Taking River Cruises To The Next Level

About a month ago I announced the exciting news that Crystal Cruises is entering the river cruise market. In that blog I told you to stay tuned.

Well, here is Chapter 2.

Crystal President & CEO Edie Rodriguez recently revealed details about Crystal’s first two river ships. “We continue to listen to what our guests and the luxury traveler want, and river cruises are what they’ve been telling us they want for some time,” said Rodriguez. “But more importantly, they want to experience river cruises on a luxury Crystal vessel, and their desires will be fulfilled on our luxury Crystal river yachts.”

Both luxurious yacht-style ships will accommodate 140 passengers in seventy 250-square-foot suites, including two 500-square-foot penthouse suites.

Guests used to Crystal’s world-class splendor will not be disappointed with suite amenities such as king-size beds, walk-in closets and double-sink vanities in the bathrooms.

In keeping with Crystal’s commitment to world-class guest service, the European itineraries are slated to “deviate from traditional routes to avoid congestion,” Rodriguez explained. The vessels will sail on rivers across Europe, including France, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria.

In addition to the immersive shore excursions you would expect from a river cruise line, Crystal will offer “Active Exploration Adventures.” More adventurous guests can go exploring the countryside on foot with a brisk hike, on wheels with an electric or manual bicycle or even a Segway, or on the water in a kayak, among the variety of adventure gear available. Each passenger will enjoy one complimentary “Active Exploration Adventure.”

For a taste of true luxury, guests can charter a Crystal Cruises private luxury yacht for a blissful cruise within a cruise.

The award-winning cuisine on board extends to shore, with guests savoring culinary experiences in Michelin-starred restaurants, the finest local eateries and enjoying Crystal exclusive events with food and entertainment.

Both yet unnamed river vessels will launch in early spring, 2017; Key Traveler will begin taking bookings starting December 1.