Crystal River Cruises has announced its final deployment for 2021, featuring 35 voyages ranging from seven to 11 nights and exploring the historic cities, cultural treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Rhine, Danube and Moselle rivers. Sister ships Crystal Ravel and Crystal Debussy are set to return to Europe’s waterways on August 29 and August 30, respectively, with a focus on the line’s seven-night Rhine and Danube itineraries, as well as voyages showcasing 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.
Plans are well underway to resume river cruising in August thanks to recent positive news from the European Union allowing entry for vaccinated passengers with all countries on Crystal River Cruises’ itineraries now open for river cruising.
“We are looking forward with great excitement and anticipation to welcoming our guests back aboard our all-suite, all-butler serviced river ships to share the stunning cultural sights and natural beauty of Europe’s most treasured river destinations,” said Walter Littlejohn, Crystal River Cruises’ senior vice president and managing director. “While our Christmas Market voyages are completely sold out there is still availability for select voyages, which we know will be welcome news for guests who have been postponing their plans waiting for travel restrictions to ease.
“There is a pent-up desire to cruise to iconic cities such as Amsterdam and Budapest and epicenters of art and music such as Vienna and Salzburg paired with the dramatic landscapes and natural beauty of the Wachau Valley and Middle Rhine Valley. Guests will enjoy these voyages on the most innovative and luxurious river ships in the industry with the warm and genuine service that Crystal is known featuring the highest staff-to-guest ratio among all European river lines,” Littlejohn added.
Crystal River Cruises is doing a gradual return of service by consolidating sailings from Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler on similar voyages onboard their identical sister ships, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel, as part of the final 2021 deployment.
In preparation for the resumption of service, Crystal River Cruises’ crew are prepping the vessels, will complete a refresher training program as well as implement new Crystal Clean+ protocols that address the unique challenges of COVID-19. New measures include mandatory vaccination for guests and crew; COVID-19 testing at embarkation; HEPA filters; and more. Because of the mandatory vaccination requirement, guests will be able to explore ashore independently. As a reminder, Crystal Clean+ protocols are under continual review based on scientific data and evolving recommendations from local and global authorities.
On Crystal River Cruises’ itineraries, timeless medieval towns mix beautifully with modern hubs of culture and commerce. Guests can explore Melk’s Benedictine Abbey, Vienna’s famed Ringstrasse, and the windmills of Amsterdam, and cruise through a UNESCO World Heritage site of terraced vineyards and castle towns in the lovely Wachau Valley. On every voyage, the Crystal River Collection features inclusive, curated experiences ashore that will enhance the journey for guests with options that cater to a variety of interests including a Complimentary Signature Event at the Belvedere Palace in Vienna for select Crystal Ravel sailings.
There is limited availability on the following Crystal River Cruises’ 2021 sailings:
Rhine & Moselle River cruises: Crystal Debussy
“Legendary Rhine,” 7 nights, Basel to Amsterdam
August 30, September 13, October 21, November 4, November 18
Featuring overnights in Koblenz, Germany and Amsterdam, Netherlands; calling in Cologne, Rüdesheim and Mannheim, Germany; and Strasbourg, France.
“Romantic Rhine,” 7 nights, Amsterdam to Basel
September 6, September 20, October 14, October 28, November 11
Featuring overnights in Amsterdam, Netherlands and Koblenz, Germany; calling in Cologne, Rüdesheim and Mannheim, Germany; and Strasbourg, France, and cruising the scenic Middle Rhine Valley, cruising through the picturesque town of Boppard past the Lorelei rock.
“Enchanting Moselle,” 10 nights, Amsterdam Roundtrip
October 4
Featuring overnights in Düsseldorf, Germany, Strasbourg, France, and Amsterdam, Netherlands; calling in Rüdesheim, Mannheim, Koblenz and Cologne, Germany; and Arnhem and Hoorn, Netherlands.
Danube River cruises: Crystal Ravel
“Delightful Danube,” 7 nights, Vilshofen to Budapest (Eastbound)
August 29, September 12, September 26, November 3
Featuring overnights in Vienna and Budapest; calling in Linz, Melk and Dürnstein, Austria; and Passau, Germany, as well as cruising the Wachau Valley.
“Delightful Danube,” 7 nights, Budapest to Vilshofen (Westbound)
September 5, September 19, October 27, November 10
Featuring overnights in Budapest, Vienna, and Vilshofen; calling in Dürnstein and Melk, Austria; and Passau, Germany, as well as cruising the Wachau Valley.
“Danube Serenade,” 7 nights, Budapest to Vienna/Vienna to Budapest
October 3, October 20
Featuring overnights in Vienna and Budapest; calling in Dürnstein, Melk, Linz and Krems, Austria; and Bratislava, Slovakia, and cruising the Wachau Valley.
“Treasures of the Danube,” 10 nights, Vienna Roundtrip
October 10
Beginning and ending with overnights in Vienna, also featuring overnights in Budapest and Passau, Germany; calling in Bratislava, Slovakia; Dürnstein, Melk and Linz, Austria; and cruising the Wachau Valley.
Holiday Cruises
Crystal Ravel “Dazzling Danube Holiday” – 11 nights
Budapest to Vienna / New Year’s Eve in Vienna
December 22 – January 2, 2022
Beginning with an overnight in Budapest and featuring a triple overnight in Vienna (including New Year’s Eve); calling in Bratislava, Slovakia; Passau and Vilshofen, Germany; and Melk, Linz, Grein and Krems, Austria.
Crystal Debussy “Joyful Holidays on the Rhine” – 10 nights
Amsterdam Roundtrip / New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam
December 23 – January 2, 2022
Beginning in Amsterdam and featuring an overnight in Rüdesheim and concluding with a double overnight in Amsterdam for New Year’s Eve; calling in Arnhem, Netherlands; Cologne (on Christmas Day), Mannheim, Worms, Koblenz and Düsseldorf, Germany; Strasbourg, France; and cruising the Middle Rhine Valley.
