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| Rendering of Crystal Mozart |
Crystal River Cruises has announced that the new luxury river cruise line will launch with its first vessel in 2016, a year earlier than previously planned.
President and CEO Edie Rodriguez has announced that four newly built Crystal river yachts – twice the originally planned deployment – have been ordered for delivery in 2017 from Lloyd Werft in Germany. Crystal has also completed the purchase of the German built MS Mozart, the largest river cruise vessel in Europe. Following an extensive dry dock, the newly designed vessel will be renamed Crystal Mozart and embark on the Danube River on July 13, 2016.
Crystal Mozart is designed to fit into the wider locks of the Danube River from Passau in Germany to Budapest in Hungary, and holds the record of being the largest river cruise vessel on European rivers, measuring 75.1 feet wide, which is double the width of an average industry river boat. The 160-guest capacity Crystal Mozart has window suites of 203 square feet, deluxe suites of 215 square feet, a penthouse suite of 322 square feet and two, two-bedroom Crystal Suites of 860 square feet. Due to its impressive width and size, the vessel’s unique features will remain, such as the public area that spans a single level and yacht-like amenities including multiple dining rooms, a wraparound promenade, a spa and fitness center, an indoor pool, beauty salon, and library.
The four new all-suite luxury river yachts will debut in June and August 2017, with suites of 220 square feet, deluxe suites of 250 square feet, a penthouse suite of 500 square feet and a two-bedroom Crystal Suite of 750 square feet. The suites will all have king size beds, walk-in wardrobes and bathrooms with double vanities. Similar to Crystal Mozart’s concept, the luxury river yacht’s public areas and dining venues are all on one level for convenient access. The new vessels will have a Palm Court with dance floor and glass domed roof, a library, fitness center, spa, and sporting equipment such as electric assisted bicycles, kayaks, and jet skis. Designed with the maximum size to fit into the locks of rivers and under bridges, two of the Crystal River Yachts will cruise the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers with 110 guests. As for the other two, each with an 84-guest capacity, one will be cruising the Seine River and the other the Garonne and Dordogne rivers as well as navigating through the Gironde Estuary.
The two new builds cruising on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers will be named Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler. The two new builds cruising on the Seine River and Garonne River will be named Crystal Ravel and Crystal Debussy.
Crystal will dedicate a portion of each cruise to sailing the rivers during daytime hours, in order to allow guests time to enjoy the scenery, as well as enjoy the nightlife in select destinations with port overnights. Often overnight ports will present inclusive culinary experiences ashore at Michelin-starred restaurants and renowned local eateries, and exclusive evening events and cultural entertainment. During days spent in port, Crystal River Cruises will offer guests a selection of immersive Crystal Adventures as well as launch its newest shore-side program called Active Exploration Adventures. Tailored for guests wanting a high-intensity shore-side activity, Crystal is offering a complimentary active excursion for guests to explore while staying fit on vacation. Guests will also be able to enjoy a fleet of luxury motor coaches, offering business-class style seating, complimentary Wi-Fi and local guides.
Visit www.crystalcruises.com