Crystal River Cruises resumes European sailings

Crystal River Cruises has resumed sailing in Europe after a gap of almost 18 months due to the pandemic.

Crystal Ravel sailed from Vilshofen on a seven-night Danube itinerary featuring calls in Germany, Austria and Hungary, including overnight stays in Vienna and Budapest.

Sister ship Crystal Debussy followed on a seven-night Rhine itinerary from Basel with overnight calls in Koblenz and Amsterdam.

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.

The company requires all guests and crew to be fully vaccinated as part of its Covid protocols allows passengers to go ashore independently.

The line plans to run 32 sailings this year ranging from seven ti 11 nights in duration on the Rhine, Danube and Moselle rivers.

Crystal Ravel is set to mark the new year in Vienna during an extended three-night call, while Crystal Debussy will celebrate new year’s eve in Amsterdam with a two-night call.

Senior vice president and managing director Walter Littlejohn said: “After months of planning and preparation we are excited to welcome our guests back on board to experience the attentive service and personalised care of our devoted staff on cruises to the best-loved destinations of Europe’s scenic rivers and waterways.

“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.”