Crystal River Cruises announces its final 2021 lineup, with 35 voyages ranging from seven to 11 nights exploring the historic cities, cultural treasures, and UNESCO World Heritage sites along the Rhine, Danube, and Moselle rivers. Sister ships Crystal Ravel and Crystal Debussy will return to Europe’s famous waterways on August 29 and 30, respectively, focusing on the line’s most popular and destination-rich itineraries. All 2021 river voyages feature a minimum of two overnight stays, with many offering three, allowing passengers to immerse themselves further in the charm and history of the ports or venture into nearby cities for broader experiences.
“We are eagerly anticipating welcoming our guests aboard our river cruise ships to share the breathtaking cultural sights and natural beauty of Europe’s most treasured river destinations,” said Walter Littlejohn, senior vice president and general manager of Crystal River Cruises.
“With the desire to travel to iconic cities like Amsterdam and Budapest and epicenters of art and music like Vienna and Salzburg, along with the spectacular landscapes and natural beauty of the Wachau Valley and the Middle Rhine Valley, passengers will be able to enjoy these journeys on the most innovative and luxurious riverboats in the industry, with the genuine service that characterizes Crystal, with the highest staff-to-guest ratio among all European river lines,” Littlejohn added.
Crystal River Cruises is making a phased return to service with the Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler sailings on similar voyages aboard their identical sister ships, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel, as part of the final 2021 rollout.
The Crystal River Cruises crew will complete a refresher training program and implement the new Crystal Clean+ protocols. These new measures include mandatory vaccinations for passengers and crew, COVID-19 testing upon embarkation, HEPA filters, and more. Due to the mandatory vaccination requirement, guests will be able to explore independently on land.
On each voyage, the Crystal River Collection offers onshore experiences that enhance guests' journeys with options to suit a variety of interests, including a complimentary event at the Belvedere Palace in Vienna for select Crystal River voyages.
Among the itineraries offered by Crystal River Cruises are the following:
- “The legendary Rhine”, 7 nights, from Basel to Amsterdam – August 30, September 13, October 21, November 4, November 18 – With nights in Koblenz (Germany) and Amsterdam (Netherlands); with stops in Cologne, Rüdesheim and Mannheim (Germany); and Strasbourg (France).
- “Romantic Rhine”, 7 nights, from Amsterdam to Basel – September 6, September 20, October 14, October 28, November 11 – With nights in Amsterdam (Netherlands) and Koblenz (Germany); with stops in Cologne, Rüdesheim and Mannheim (Germany) and Strasbourg (France), and with a cruise through the picturesque Middle Rhine Valley, passing through the picturesque town of Boppard and the Lorelei rock.
- “The Enchanting Moselle”, 10 nights, round trip to Amsterdam - October 4 - With nights in Düsseldorf (Germany), Strasbourg (France) and Amsterdam (Netherlands); with stops in Rüdesheim, Mannheim, Koblenz and Cologne (Germany); and Arnhem and Hoorn (Netherlands).
- “The delightful Danube”, 7 nights, from Vilshofen to Budapest (eastbound) - August 29, September 12, September 26, November 3 - With nights in Vienna and Budapest; with stops in Linz, Melk and Dürnstein (Austria) and Passau (Germany), as well as a cruise through the Wachau Valley.
- “The delightful Danube”, 7 nights, from Budapest to Vilshofen (westbound) - September 5, September 19, October 27, November 10 - With nights in Budapest, Vienna and Vilshofen; with stops in Dürnstein and Melk (Austria) and Passau (Germany), as well as a cruise through the Wachau Valley.
- “Serenade of the Danube”, 7 nights, from Budapest to Vienna/Vienna to Budapest – October 3, October 20 - With nights in Vienna and Budapest, stops in Dürnstein, Melk, Linz and Krems (Austria) and Bratislava (Slovakia), and a cruise through the Wachau Valley.
- “Treasures of the Danube”, 10 nights, round trip to Vienna - October 10 - Begins and ends with nights in Vienna, and also includes nights in Budapest and Passau (Germany); stopover in Bratislava (Slovakia); Dürnstein, Melk and Linz (Austria); and a cruise through the Wachau Valley.
Crystal's award-winning riverboats are the first and only ships in the river cruise industry with all accommodation categories located above the waterline. All suites feature panoramic Balcony-Windows™, and walk-in closets and double vanities in the bathrooms are offered in most categories. Private butler service is provided on all Crystal riverboats in every stateroom category, and more.
