Crystal Bach christened

Crystal River Cruises christened Crystal Bach, the first of its four new ‘Rhine Class’ river ships, on Sunday, Aug. 20 in Rüdesheim, Germany.

Crystal CEO and president Edie Rodriguez was present and presided over the ceremony, and was joined by Crystal entertainer and emcee Mark Farris. The ship was christened with the traditional blessing and champagne breaking by its godmother, German opera singer Anna-Maria Kaufmann.

“The enthusiasm surrounding this groundbreaking ship has been tremendous already, and we could not be prouder to welcome her to the award-winning Crystal River fleet,” Rodriguez said.

“The fact that she is Crystal’s first-ever new build river ship means that we had the opportunity to go beyond the best and create a luxury river cruise experience that is truly unprecedented. She is the first – and, until her sisters join her – the only all-balcony, all-suite river ship.”

The ship’s cruise guests, local travel partners and executives from Crystal’s parent company, Genting Hong Kong, were also present. “Crystal remains committed to being the standard bearer for what is possible in luxury travel, just as they have since they first embarked more than 27 years ago,” said Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Genting Hong Kong chairman and CEO.

“We are proud to be part of and support this vision, and look forward to continuing on this journey together.”

Crystal Bach will sail 10- and 14-day voyages predominantly along the Rhine River, and will call in medieval towns and modern hubs in Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany.

Further information about the ship can be viewed on Crystal’s website, www.crystalcruises.com.