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It's official: Crystal river vessels are going to Riverside Luxury Cruises

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Crystal Bach, one of four identical river vssels built for Crystal Cruises and now reportedly going to Riverside Luxury Cruises
Germany's Riverside Luxury Cruises confirmed it has secured the former Crystal Cruises' four river vessels, which will join the former Crystal Mozart.

These are the 106-passenger Crystal Bach, Crystal Mahler, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel.

The renamed Riverside Ravel will sail on the Rhône and Saône, and Riverside Debussy on the Rhine starting this spring. Riverside Bach and Riverside Mahler are slated for 2024.

Seatrade Cruise News had presaged the sale.

Follows Crystal Mozart

Riverside Luxury Cruises earlier obtained the double-wide Crystal Mozart and plans to introduce it as Riverside Mozart on the Danube in April. 

Four all-suite sisters

The all-balcony-suite sister vessels were built at MV Werften, with Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler handed over in late 2017 and Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel in 2018. 

Riverside Luxury Cruises is an offshoot of the Seaside Collection, a hotel group founded and controlled by Hamburg's Gerlach group.

21% commission for 2023 bookings

In a US release, the company said it would offer 'aggressive pricing, competitive commissions (21% on all 2023 sailings) and special introductory [familiarization] rates for travel advisors.'

'We are thrilled by the expansion of our fleet to include these storied vessels,' Riverside Luxury Cruises founder Gregor Gerlach said. 'This acquisition allows us to expand our itinerary offerings, showcasing a level of space, personalized service and elegance not found with any other river cruise line.'