Crystal River Cruises' award-winning riverboats—Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler, and Crystal Ravel—have earned the Green Award, a certification that recognizes vessels demonstrating exceptional safety and environmental standards. Established in 1994, the Green Award promotes responsible environmental practices among ocean-going vessels, and this certification was extended to riverboats in 2011. The certification is granted by a panel of members from the global maritime industry, representing both public and private entities.
“The same attention to detail that Crystal offers its passengers has been applied to the design and operation of our ships. We understand and appreciate that, to continue exploring the great waterways of Europe and the world, we must help to care for them,” commented Walter Littlejohn, Vice President and Managing Director of Crystal River Cruises. “The Green Award certification is confirmation that our efforts are making a difference in the world around us.”.
Crystal's new ships, added to the fleet in 2017 and 2018, are designed to meet the highest standards of environmental protection and sustainability. Each vessel features a diesel-electric power plant, allowing for more efficient fuel consumption for propulsion and electricity generation; advanced wastewater treatment systems; and captains specifically trained to minimize engine loads and fuel consumption by adjusting ship speeds and connecting to shore power while in port.
Crystal has been a leader in sustainability and environmental care on its ocean and river vessels for decades, having adopted the comprehensive “Crystal Clean” policy from its inception. This policy includes minimizing plastic bottles and containers wherever possible, as well as a fleet-wide ban on plastic straws; the use of reusable cloth clothing and recyclable shoe bags in all cabins; meticulous sorting and recycling processes; and LED lighting on all ships. The company recently announced the introduction of Caudalie toiletries by the end of 2020. These innovative skin and shower products represent the highest standards of French cosmetics, formulated with natural ingredients and free from parabens, phenoxyethanol, mineral oils, sodium laureth sulfate, synthetic dyes, and animal-derived ingredients (except honey and beeswax). Caudalie products are eco-friendly and feature packaging made from plant-based plastics and/or recycled paper whenever possible.
After more than 30 years sailing to the far reaches of the world, Crystal has a long tradition of implementing and maintaining the highest health and safety policies at sea.
