Crystal River Cruises on August 29 resumed European river cruise operations with Crystal Ravel sailing from Vilshofen on a seven-night Danube itinerary with calls in Germany, Austria and Hungary, shipboard overnights in Vienna and Budapest, and cruising of the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley. Crystal Ravel was back on the waters after a nearly 18-month pandemic-induced pause. On August 30, sister ship Crystal Debussy set sail from Basel on a seven-night Rhine itinerary with calls in Switzerland, France, Germany and Netherlands and overnight calls in Koblenz and Amsterdam.
Crystal River Cruises requires all guests and crew to be fully vaccinated as part of "Crystal Clean+" program. Good to know: Due to the vaccination requirement guests are allowed to explore ashore independently.
This year, Crystal River Cruises will offer 32 voyages ranging from seven to 11 nights, offering guests the chance to explore historical cities and UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Rhine, Danube and Moselle Rivers, besides voyages showcasing the Mosel Wine Region. Every river voyage is also highlighted by at least two overnight stays, with many itineraries offering three overnights for broader experiences.
Crystal River Cruises’ 2021 deployment marks a gradual return to 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. Guests still have time to book select voyages, including limited availability on "2021 Holiday" voyages. While Crystal Ravel is set to ring in the New Year in Vienna during a three-night call, Crystal Debussy will celebrate New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam with a two-night call.
On itineraries offered by Crystal River Cruises, guests can explore Melk’s Benedictine Abbey, Vienna’s Ringstrasse and Amsterdam’s windmills. They can 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. Besides, there are Signature Events and extended journeys, such as the complimentary "Signature Event at the Belvedere Palace in Vienna" for select 2021 Crystal Ravel sailings.
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 amenities include locally sourced cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries. Once ashore, guests will be transported on adventures in luxury motor coaches equipped with complimentary water and Wi-Fi.
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