The themed music cruise is one of the fastest-growing sectors of the global travel industry. But they are typically housed on cavernous mega-ships, with 3,000 to 5,000 fans vainly vying not only for their idols’ attention but also for the best cut of prime rib at the buffet line.
Now, two well-known names from the Hudson Valley music scene, festival producer Danny Melnick and Rita Ryan, a custom travel specialist and host of WVKR’s LocalMotion, are getting into the game with a new concept that proves small can be better. Their new venture, Songs Along the Rhine, showcases A-list talent in an intimate setting aboard a luxury, weeklong European riverboat cruise.
The inaugural Songs Along the Rhine voyage will take place from September 7–14, 2027 aboard the Avalon Envision, an 83-cabin luxury riverboat that will traverse four countries along the Rhine River – Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands. The debut cruise’s talent will be truly extraordinary New Yorkers: Rachael & Vilray, the Brooklyn-based duo featuring Lake Street Dive’s lead vocalist Rachael Price, along with Emily King, a multi-Grammy-nominated soul and pop singer. Voyagers will enjoy unforgettable nights of music and gourmet cuisine round the clock, as well as days filled with incredible excursions, including visits to notable castles, vineyards, and more. Events such as these book well in advance and full details can be found at ritaryantravel.com
The concept was the brainchild of Rita Ryan, founder of Rita Ryan Travel, LLC, a luxury travel company. Ryan’s lifelong love of music inspired her to host LocalMotion, a weekly show and podcast on WVKR 91.3 FM, where she interviews local and national artists performing and recording in the Hudson Valley. Ryan brought her concept to a good friend, Danny Melnick of Absolutely Live Entertainment, LLC, the producer of major events such as the Saratoga Jazz Festival and co-founder of the Saugerties-based arts center The Local. Melnick jumped on board to secure award-winning talent.
“Combining my love for travel and music has been a joy,” says Ryan. “The difference with our concept is the intimacy of the performances and the luxury of the travel experience. It’s a chance to see some of Europe’s most beautiful sights and scenery while getting up close and personal with the world-class musicians whose artistry you truly cherish. It will undoubtedly create a lifetime of memories for all who come aboard.”
Melnick adds: “Rachael & Vilray and Emily King are among the finest songwriters and the most beautiful singers in music today. Their intimate performances aboard a luxury riverboat are sure to be an experience of a lifetime. I look forward to working with Rita in the future to create more beautiful marriages of song and sightseeing.”
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