Crystal Christens Crystal Bach in Germany
Crystal River Cruises christened Crystal Bach, the first of its four new build “Rhine Class” river ships, last weekend (Aug. 20) in Rüdesheim, Germany.
Crystal’s CEO and president, Edie Rodriguez, presided over the ceremony. The ship’s godmother, beloved German opera star Anna-Maria Kaufmann, christened the ship with the traditional blessing and champagne breaking, and also lent her famed talents to the celebration with a special performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Air.” Also in attendance were the ship’s cruise guests, local travel partners and executives from Crystal’s parent company, Genting Hong Kong.
“The enthusiasm surrounding this groundbreaking ship has been tremendous already, and we could not be prouder to welcome her to the award-winning Crystal River fleet,” says Rodriguez. “The fact that she is Crystal’s first-ever new build river ship means that we had the opportunity to go beyond the best and create a luxury river cruise experience that is truly unprecedented. She is the first – and, until her sisters join her – the only all-balcony, all-suite river ship.”
In another industry first, Crystal Bach and the “Rhine Class” ships feature all categories of accommodations positioned above the water line, boasting king-sized beds and Crystal’s acclaimed personal butler service.
Crystal Bach joins Crystal Mozart as part of the Crystal River Cruises fleet. Sailing 10- and 14-day voyages predominantly along the Rhine River, it will call in medieval towns and modern hubs in Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany.
Pictured, top, are (l-r) Josef Lumetsberger, general manager, Operations, Crystal River Cruises, Kaufmann, Rodriguez and Captain Thijs van der Lee.
