Tom Wolber couldn’t have better orchestrated the start of his new role as president and CEO of Crystal Cruises as he welcomed the arrival of Crystal Mahler to its river fleet yesterday (20 September).
He officially took delivery Crystal’s second “Rhine-class” ship at the MV Werften shipyard in Germany, saying: “Welcoming this stunning new ship to Crystal’s celebrated fleet is incredibly gratifying, as we continue to expand the celebrated Crystal Experience to a broader audience of discerning world travellers.”
The 106 passenger all-suite ship was then christened by American volleyball star Laruen Barfield, who plays for the reigning German champions SSC Palmberg Schwerin, who are sponsored by MV Werften.
Ms Barfield christened the ship with the traditional German blessing and champagne bottle breaking, as Crystal executives, local dignitaries and guests from Crystal parent company, Genting Hong Kong, looked on.
Wolber’s enthusiasm spilled over as he added: “Like her sister ships, Crystal Mahler surpasses all previously established standards of luxury in the river cruising industry, with Crystal’s signature service and attention to detail that our guests have long expected from the ‘World’s Best’.”
Crystal Mahler joins Crystal Mozart and sister “Rhine Class” ship Crystal Bach, which embarked just last month, as part of the Crystal River Cruises fleet that was recently named “World’s Best River Cruise Line” by the readers of Travel + Leisure.
Sailing seven, 11 and 16-day voyages along the Rhine and Danube Rivers, she will visit Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Netherlands and Hungary. Two additional “Rhine Class” ships, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel, will join the fleet in 2018.
The ship features French balconies in all suites, many with walk-in closets and dual vanities in the bathrooms, and butler service in every suite. ETRO robes and slippers, personal iPads, wall-mounted 42-inch, flat-screen HD TVs with streaming movies, complimentary Wi-Fi, and Nespresso machines are standard in every suite.
Additional features include a spa treatment room and separate fitness centre and Crystal’s farm-to-table, Michelin-inspired cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries including the elegant Waterside Restaurant, namesake Bistro café, the exclusive Vintage Room and the Palm Court.
“The enthusiastic response to Crystal’s first Rhine Class ship, Crystal Bach, has been tremendous,” said Wolber. “The innovative design of these ships and industry-leading features and amenities are truly impressive, and the world’s most selective travellers are taking notice.”
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