Crystal River Cruises celebrated the resumption of European river cruise operations and its return to Europe's most beloved rivers with the Crystal Ravel sailing from Vilshofen on a seven-night Danube itinerary with stops in Germany, Austria and Hungary, overnight stays on board in Vienna and Budapest and cruising through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley.
In Vilshofen, officers and crew welcomed guests aboard the Crystal Ravel after a nearly 18-month hiatus in operations. Today, August 30, its sister ship, the Crystal Debussy, is ready to sail from Basel on a seven-night Rhine itinerary with stops in Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, and overnight stays in Koblenz and Amsterdam.
“After months of planning and preparation, we are delighted to welcome our guests aboard to experience the attentive service and personalized care of our dedicated staff on cruises to Europe’s most beloved destinations along picturesque rivers and waterways,” said Walter Littlejohn, Crystal Senior Vice President and Managing Director of River Cruises.
The ship's crew has been preparing the vessels, updating their training, and implementing new Crystal Clean+ procedures that address the unique challenges of COVID-19 with strict health protocols to provide guests with a safe and enjoyable experience. Crystal River Cruises requires all guests and crew to be fully vaccinated as part of Crystal Clean+, which, due to the mandatory vaccination requirement, allows guests to explore independently ashore.
Inherently spacious, the company's luxurious all-suite riverboats allow for ample social distancing, accommodate only half the guests of similarly sized vessels, and offer à la carte restaurants, open-seating dining, and plenty of tables for two.
In 2021, Crystal River Cruises will offer 32 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. The cruises will focus on the line’s seven most popular and richest destinations, featuring overnight Rhine and Danube itineraries, as well as voyages showcasing the fairytale beauty of the Moselle wine region. Each 2021 river cruise will also feature at least two overnight stays, with many offering three, allowing guests to delve deeper into the charm and history of the ports or venture into nearby towns for broader experiences.
Crystal River Cruises' 2021 rollout reflects a gradual return to service and the consolidation of voyages from Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler to similar itineraries on their identical sister ships, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel. There is still time and availability to book on select voyages, including limited availability on 2021 holiday cruises. Crystal Ravel is scheduled to ring in the New Year in Vienna during an extended three-night stop, while Crystal Debussy will celebrate New Year's Eve in Amsterdam with a two-night stop to enjoy all the festivities and enriching experiences the city has to offer.
On Crystal River Cruises itineraries, timeless medieval cities blend beautifully with modern centers of culture and commerce. Guests can explore the Benedictine Abbey of Melk, Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse, and Amsterdam’s windmills, and travel through the magnificent scenery of the Rhine River Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On each voyage, Crystal’s Destination Discoveries features curated optional and inclusive shore excursions, as well as exclusive events and extended voyages designed to enhance guests’ journeys with selections that cater to a variety of interests, including a complimentary exclusive event at Belvedere Palace in Vienna for select 2021 Crystal River Cruises voyages.
Crystal's award-winning Rhine-class riverboats are the first and only ships in the industry in Europe to offer balconies, suites, and butler service, with all accommodation categories located above the waterline. All suites feature Panoramic Balcony-Windows™ and double dressing rooms and vanities in the bathrooms, which are standard in most categories.
All Crystal riverboats feature private butler service in every stateroom category, king-size beds, Caudalie toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, and wall-mounted flat-screen HD televisions. Other enticing features include farm-to-table cuisine at several open-shift restaurants: the elegant Waterside Restaurant, the eponymous bistro cafes, and the upscale Vintage Room; and the Palm Court for entertaining, enriching presentations, and panoramic countryside views. Crystal's attention to detail is also evident on land, with guests transported in luxury coaches equipped with complimentary water and Wi-Fi for added convenience and comfort.
