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Crystal Debussy handed over as MV Werften starts work on big Global-class newbuild

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From left, Crystal's Tom Wolber with MV Werten's Jarmo Laakso and Joacim Hagemann
Crystal River Cruises today welcomed Crystal Debussy, bringing the fleet to four luxury vessels since Crystal branched out to the rivers in 2016.

The 106-passenger Crystal Debussy was delivered to Crystal president and CEO Tom Wolber at MV Werften during the official handover ceremony in Wismar, Germany.

Wolber said Crystal Debussy will debut next month with 'the same superior on-board amenities, caring service, world-class dining, complimentary experiences ashore and highly-sought after itineraries that our guests have enjoyed on board all of our river vessels.'

He commended the experts at MV Werften for their 'masterful skills and attention to detail,' and thanked them for their hard work.

Genting Hong Kong chairman and CEO Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay called it a special day in many respects for the company.

'We are not only handing over the third ship built at our shipyards to Crystal but we are also starting production in both Wismar and Rostock on the first 204,000-gross-ton Global cruise ship [newly designated for Dream Cruises]. With our new shipbuilding complex's topping out ceremony, which takes place in the Rostock shipyard, we have also reached another milestone in our extensive investment program,' Lim said.

Also on hand were Colin Au, group president of Genting Hong Kong, and Jarmo Laasko, CEO of MV Werften.

After the flag-changing ceremony Laakso thanked employees for 'their service and commitment to this ahead-of-schedule delivery, as well as our customers for their renewed outstanding cooperation.'

Throughout 2018 and 2019, Crystal Debussy will sail Rhine and Moselle itineraries between Amsterdam and Basel, beginning with an April 9 maiden voyage round-trip from Amsterdam. The vessel will visit ports in the Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland on its seven-day itinerary, with 10-day voyages also calling at Germany.

Crystal Ravel is scheduled for delivery next month, joining sisters Crystal Bach, Crystal Mahler, Crystal Debussy and the line’s first river vessel, Crystal Mozart.