Crystal is gradually returning to service by consolidating sailings from Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler on similar voyages aboard their identical sisters, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel.
Focus on most popular Rhine and Danube routes
Crystal Ravel and Crystal Debussy are set to return on Aug. 29 and Aug. 30, respectively, with a focus on the line’s most popular seven-night Rhine and Danube itineraries, as well as voyages showcasing the Mosel wine region. Ten- and 11-night cruises are offered, too.
Every sailing is highlighted by at least two overnights in port, with many offering three overnights to afford wider exploring.
Crystal said its plans are well underway to resume in August thanks to recent positive news from the European Union allowing entry for vaccinated passengers, with all countries on the line's selected itineraries open for river vessels.
Christmas market cruises sold out, limited space other voyages
'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,' said Walter Littlejohn, SVP and managing director, Crystal River Cruises.
'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,' he added.
Full vaccination mandate plus embarkation testing
Crew are prepping the vessels and will complete a refresher training program as well as implement new Crystal Clean+ protocols that address COVID-19 safety. Measures include mandatory vaccination for passengers and crew, testing at embarkation, HEPA filters and more.
Because of the mandatory vaccination requirement, travelers will be able to explore ashore independently.
Crystal Debussy on the Rhine
Examples of cruises include Crystal Debussy's 'Legendary Rhine,' seven nights, Basel to Amsterdam, with overnights in Koblenz, Germany, and Amsterdam, Netherlands, and calls at Cologne, Rüdesheim and Mannheim, Germany; and Strasbourg, France. The reverse itinerary, 'Romantic Rhine,' sails from Amsterdam to Basel.
Crystal Debussy's 'Enchanting Moselle,' 10 nights, round-trip Amsterdam, features overnights in Düsseldorf, Germany; Strasbourg and Amsterdam, with calls at Rüdesheim, Mannheim, Koblenz, Cologne, and, in the Netherlands, Arnhem and Hoorn.
Crystal Ravel on the Danube
Crystal Ravel will operate a variety of seven-night Danube voyages between Vilshofen and Budapest and between Budapest and Vienna, with overnights in all these turnaround cities, and a 10-night Veinna round-trip beginning and ending with overnights in Vienna, Budapest and Passau, Germany, and calls at Bratislava, Slovakia; Dürnstein, Melk and Linz, Austria; and cruising the Wachau Valley.
Holiday cruises of 11 nights on Crystal Ravel on the Danube and 10 nights of Crystal Debussy on the Rhine, have some double and triple overnights in port.
Fares start at $3,499 per person. 'Book Now Savings' are up to $2,800 per suite on select voyages are available through Sept. 1.
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