Crystal River Cruises has unveiled four new 2018 itineraries for its second “Rhine Class” vessel, Crystal Mahler. In April and May next year, the brand new river ship will sail three seven-day “Danube Serenade” routes between Budapest and Vienna, and one 11-day “Reflections on the Danube” sailing. The new voyages are a shorter complement to Crystal Mahler’s 16-day “Grand Europe” itineraries, which sail between Amsterdam and Budapest for most of the year, cruising the Rhine and Main Rivers.

“We’re delighted to offer these new sailings aboard Crystal Mahler, allowing travelers to explore the beautiful locales along the Danube in the sleek luxury of our new ‘Rhine Class’ vessels, with the added convenience of shorter itineraries for those with limited time away,” says Crystal CEO and President Edie Rodriguez.

The newly added itineraries depart April 10, 17, 24 and May 1 and visit European hamlets including Krems, Spitz, Linz and Melk, Austria and Bratislava, Slovakia. Three of the voyages feature dedicated theme programming, including special guest Nancy Brinker – former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary and founder of the Susan G. Komen Foundation – aboard the April 10 sailing discussing Art & Diplomacy, the annual “President’s Cruise” with Edie Rodriguez on the April 24 sailing, and an in-depth focus on Jewish Heritage excursions aboard the May 1 sailing.

In each destination aboard every Crystal River Cruises itinerary, travelers can choose from a selection of complimentary Crystal Adventures ashore, or opt for further exploration with additional curated excursions.

Also see Crystal River Cruises: In A Class Apart