{"id":22436,"date":"2016-02-15T20:08:14","date_gmt":"2016-02-16T03:08:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/?page_id=22436"},"modified":"2023-01-11T10:32:39","modified_gmt":"2023-01-11T15:32:39","slug":"crystal-river-cruises","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/rivercruiseadvisor.com\/cruise-companies\/crystal-river-cruises\/","title":{"rendered":"Crystal River Cruises (Insolvent 2021)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Crystal River Cruises (Insolvent 2021)<\/h1>\n
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Raising the bar in river cruising: Tasting menu in Crystal’s Vintage Room on Crystal Mozart. \u00a9\u00a02017 Ralph Grizzle<\/p><\/div>\n


\nNote<\/strong>: This post is for archival purposes. Crystal River Cruises went bankrupt in 2021. Its fleet was acquired by Riverside Luxury Cruises. See Crystal River Cruises Reincarnated? Riverside Acquires Rest Of Crystal Fleet,<\/a><\/p>\n

Crystal River Cruises aims to redefine river cruising. The exteriors of its ships are the same as most other river cruisers, with the exception of Crystal Mozart, which is double the width of the standard river cruiser. The others are all the same width and length as most river cruisers operating on the rivers in Europe. Where Crystal’s River ships differ is in delivering Crystal’s renowned luxury product. The company has had more than 25 years to perfect its luxury travel experience on the high seas, and so it was well-prepared to adapt its award-winning product to the rivers.<\/p>\n

Crystal now has a fleet of European river ships that are garnering wide acclaim.\u00a0Crystal Mozart was the first to launch in the Spring of 2016, followed by Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler in 2017. The last of the sister ships, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel, made their debut in 2018.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I have been on Crystal Mozart twice now (and once when it operated for Peter Deilmann).\u00a0Crystal Mozart is a beautiful vessel with unique attributes and activities, a good choice for those wanting the style and sophistication of Crystal Cruises, on the Blue Danube.\u00a0Because of its width, Crystal Mozart is limited to sailing the Danube.<\/p>\n

Based on my experience, I can confidently say that\u00a0Crystal is raising the bar for food, service, and activities. See Crystal River Cruises: In A Class Apart<\/a><\/p>\n

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Crystal staff is generally acknowledged as being among the best in the hospitality industry. \u00a9 2017 Ralph Grizzle<\/p><\/div>\n

Unlike\u00a0Crystal Mozart<\/a>,\u00a0<\/strong>Crystal’s four newbuilds boast an entirely new design, having been created from the ground-up to deliver Crystal\u2019s award-winning brand of luxury.<\/p>\n

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Crystal Mozart, nearly twice the width of the standard river cruiser. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Two WIDER branded boats (made in Milan) will be featured on Crystal Mozart. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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At 22.9 meters wide, Crystal Mozart is nearly twice the width of the standard river cruiser. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Crystal charterd Grand Circle's River Melody to house workers during Mozart's refurbishment. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Rooftop garden on Crystal Mozart. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Faux fireplace with lifelike flames in the reception area on Crystal Mozart. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Reception staff on Crystal Mozart. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Vestiges of an earlier time, bronze keys. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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A full king-sized bed convertible to two twins in my Category S1 stateroom, number 219. measuring 219 square feet with a French balcony. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Crystal Mozart staterooms features European-style outlets, along with USB outlets and lighting that can be set to four different moods. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Bath robes and kimonos in each stateroom, just like on Crystal Symphony and Serenity. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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My bathroom in stateroom 219. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Toto smart toilets feature a remote control. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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The Connoissuer Club for cigars and cognac. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Laundry and dry cleaning services are available for a charge. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Pull-out stocked complimentary mini-bar. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Guest laundry is free of charge with soap and an ironing station. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Jacuzzi in Crystal Life Spa. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Crystal Life Spa, featuring a pool and jacuzzi tub, as well as two treatment rooms and a full-service salon. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Relaxation area in Crystal Life Spa. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Blue restaurant, situated aft. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Blue restaurant, situated aft. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Blue restaurant, situated aft. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Tables at the Waterside main restaurant. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Crystal River Cruises Managing Director Walter Littlejohn. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Gala dinner starter. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Crystal Mozart features only French balconies, such as this one in the Crystal Suite. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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The Crystal Suite's dining room table will seat four. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Bedroom in Crystal Suite 225, which can be converted to a two-bedroom suite via a connecting door. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Tub in Crystal Suite 225. \u00a9\u00a0Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Bathroom in Crystal Suite. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Applauding the break. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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The bottle breaks. Photo courtesy of Crystal Cruises<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Getting ready for the christening. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Friendly staff, all hired and managed by Crystal, on Crystal Mozart. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Tom and Edie Rodriguez with Reka on Crystal Mozart. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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An impressive pour. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Crystal Mozart godmother Elisabeth G\u00fcrtler, managing director of both the Hotel Sacher, Vienna\u2019s most famous hotel, and the city\u2019s historic Spanish Riding School. Pictured with Thomas Mazloum, Crystal Cruises' COO. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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A Crystal special event at the Belvedere Palace. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Christening day. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Christening day. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Bedroom in Crystal Penthouse 209. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Tub in the Crystal Penthouse, which also features a shower. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Entertainer Mark Ferris will be on many Crystal Mozart sailngs. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Fitness area on deck 1. Weight are offered on the other side of the room. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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One thing that was difficult to change was the stairs to deck one. My size 14 shoes are too large to walk safely, so I had to descend at an angle. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Vista Deck. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Palm Court. The back wall features large-screen televisions. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Now restored and the centerpiece of Palm Court. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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The piano that was nearly salvaged. The B\u00f6sendorfer piano was in bad shape when Crystal inherited it as part of the purchase of Mozart. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Crystal's custom motorcoaches. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Crystal's motorcoaches feature seats with lots of legroom. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Also on buses, espresso makers and bathrooms. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Lunch offering in the Waterside main dining room. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Desserts in the Waterside restaurant. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Fresh berries in the Waterside restaurant. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Salad bar in the Waterside restaurant. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Measuring 883 square feet (with connecting stateroom 227) the Crystal Suite features a fireplace (with convincingly real flames), dining room table seating four, and three bathrooms. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Salad bar in the Waterside restaurant. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Lunch buffet in the Waterside restaurant. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Electric-assist bikes were custom-made for Crystal River Cruises. \u00a9 2016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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The Connoissuer Club for cigars and cognac. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Light dining in the Bistro, also open during dinner, providing four dining venues counting room service. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Butler service and room service for every stateroom and suite on Crystal Mozart. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Crystal Mozart features a wrap-around promenade. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Crystal Mozart will have two Wider boats for excursions and events along the river. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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The Vintage Room also doubles as a meeting space. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Like the wheelhouse, the 'pop up' Vista Bar lowers to pass under bridges. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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The Bistro, similar to the ones on Crystal Symphony and Serenity. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n

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Ralph Grizzle with Crystal Mozart hotel director Sonja Gruber. \u00a9\u00a02016 Ralph Grizzle<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \n \n \n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n

Game changer? Launched in July 2016,\u00a0Crystal\u00a0entered the market with the nearly 30-year-old Mozart. See our photo gallery from the christening in Vienna in the slideshow above.<\/em><\/p>\n

Crystal created its own chart to show how it differs from other river cruise companies. While not everyone would categorize the river cruise companies as Crystal does in the\u00a0chart, the information provided is valuable even if you were to ignore the categories. Of particular interest is the number of crew, the crew-to-guest ratio, and stateroom sizes.<\/p>\n

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With its ubiquitous butlers, multiple dining venues, its distinctive crew-to-guest ratio and all of the Crystal Cruises\u2019 hallmarks in place, Crystal Mozart is outperforming Crystal\u2019s own highly-rated ocean cruise product, according to\u00a0Walter Littlejohn, managing director for Crystal River Cruises. Mozart\u2019s QAP score (the line\u2019s Quality Assurance Program based on guest feedback) is the highest in the entire Crystal fleet, he says. \u201cAnd our new ships will have the same caliber of food, service and amenities as the Mozart,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n

The four new ships also will have indoor pools as on Mozart. \u201cYou will know right away that they\u2019re sister ships [to Mozart],\u201d Littlejohn says. \u201cThe only difference will be, while they won\u2019t be as wide, they\u2019re going to carry a lot fewer guests, 106 guests with 68 crew. So they actually will have a better crew-to-guest ratio than Mozart has.\u201d<\/p>\n

Want to cruise Crystal now? With per diems as low as $379 per person<\/a>, Crystal Mozart serves up quite a good value.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Click here for a list of posts featuring Crystal River Cruises<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Also see …\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n