Crystal Unveils New River Cruise Designs
As Crystal River Cruises launched the first of its seven river vessels, Crystal Mozart in Vienna yesterday (July 11), the luxury line has simultaneously announced design plans for the next phase of its four newly built river yachts.
The river yachts, Crystal Ravel, Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy (pictured, artist’s rendering) and Crystal Mahler, are set to embark in spring and summer of next year.
“Emulation has never been part of our formula for success, rather, we have enjoyed a long reputation for innovating and leading the way in luxury travel experiences,” says Crystal president Edie Rodriguez. “Crystal River Cruises river yachts will showcase the most celebrated parts of the Crystal Experience – stylish and elegant design, creative itineraries and experiences ashore, unmatched genuine service – while also creating a brand new niche in river cruising that will appeal to the world’s most discerning travellers.”
The four new river yachts will boast nearly identical design strategy to Crystal Mozart, with some notable variances due to the difference in the vessels’ size. While Crystal Mozart is the largest river-going ship in Europe accommodating 158 guests, the new builds will carry approximately half that number for a more intimate environment.
Sailing on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Bach are distinguished as “Rhine Class” yachts, at 135 metres in length with 53 suites for 106 guests; while Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel will sail on the Seine, Garonne, Dordogne and Gironde Rivers and are considered “Paris Class” yachts, with a length of 110 metres and guest capacity of 78 guests in 39 suites.
All four vessels will offer Crystal guests luxurious amenities, including Crystal’s acclaimed butler service for every suite – suites that reach up to 759 sq. ft. (Crystal Suite) and feature king-sized beds that face toward the Panoramic Balcony-Windows, plus walk-in closets, full-length mirrors, ETRO robes and slippers, wall-mounted flat-screen HD TVs and Nespresso machines.
Eateries will include the elegant Waterside Restaurant, namesake Bistro cafés and the exclusive Vintage Room; Cove Bar and Palm Court. Public amenities and services include full-service spa and separate fitness centre. Plus a partial indoor/outdoor pool on the aft of Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler.
“We have ensured that, in designing Crystal River Cruises’ yachts, we remain committed to the cornerstones of the Crystal brand that travellers throughout the world have come to love: service, space, quality and choices,” says Walter Littlejohn, vice-president and managing director, Crystal River Cruises. “It is imperative that our guests’ experience aboard these vessels conveys this commitment to the ‘Crystal Difference.’”
In order to give guests the best possible experience, the new river yachts will now offer all-suite accommodations that are located entirely above the waterline, providing unobstructed views through the Panoramic Balcony-Windows.
(http://www.crystalrivercruises.com)
