Where Are the Crystal River Ships Now?
In recent years, Crystal Cruises has undergone significant changes, resulting in the sale of their river ships to a new company, Riverside Luxury Cruises. This article provides an update on the current status of the Crystal river ships and what the future holds for these vessels.
Acquisition by Riverside Luxury Cruises
In November 2022, A&K Travel Group, a luxury travel company, acquired the Crystal river ships, including the Crystal Mozart, Crystal Debussy, Crystal Ravel, and Crystal Mahler. As part of the acquisition, the ships were renamed and are now operated by Riverside Luxury Cruises.
Renamed Ships
Here is a list of the renamed ships and their new operating regions:
| Ship Name | New Name | Operating Region |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal Mozart | Riverside Bach | Rhone and Saone rivers, Burgundy to Provence |
| Crystal Debussy | Riverside Debussy | Rhine river, Amsterdam to Switzerland |
| Crystal Ravel | Riverside Ravel | Rhone and Saone rivers, Burgundy to Provence |
| Crystal Mahler | Riverside Mahler | Rhine river, Amsterdam to Switzerland |
Sailing Schedules
The renamed ships will begin sailing in 2024, with the following itineraries:
- Riverside Bach: 8-day Rhone and Saone river cruises, departing from Burgundy and exploring the vineyards and wine regions of France.
- Riverside Debussy: 7-day Rhine river cruises, departing from Amsterdam and exploring the picturesque towns and cities of Switzerland and Germany.
- Riverside Ravel: 8-day Rhone and Saone river cruises, departing from Provence and exploring the vineyards and wine regions of France.
- Riverside Mahler: 7-day Rhine river cruises, departing from Amsterdam and exploring the picturesque towns and cities of Switzerland and Germany.
Changes to Onboard Amenities
As part of the acquisition, Riverside Luxury Cruises has removed the casinos on the ships, citing a desire to focus on providing a more relaxed and luxurious experience for passengers. The ships will instead feature a range of other onboard amenities, including:
- Fine dining restaurants and bars
- Spa and wellness facilities
- Library and reading rooms
- Fitness center and yoga studio
- Outdoor swimming pool and sun deck
Crystal Cruises’ Focus on Ocean Cruises
Crystal Cruises has also undergone significant changes, shifting its focus from river cruises to ocean cruises. The company has been investing in its ocean fleet, with a focus on providing a luxurious and unique experience for passengers. This includes the introduction of new ships, such as the Crystal Endeavor, which offers expedition-style cruises to destinations around the world.
Conclusion
In summary, the Crystal river ships have been acquired by Riverside Luxury Cruises and are set to begin sailing in 2024. The ships have been renamed and will offer a range of itineraries in France, Switzerland, and Germany. While the casinos have been removed, the ships will still offer a range of onboard amenities and experiences. Crystal Cruises has shifted its focus to ocean cruises, with a focus on providing a luxurious and unique experience for passengers.