There's a half-century-old company plying Europe's rivers that operates under the radar despite possessing one of the largest fleets in river cruising.
Most consumers have never heard of Scylla, which has nearly 40 ships, including vessels sailing for Viva Cruises, Tauck and Riviera. The company largely charters out its ships, enabling its partners' brands to be front and center with customers (although travelers with a keen eye might notice the Scylla flag flying alongside a brand's).
The company is an engine for the river cruise industry, not only leading operations for several brands but constructing new ships during a time of soaring growth.
"Many of our partnerships have existed for decades," said Scylla CEO Robbert Verbeek. "We develop vessels and products together, continuously exchange operational and guest feedback and make long-term investment decisions based on the future ambitions of both organizations.
"When we build a ship for a partner, we are making an investment with a horizon measured in decades. That naturally creates a different relationship from a short-term supplier arrangement. Our success depends upon the long-term success of our partners."
Scylla's model frees brands to focus on the customer experience, leaving Scylla to handle the logistics of operating a fleet of ships, which the company has done for decades.
But one company building and operating ships for multiple brands raises a question: Is there too much sameness?
Tauck president Jeremy Palmer says no, positioning Scylla's function as a strength rather than a reason for concern about uniformity.
"Every Tauck vessel is custom-built to our specifications, with a particular emphasis on spacious accommodations, a higher proportion of suites and fewer guests than other riverboats of comparable size," Palmer said.
Though Scylla builds vessels for multiple brands, it's not a cookie-cutter operation, Verbeek said. Scylla allows the flexibility of customization, which enables brands to put their unique spin on ship design.
Travel advisor Beth Schulberg, owner of Cruise & Travel Specialists in Lake Oswego, Ore., compared it to leasing a car: the relationship enables river cruise line partners to enjoy the latest offerings in the industry without building it themselves.
Palmer characterized Tauck's relationship with Scylla as a plus for travel advisors and their clients: two brands in one product. But the relationship is purely behind the scenes; it has virtually no bearing on how Schulberg's agency positions brands to clients, nor is it something that Schulberg mentions to clients because it has no impact on their experience.
Scylla and Tauck have worked together for more than 20 years, dating back to when the tour operator entered river cruising. Though their roles are different, Palmer said in practice the two companies operate as one on the rivers.
"Scylla provides the maritime expertise, overseeing the vessels, navigation, technical operations and onboard hotel and culinary teams. Tauck brings to life the destinations that unfold on either bank, including itinerary design and shore excursions, onboard enrichment and the overall guest experience," Palmer said.
Riviera did not respond to specific questions about its relationship with Scylla but said the two companies have "enjoyed a long-standing, very positive working relationship."
Viva, which is part of Scylla's group and represents Scylla's customer-facing river cruise brand, did not respond to a Travel Weekly inquiry.
Letting Scylla, which has operated since 1973, handle operations enables Tauck to keep its full attention on the guest experience in destination, which Palmer said has proved particularly helpful over the last few months, with the industry navigating low water levels on the Danube and Rhine.
Scylla has evaluated alternative routes and made adjustments, while Tauck has leaned on its land network to provide solutions.
"Working together, we've been able to implement contingency plans ranging from sister-ship transfers and revised embarkation points to alternative routing and hotel stays," Palmer said. "While not every disruption can be avoided, the strength of our relationship with Scylla has helped us respond quickly and make timely decisions that protect the guest experience and the heart of the journey."
The brand begins working with Scylla on the design years before the ship touches the water, reviewing everything from architectural plans to building materials.
And the ship is only one part of the river cruise experience: Tauck designs its itineraries and operates the shore excursions entirely with its own team.