If you keep up with these blogs, you’ll already be aware of ultra-luxury line Crystal Cruises’ plans to branch out into the river cruise market but it has just announced even more exciting news, with the first ship in the fleet set arrive a year earlier than planned, in 2016. Not only that but it’ll be a larger fleet too, with five luxury yachts rather than the two which we previously told you about.
How is Crystal Cruises making all this possible? Well, four newly-built Crystal yachts will be delivered in 2017 instead of the previously announced two but in response to the phenomenal demand from those eager to experience Crystal’s brand of luxury on Europe’s most iconic rivers, the line has purchased the MS Mozart and will be completely renovating it during an extensive dry dock and emerge on July 13, 2016 as Crystal Mozart.
The largest vessel to sail Europe’s rivers, she’ll explore the Danube river, calling at such ports as Passau and Hungary’s legendary capital Budapest and cater to 160 guests, whole have the choice of some truly opulent suites including the largest on any river cruise vessel, the 860 square foot Crystal Suites. Expect lavish yacht-style amenities like an elegant promenade which extends around the ship, multiple dining venues, a spa, fitness centre and also an indoor pool.
The four brand-new yachts will follow their sister ship, making their debut in June and August 2017 and follow the same design concept as Crystal Mozart. Guests familiar with the line will welcome the inclusion of Crystal’s Palm Court, with its dance floor and glass domed roof and the ships will also feature a library, fitness centre, spa and sports equipment including jet skis and bicycles. Two of the new ships will explore the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, one will sail France’s Seine River while the other will take cruisers along the Garonne and Dordogne. The new vessels will also take their cue from MS Mozart when it comes to their names, each set to be named after some of history’s most famous composers, namely Crystal Bach, Crystal Mahler, Crystal Ravel and Crystal Debussy, who originate from the countries the ships are set to explore.
Watch this space for more news on the new Crystal Cruises river fleet.
