and sales and marketing campaigns were agreed with trade and consumer publications as well as database initiatives with our travel agency partners.
“Two of our five ships are sailing, Mozart on the Danube and Riverside Ravel on the Rhône and sales are coming in.”
He added: “As with all projects, it’s been hard work, rewarding and fun.”
Hewitt Davies has been tasked with driving revenue and market share for the luxury hotels and river cruise product, as well as developing new sales strategies and implementing sales distribution partnerships to build brand awareness for both Riverside Luxury Cruises and Seaside Collection.
She said: “The two brands have so much to offer the luxury seeking traveller and I’m looking forward to working with the existing and growing teams to build a strong and cohesive strategy that will drive bookings and grow brand awareness.
“Working closely and building relationships with luxury tour operators, travel agents and travel designers will be a key part of our sales strategy.”