From Crystal River Cruises comes a new way to explore legendary European capitals and their enchanting landscapes aboard majestic river cruise ships. Venture into the heart of destinations steeped in history, transporting travelers to dreamlike castles and palaces, centuries-old vineyards and lush forests, breathtaking monuments, and encounters with art. These are the possibilities offered by Crystal Bach, a world of refined elegance on the only river cruise line with butler service, belonging to the river division of Crystal River Cruises. With spacious and exclusive social areas, lounges, a spa, and a fitness center supervised and led by expert instructors, all overlooked by terraces offering panoramic views of the captivating scenery. This personalized attention is provided in every detail, beginning with the acclaimed and innovative cuisine, recognized as "6-star cuisine." From its luxurious coaches, complete with Wi-Fi and snacks for shore excursions, to the features that make the Crystal River Cruises experience unique, every suite on board the Crystal Bach boasts a large picture window with panoramic views and a balcony, as well as magnificent king-size beds dressed in Egyptian cotton, a walk-in closet, and splendid, luxurious bathrooms with Etro amenities and the latest cutting-edge technology
With a capacity for 106 passengers, the Crystal Bach will embark on its maiden voyage on August 13, offering three different routes: “Jewels of the Rhine,” from Amsterdam to Frankfurt and back; “Christmas Markets,” from Amsterdam to Basel and back; and “Grand Christmas Cruise,” from Amsterdam to Basel. The first route, “Jewels of the Rhine,” a 14-day cruise, marks the Crystal Bach’s inaugural voyage, visiting various cities in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland. This itinerary will run from August 13 to November 19, with eight different departures.
In December, the second route, the 10-day "Christmas Markets" cruise, travels through the Netherlands, Germany, and Switzerland from Amsterdam to Basel (or vice versa), visiting the most charming cities at this time of year and allowing you to enjoy the best and most traditional Christmas markets. This same route can also be enjoyed during the Christmas season (departing December 23) with the "Grand Christmas Cruise." In addition, Crystal River Cruises offers its passengers a series of complimentary activities in each port of call, providing unique experiences such as enjoying the exclusive half-hour early opening of the Museum of Fine Arts in Vienna with art experts, a folklore evening with a traditional Serbian dance group in Belgrade, a wine tasting tour through Alsace with an expert, or a bike tour through the Wachau Valley (Austria), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And as the icing on the cake, passengers on the Crystal Bach's inaugural voyage will be invited to a private concert at Amsterdam's Royal Concertgebouw, a 19th-century neoclassical theater that has hosted great musicians such as Strauss, Louis Armstrong, and Sting.
Crystal Cruises has been chosen for 23 consecutive years as the best Luxury Cruise Company (by Conde Nast Traveller readers) and, recently, awarded the 2016 Excellence Award as Best Luxury Cruise Line.
