Crystal returns to Europe's rivers

Crystal River Cruises celebrated the resumption of European river cruise operations and its return to Europe’s beloved rivers on Aug. 29 as Crystal Ravel sailed from Vilshofen on a seven-night Danube itinerary featuring calls in Germany, Austria and Hungary, shipboard overnights in Vienna and Budapest, and cruising of the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley. 

In Vilshofen, the officers and crew welcomed guests back to Crystal Ravel after a nearly 18-month pause in operations. 

Oh Aug. 30, sister ship Crystal Debussy cruised from Basel on a seven-night Rhine itinerary with calls in Switzerland, France, Germany and Netherlands and 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.

“We know our guests are also incredibly eager to return to the luxurious accommodations, Michelin-level cuisine and unrivaled social spaces aboard our ships as well as the enriching discoveries that await ashore,” Littlejohn said. “The effortless luxury and relaxation of river cruising seems perfectly designed for the moment in which we find ourselves, allowing our guests to escape to a world of natural beauty along Europe’s rivers, highlighted by great art, architecture and history, and with unique opportunities for cultural immersion to create cherished memories of a lifetime.”

Crystal River Cruises requires all guests and crew to be fully vaccinated as part of Crystal Clean+, which due to the mandatory vaccination requirement, allows guests to explore ashore independently.

In 2021, Crystal River Cruises will offer 32 voyages ranging from seven to 11 nights exploring the historic cities, cultural treasures and UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Rhine, Danube and Moselle rivers with a focus on the line’s most popular and destination-rich seven-night Rhine and Danube itineraries, as well as voyages showcasing the fairytale beauty of the Mosel Wine Region. 

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. 

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.