Crystal Cruises announced on 29AUG 2021 that it will resume European river cruising operations aboard Crystal Ravel and Crystal Debussy.
On 29AUG, Crystal Ravel sailed from Vilshofen on a seven-night Danube itinerary for the first time in 18 months, featuring calls in Germany, Austria and Hungary, shipboard overnights in Vienna and Budapest, and cruising of the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley.
On 30AUG, Crystal Debussy is set to cruise from Basel on a seven-night Rhine itinerary with calls in Switzerland, France, Germany and Netherlands including overnight calls in Koblenz and Amsterdam.
“After months of planning and preparation we are excited to welcome our guests back on board to experience the attentive service and personalized care of our devoted staff on cruises to the best loved destinations of Europe’s scenic rivers and waterways,” said Walter Littlejohn, Crystal River Cruises’ senior vice president and managing director.
Crystal Ravel is set to begin in the New Year in Vienna during an extended three-night call, while Crystal Debussy will celebrate New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam with a two night call to enjoy all the festivities the city has to offer. Guests can explore Melk’s Benedictine Abbey, Vienna’s famed Ringstrasse, the windmills of Amsterdam, and cruise through the landscapes of the Rhine River Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
On every voyage, Crystal’s Destination Discoveries features inclusive and optional curated experiences ashore, as well as Signature Events and extended journeys designed to enhance the journey for guests with selections that cater to a variety of interests, including a complimentary Signature Event at the Belvedere Palace in Vienna for select 2021 Crystal Ravel sailings.
Crystal Cruises notes that ship staff have been preparing the vessels, refreshing their training, and implementing its Crystal Clean+ procedures to provide guests with a safe experience. All guests and crew are required to be vaccinated as part of these measures, which will allow guests to explore ashore independently. Both Crystal Ravel and Crystal Debussy allow space for social distancing, and offer a 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 cities, cultural experiences and UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Rhine, Danube and Moselle rivers with a focus on the line’s seven-night Rhine and Danube itineraries, as well as voyages showcasing the Mosel Wine Region. Crystal notes that every 2021 river voyage is highlighted by at least two overnight stays, with many voyages offering three overnights, allowing guests to further immerse themselves in the ports’ charm and history, or venture to nearby towns for broader experiences.
Crystal River Cruises’ 2021 deployment reflects a gradual return of service and the consolidation of sailings from Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler to similar voyages on their identical sister ships, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel. The line notes that there is still time and availability to book on select voyages, including limited availability on 2021 Holiday voyages.
Crystal’s Rhine-Class river ships are all-balcony, all-suite, and all-butler vessels. All suites feature Panoramic Balcony-Windows and walk-in closets and dual vanity in the bathrooms are featured in most categories.
All of Crystal’s river ships feature private butler service in every room category, king-sized beds, Caudalie amenities, robes and slippers, and wall-mounted flat-screen HD TVs. Additional enticing features include farm-to-table cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries: the Waterside Restaurant, namesake Bistro cafés and the Vintage Room; and the Palm Court for entertainment, enrichment presentations and more. Ashore, Crystal guests are transported on adventures in luxury motor coaches equipped with complimentary water and Wi-Fi for added convenience and comfort.
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