Los Angeles (July 22, 2020) – Viking® (www.viking.com) today announced its new 2021-2022 Viking World Cruise, which will span 136 days, 27 countries and 56 ports, with overnight stays in 11 iconic cities. Setting sail on December 24, 2021, from Fort Lauderdale, the itinerary will include three new ports of call for Viking, including Phillip Island and Eden, Australia, as well as Yangon, Myanmar. Sailing on Viking’s award-winning 930-guest Viking Star®, the epic voyage will explore ports of call in Central America; transit through the Panama Canal; journey up the West Coast of North America before crossing the Pacific Ocean and calling upon Hawaii; traverse New Zealand and Australia; and sail through Asia, the Middle East and the Mediterranean before concluding in London. Guests may also choose a shorter, 119-day portion of the sailing, 2022 Viking World Horizons, which departs from Los Angeles on January 10, 2022 and visits 22 countries and 49 ports before ending in London. All Viking World Cruise guests will also receive the complimentary option to remain on board for three additional days and disembark in the ship’s home port of Bergen, Norway. “For more than 20 years, we have been committed to providing our guests with immersive and culturally enriching experiences while traveling the world in comfort,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “This has been an unusual year for all travelers, but we remain focused on the future and are pleased to offer our guests a new destination-focused World Cruise that allows for extensive exploration in 2021-2022.” 2021-2022 Viking World Cruise Highlights The newest Viking World Cruise itinerary visits iconic cities and ports of call in one seamless itinerary. Overnight stays in 11 iconic cities allow guests to explore further in Yangon, Myanmar; Auckland, New Zealand; Singapore, Singapore; Mumbai, India; Luxor, Egypt; Haifa, Israel; and Istanbul, Turkey. While on board, Viking offers cultural enrichment through onboard lectures and entertainment, such as Viking’s Resident Historian® program, which provides guests with a high-level historical and cultural education specific to their journey. Highlights of the new 2021-2022 Viking World Cruise itinerary include: (PRESS RELEASE)_CALABASAS, CA – July 21, 2020 – Luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways continues to lead the way in river cruising, announcing today it has resumed operations in Europe with a series of charter sailings onboard AmaKristina in Germany with local guests. As the first U.S.-based river cruise line to resume sailings, the company continues to pioneer innovation in river cruising, warmly welcoming guests while implementing the newly enhanced health and safety protocols on board its award-winning ships. “As the proud Godmother of our award-winning AmaKristina, I am honored that she was our very first river cruise ship to set sail in Europe this summer,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “Although many countries continue to have travel restrictions in place, we have begun operating a series of sailings for European guests, in collaboration with an established German tour operator, e-hoi. With these sailings, we have been able to put into practice and perfect our enhanced health and safety protocols while demonstrating that travelers can enjoy our unforgettable river cruise vacations with peace of mind.” AmaWaterways’ new procedures reflect the in-depth recommendations contained within the EU Healthy Gateways guidelines, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), IG RiverCruise and other official authorities. The health and safety protocols are aimed to protect guests’ and crew members’ wellbeing while delivering the warm and friendly experience for which AmaWaterways is known. Based on current regulations, pre-boarding health questionnaires are required, and guests and crew are both subject to daily temperature checks. The crew has received in-depth updated training and each ship will have a designated Public Health Officer overseeing the application of these specific protocols. While AmaWaterways’ state-of-the-art ships are spacious in their own right -- normally accommodating just 150 guests -- current regulations limit all river cruise ships to a maximum of 100 guests on board. Crews are required to wear face coverings at all times while guests must wear them only while moving around the ship. With capacity currently capped, the spacious Main restaurant and the included specialty restaurant, The Chef’s Table, easily accommodate the safe distances now required. New room service options have also been added. In addition, AmaWaterways has incorporated creative ways to accommodate social distancing not only in its lounge areas, with plexiglass dividers, but also with personal portable Quietvox commentary systems to allow guests to hear guides while social distancing during the included small-group shore excursions – many of which involve outdoor hiking and biking tours. Furthermore, AmaWaterways’ ships have been designed with fan coil individual air cooling and heating units, which eliminate any recirculation of air in staterooms or in public areas; and nearly all staterooms include fresh air balconies, letting guests relax there or on the ships’ spacious Sun Decks as they enjoy stunning views along the river. “Since we started AmaWaterways 18 years ago, we’ve been passionate about creating luxurious, authentic and inspiring river cruises for every traveler,” continued Karst. “The personal connections and warm service experienced during an AmaWaterways river cruise remain as important as ever to us, and the new health and safety protocols just add additional peace of mind for our guests while on board.” (PRESS RELEASE)_FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., July 20, 2020 – With its highly anticipated, new, luxury expedition ship, World Navigator, on schedule to launch in a year’s time, Atlas Ocean Voyages today unveiled its brand-new website to help inspire adventurers as they look forward to future travel. Enveloped in aubergine, the luxe-adventure cruise brand’s signature color, the new AtlasOceanVoyages.com delivers important information with vivid and engaging imagery and video clips to help travelers envision a future journey-of-a-lifetime with Atlas Ocean Voyages. Visitors can find valuable information they need to plan for a 2021/22 Atlas Ocean Voyages all-inclusive, luxury expedition, as well as view new renderings of World Navigator’s simply elegant shipboard accommodations. To experience Atlas Ocean Voyages’ website, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com. “A quality website is a customer service requirement and business necessity in the current environment, and our new AtlasOceanVoyages.com visualizes our unique luxe-adventure style while delivering valuable information to adventurers and like-spirited travelers,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “Travelers can bring some of the world’s most compelling experiences into their homes through our website and plan for a future journey-of-a-lifetime with Atlas Ocean Voyages. We’re looking forward to welcoming guests aboard our new, safe and small, clean and green, luxurious small ship, World Navigator, when she inaugurates our distinctive adventures in captivating global destinations in July 2021.” AtlasOceanVoyages.com visitors can begin their virtual, luxe-adventure journey by selecting among a mosaic of global destinations where World Navigator will sail during her inaugural 2021/22 year. Each destination tile unveils a short video clip crowning the collection of captivating itineraries scheduled in the Holy Land, Black, Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas, South America, and Antarctica. Each itinerary page is accompanied with a detailed overview, including the history, culture, and attractions and highlights of each port-of-call. Port collectors can also use the website’s Itinerary Search Engine on the homepage to instantly identify the itineraries that feature those out-of-the-way ports to cross off their lists. “We are excited and proud to reveal our beautiful, new website” said Brandon Townsley, Vice President of Sales and Trade Partnerships for Atlas Ocean Voyages. “AtlasOceanVoyages.com is also a quick reference and great resource for our valued travel advisor partners. A Keywords Search Tool at the top-right corner of each page puts all of our information at Travel Advisors’ fingertips, while World Navigator’s brochures, itineraries, deck plans and floor plans are all easily accessible and downloadable to quickly serve their clients when planning an unforgettable, future adventure-of-a-lifetime.” Travelers and travel advisors can explore World Navigator through AtlasOceanVoyages.com’s easy-to-navigate and downloadable deck plan, linking to new renderings of the ship’s suites and staterooms, where travelers can envision themselves ensconced in simple elegance. A new, dedicated Offers page keeps travelers up to date on savings, value-added packages and promotions. Travel Advisors also have an enhanced dedicated page where they can easily register themselves or their agencies and submit requests for customized information. Atlas Ocean Voyages is an all-inclusive, luxury cruise brand defined by simple elegance and delivers authentic, thrilling, and once-in-a-lifetime expeditions and adventures in the world’s most extraordinary and remote destinations. Adventurers, explorers and like-spirited travelers will find community aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages’ safe, small, all-inclusive luxury expedition ships and revel in welcoming and lively venues to share their day’s exploits. Guests indulge in one of 98 luxe suites and staterooms, all with an ocean view and most with a private balcony. All Atlas Ocean Voyages journeys include complimentary round-trip air travel from select U.S. and Canada gateways; prepaid gratuities; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; Wi-Fi; L’Occitane bath amenities; a free shore excursion in select ports on every itinerary; international gourmet dining; and onboard binoculars, coffee and tea service, and butler service in suites. Safety is at the core of Atlas Ocean Voyages’ Polar Category-C and Ice Class-1B, expedition ships, and all of the most-modern hygiene and cleanliness measures are being incorporated into their design. World Navigator’sconstruction in Portugal is on schedule and the line’s first ship will launch in mid-2021, with sister-ships World Traveller, World Seeker, World Adventurer and World Discoverer to follow before the end 2023. Atlas Ocean Voyages is also committed to preserving the breathtaking locales and waters that its ships visit for future generations to enjoy, and is among the first to employ the latest conservation and sustainability technologies, including a hybrid power management and propulsion system that maximizes fuel efficiency while as low as one-fifth the fuel compared to conventional cruise ship systems. Additionally, World Navigator and her sister ships utilize underwater, forward-looking sonar to confidently navigate coastal, harbor and icy polar waters, and feature an alternate hydrojet propulsion system, which helps the ship quietly cruise up to five knots without disturbing marine wildlife for incomparable up-close encounters. For more information, please visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com and follow Atlas Ocean Voyage on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AtlasOceanVoyages), Twitter (www.twitter.com/atlascruises), and Instagram (www.instagram.com/AtlasOceanVoyages). Travel Advisors can call 1-844-44-ATLAS (1-844-442-8527) to book their clients on an unforgettable luxe-adventure journey. (UPDATE)_Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line today announced an extended delay to the resumption of its sailing operations. The official statement, delivered by Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line CEO Oneil Khosa, is as follows:
“As you know, we recently announced that we would finally return to sea this August – offering travelers the chance to enjoy a much-needed, two-night getaway to paradise. However, given the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) extension of its No Sail Order, we have no choice but to delay our resumption of cruise operations to October 1st, 2020. "Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have remained one of the few cruise lines that reported no cases of the virus onboard our ships. We have also followed all required guidelines, including adhering to strict requirements for our onboard crew members, and installed the best safety protocols in the industry across our fleet to protect our guests and crew, who are always our top priority. In addition, we remain the only cruise line in the country to receive 'green status' from the CDC on our No Sail Response plan, meaning we have met their requirements in providing a safe environment for our crew members to work and disembark via commercial travel. This was also recognized in the CDC’s own statement. "While we are disappointed that we are not able to sail as planned, we will of course continue to work side by side with the CDC and have therefore suspended all future sailings until October 1st. We are also aware of the recent announcement from Bahamas Prime Minister Hubert Munnis regarding the travel ban on travelers from the U.S., and we are prepared to make necessary changes to our sailing schedule, as needed. Until then, we will continue our preparations to return to Grand Bahama Island while keeping a close eye on the overall landscape. We look forward to welcoming guests back onboard and appreciate everyone’s patience throughout this process.” For information on the cruise line or to book a cruise, visit www.BahamasParadiseCruise.com. Follow Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line on Facebook at Facebook.com/BPCruiseLine, Instagram @BahamasParadiseCruiseLine, and Twitter @BPCruiseLine. (PRESS RELEASE)_Seattle, Wash., July 15, 2020 — Holland America Line announced that Amsterdam, Maasdam, Rotterdam and Veendam will be leaving the fleet and transferring to undisclosed buyers. The ships have been sold in pairs, with the S-Class Maasdam and Veendam transferring to one company in August 2020, while the R-Class Amsterdam and Rotterdam will move to another company in fall 2020. Holland America Line will cancel cruises for the four ships’ deployments, with some select itineraries being assumed by other ships in the fleet. The 2021 Grand World Voyage aboard Amsterdam will be postponed until 2022 and will now sail aboard Zaandam. The Grand Africa Voyage departing Oct. 10, 2021, aboard Rotterdam will also sail aboard Zaandam on the same dates. “It’s always difficult to see any ship leave the fleet, especially those that have a long and storied history with our company,” said Stein Kruse, chief executive officer of Holland America Group and Carnival UK. “However, Holland America Line has a bright future ahead that includes recent Pinnacle-Class additions, with a third sister ship next year that will continue to maintain our overall capacity in the marketplace.” “I recognize and appreciate the deep affection our guests have toward our company and the ships in our fleet,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Holland America Line. “While streamlined, our diverse fleet continues to offer exceptional options for cruisers looking for a mid-sized ship experience to destinations all around the world. I look forward to carrying on those beloved shipboard offerings while cultivating new ideas to bring to our guests.” Maasdam joined the fleet in 1993 as the second of four S-Class ships. Carrying 1,258 guests, it is the fourth Holland America Line ship to bear the Maasdam name. Most recently, the 55,575-ton ship sailed longer South Pacific and Alaska voyages. Veendam, the final S-Class ship, was delivered in 1996. The fourth Holland America Line ship to bear the name Veendam, the 57,092-ton vessel carries 1,350 guests. The first ship in the R Class, 61,849-ton Rotterdam was introduced in 1997. Carrying 1,404 guests, it is the sixth Holland America Line ship to be named Rotterdam. Amsterdam joined the fleet in 2000 as the final of four R-Class ships. Carrying 1,380 guests, it is the third Holland America Line ship to be named Amsterdam. Most recently, the 62,735-ton ship operated the line’s Grand World Voyage. Guests with bookings on future sailings of these ships will be notified that these cruises will be cancelled or changed. Along with their travel advisors, guests will receive information if the cruise will operate with a different ship or information and special offers on how to book another Holland America Line cruise when operations resume. Guests who prefer a refund will be accommodated. Cancelled cruises will include scheduled Canada/New England and Grand Voyages on Amsterdam; Mexico, South Pacific, Australia and Asia itineraries on Maasdam; Caribbean, Europe, Panama Canal, South America and Hawaii sailings on Rotterdam; and Caribbean and Europe itineraries on Veendam. For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com. (PRESS RELEASE)_Los Angeles (July 15, 2020) – Viking® (www.viking.com) today announced it will launch a new ship next summer for its popular Magnificent Mekong cruisetour. Currently under construction, the 80-guest Viking Saigon℠ is scheduled to debut for the August 30, 2021, cruisetour departure; the river cruise portion of the itinerary sails between Kampong Cham, Cambodia and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam.
“For many of our guests, Vietnam and Cambodia remain top destinations because of their significance in world history,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking. “We have led the river cruise industry with our fleet development and experiences that bring travelers closer to the cultures of the world for more than two decades. This will be the most modern vessel on the Mekong and will feel like ‘home’ to our loyal Viking guests who are familiar with the comfortable design of our ships.” Viking Saigon Purpose-built for the Mekong River, the new Viking Saigon will host 80 guests in 40 outside staterooms. Featuring the clean Scandinavian design for which Viking is known, all staterooms will have hotel-style beds and floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors with a Veranda or French Balcony. Guests on the three-deck Viking Saigon will also enjoy a Spa & Fitness Center, Infinity Pool and open-air Sky Bar on the Upper Deck. Magnificent Mekong During this 15-day journey, guests explore the cultural treasures of Vietnam and Cambodia with 16 guided tours. Hotel stays in Hanoi, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) bracket an eight-day Mekong River cruise on this unique cruisetour itinerary, during which guests can enjoy shopping in Old Hanoi’s markets; exploring the Khmer temple complex of Angkor Wat; visiting Ta Prohm, where jungle vines embrace ancient ruins; and seeing the sights of Phnom Penh by cyclo rickshaw. On the river cruise portion of the itinerary, guests can discover silk towns, fishing villages, monasteries and floating markets. Multiple departure dates beginning in August 2021. Pricing starts at $5,299 per person, with discounted airfare from $1,199 per person. (PRESS RELEASE)_FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA., July 13, 2020 – Due to overwhelmingly positive Travel Advisors’ response to recent air-included promotions, Atlas Ocean Voyages announced today that it is augmenting its all-inclusive, luxury cruise journeys by instituting complimentary roundtrip air travel for all guests on all voyages, called All Inclusive All the Way. Atlas Ocean Voyages has always included complimentary prepaid gratuities; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; Wi-Fi; L’Occitane bath amenities; a select shore excursion on every itinerary; and gourmet dining, as well as binoculars and butler service in suites. Now, the luxe-adventure cruise brand is elevating its convenient and seamless travel experience with All Inclusive All the Way. Adventurers and like-spirited travelers can now plan a truly exceptional air-inclusive, all-inclusive journey-of-a-lifetime to extraordinary and uncommon destinations, and save up to $2,000 per suite or stateroom and more, aboard World Navigator, Atlas’ newly constructed, safe, small, clean and green, expedition ship, launching in July 2021. “Augmenting our all-inclusive, luxe-adventure journeys to include complimentary air travel for all guests on all voyages is a fundamental product definition enhancement for Atlas Ocean Voyages,” said Alberto Aliberti, President of Atlas Ocean Voyages. “Atlas’ All Inclusive All the Way significantly enhances our guests’ total vacation experience by delivering greater convenience and value. Guests can rest assured that we take care of every detail of their experience from the moment they arrive at their departure airport.” Adventurers and like-spirited travelers who book and make deposit on their Atlas journey can take advantage of limited-time, promotional savings and upgrades:
“With All Inclusive All the Way, Travel Advisors are earning full commission on cruise fares that includes air – so no non-commissionables,” said Brandon Townsley, Vice President of Sales and Trade Partnerships for Atlas Ocean Voyages. “We are unwavering in our support for Travel Advisors and this product-definition change creates a more compelling selling point for our valued partners. Furthermore, we are continuing our GET PAID NOW program –an immediate gift card, valued up to $750, per deposited booking now – to recognize Travel Advisors for their invaluable role in creating unforgettable vacations for their clients.” Atlas Ocean Voyages GET PAID NOW program delivers an immediate $750 or $500 gift card now for each deposited booking in a Suite or Veranda/Horizon stateroom, respectively, in addition to the 15% commission paid when their clients sail. For more information about Atlas Ocean Voyages’ GET PAID NOW, Travel Advisors can visit www.AtlasOceanVoyages.com/partneroffers. Atlas Ocean Voyages is an all-inclusive, luxury cruise brand defined by simple elegance and delivers authentic, thrilling, and once-in-a-lifetime expeditions and adventures in the world’s most extraordinary and remote destinations. Adventurers, explorers and like-spirited travelers will find community aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages’ safe, small, all-inclusive luxury expedition ships and revel in welcoming and lively venues to share their day’s exploits. (UPDATE)_Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line today announced an extended delay to the resumption of its sailing operations. The official statement, delivered by Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line CEO Oneil Khosa, is as follows: “Upon announcing that we would resume cruising in late July, we were thrilled to see a great deal of demand, demonstrating that there is a strong appetite amongst travelers for our unique short-cruise ‘microcation’ product. At this time, we remain the only cruise line in the country to have received a “green status” from the CDC on our No Sail Response plan, meaning we have met all requirements in providing a safe environment for our crew members to work and disembark via non-commercial travel. "Over the past few weeks, we’ve continued preparations to return to Grand Bahama Island while keeping an eye on the overall landscape, which continues to evolve. In recent days, amidst a spike in COVID-19 cases in many states across the country, we’ve seen mounting pressures to modify reopening plans and consideration of the return of stay-at-home orders. Additionally, new restrictions from the Bahamas have been announced, requiring travelers to present a negative swab test prior to entry. In an effort to provide the safest environment for our passengers and crew, we have no choice but to further postpone our sailing schedule. "Our current plan is to resume cruises on August 28th, 2020. This is incredibly disappointing to our entire team, but the decision was made after very careful consideration of all factors, and we believe this is in everyone’s best interest. We look forward to welcoming guests back onboard and appreciate everyone’s patience throughout this process.” for information on the cruise line or to book a cruise, visit www.BahamasParadiseCruise.com. Follow Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line on Facebook at Facebook.com/BPCruiseLine, Instagram @BahamasParadiseCruiseLine, and Twitter @BPCruiseLine. (PRESS RELEASE)_NEW ALBANY, Ind., July 8, 2020 – American Queen Steamboat Company (AQSC), a Hornblower® Family Company, is excited to announce it has officially partnered with the American Heart Association (AHA) as part of its new charitable giving series, which will launch with the Heart of the Mississippi Cruise on February 14, 2021. As a Life is Why We Give supporter, AQSC will donate $50,000 in 2021 plus 100% of the proceeds from a special 5k fundraiser towards heart and stroke research and awareness. “We are excited to partner with the American Heart Association since these issues are not only important to our team here at AQSC, but for many of our guests as well,” says John Waggoner, founder and CEO of American Queen Steamboat Company. “Giving back is important to our mission at AQSC and our new charitable giving series is designed not only to give back to key organizations, but also to our guests with new tools and skills they can incorporate into their daily lives.” The Heart of the Mississippi Cruise will sail from Memphis to New Orleans on the American Countess from February 14-21, 2021 with a pre-cruise hotel stay in Memphis on Feb. 13, 2021. “The American Heart Association is always looking for engaging and innovative ways to educate the public on heart health and stroke prevention, so the partnership with American Queen Steamboat Company was a perfect fit for both,” said Whitten Montgomery, AHA Development Director. “This cruise will raise money for heart and stroke research, and what better time to focus on the heart than during the week of Valentine’s Day.” In addition to shore excursions in fascinating ports of call including Vicksburg, MS; Natchez, MS; St. Francisville, LA and Baton Rouge, LA, guests can enjoy special activities on board, including:
The cruise will culminate with a 5k, or abbreviated 3k, run/walk at Nottoway, a member of Historic Hotels of America and an AQSC exclusive port. Participating guests will receive a souvenir t-shirt and medal and 100% of the $25 entry fee will be donated directly to the Life is Why We Give campaign. Guests who do not wish to participate in the 5k/3k may also donate directly on board, or via AQSC’s public donation portal. American Queen Steamboat Company is a leading, U.S.-flagged river cruise operator sailing in the American South, Heartland and Pacific Northwest. Committed to the health and safety of its guests, crew and partners, AQSC has partnered with Ochsner Health, a Louisiana-based healthcare provider, to implement enhanced health and safety measures and receive ongoing assessments from their infectious disease experts. For more information on the new Safety and Health protocols, please visit: www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com/health-and-safety-protocols/. For additional information and reservations, please contact American Queen Steamboat Company at 888-749-5289, visit www.americanqueensteamboatcompany.com or call a professional travel agent. (PRESS RELEASE)_MIAMI, July 8, 2020 – Crystal River Cruises has once again won top honors in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. Crystal River Cruises has been earning the acclaim of the world’s most discerning travelers since the line first launched in 2016 and, in fact, was named #1 River Cruise Line in its first year of service by Travel & Leisure readers. Crystal’s oceangoing brands – Crystal Cruises and Crystal Yacht Cruises – both placed in the Top Two of their respective categories, underscoring the consistent standard of luxury and excellence found across Crystal’s varied experiences. Crystal River Cruises’ score of 97.14 includes #1 scores for guest suites, food, service, itineraries/destinations and value. All three Crystal brand experiences placed number one in the culinary category, highlighting the superlative, globally inspired culinary experience for which Crystal has long been known. Crystal Cruises placed number one in the service, romance and nightlife categories, while Crystal Yacht Cruises placed #1 for romance. “Every element of the Crystal Experience is designed to exceed our guests’ expectations of a luxury vacation, and it is always extremely gratifying to know that this philosophy continues to resonate with travelers 30 years after we first set sail,” said Tom Wolber, Crystal’s president and CEO. “The readership of Travel + Leisure represents some of the world’s savviest, selective travelers who know the best when they experience it. To earn such prestigious praise is an honor.” “We are thrilled that the Crystal River Cruises Experience has delighted travelers to the extent that they have taken the time to vote and call it the best in the world, and we thank them for their incredible support,” said Walter Littlejohn, senior vice president and managing director of Crystal River Cruises. “Since day one, we have strived to create an unmatched standard of luxury on Europe’s rivers with beautifully spacious ships; attentive personalized service; and culinary and cultural experiences that highlight the elegance of the destinations. It is wonderful to see how closely travelers are connecting with the Crystal River Experience.” Crystal River Cruises first embarked on the rivers of Europe in 2016, winning top industry awards within its first year thanks to its superior standard of luxury that had not been previously offered in the river cruise industry. The company christened four new-build sister ships – Crystal Bach, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel – in 2017 and 2018, offering travelers more opportunities to enjoy the renowned Crystal Experience on varied itineraries along the Danube, Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers. Crystal’s new-build river vessels are Europe’s most spacious river ships, accommodating just 106 guests with an intentional focus on maximizing personal and public spaces throughout their 135-meter hulls (a size typically designed to accommodate twice the number of guests). The ships comprise Europe’s youngest river cruise fleet and are the industry’s first and only all-balcony, all-suite, butler-serviced vessels in Europe, with every category of accommodation positioned above the water line. All suites feature Panoramic Balcony-Windows™ and walk-in closets and dual vanity bathrooms are featured in most categories. All of Crystal’s river ships feature private butler service in every room category, king-sized beds, Caudalie amenities, robes and slippers, and wall-mounted flat-screen HD TVs. Additional enticing features include farm-to-table cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries: the elegant Waterside Restaurant, namesake Bistro cafés and the exclusive Vintage Room; and the Palm Court for entertainment, enrichment presentations and sweeping views of the countryside. Crystal’s attention to detail reaches ashore, as guests are transported on the days’ adventures in luxury motor coaches equipped with complimentary water and Wi-Fi for added convenience and comfort. While its fleet is paused, the Crystal team is developing new procedures and policies that will support all public health and regulatory requirements and ensure that guests’ vacations continue to be not only relaxing and pleasurable but safe and healthy. Details of these new measures and initiatives will be announced soon. Additionally, the inherent design of Crystal ships maximizes personal and public space, offering plenty of options for those who choose to keep a healthy distance during their voyage. All Crystal ships across the fleet including Ocean, River, Yacht and Expedition offer nearly double the space per person than ships of a similar size, which is among the highest space ratios in the industry and their social spaciousness will be further augmented through the new measures the company will be implementing. Further, Crystal Endeavor and Crystal’s River ships are all-suite and all-balcony with most staterooms on its two Ocean ships featuring private verandas for fresh airflow. The safety of guests and crew members is Crystal’s number one priority and the fleet will resume service only when the company’s expert team and global health and government authorities indicate that it is safe to do so. |
ABOUTStay current with the latest news from the cruise lines. Follow Gerry Barker
on All Things Cruise. Follow Gerry on Splash Magazines Worldwide
REVIEWSFEATURESMORE COVERAGEArchives
April 2024
Categories |