Crystal Cruises Christens New Riverboat

Crystal Cruises has inaugurated the second Rhine-class riverboat to its Crystal River Cruises brand.

The Crystal Mahler was christened by American volleyball star and godmother Lauren Barfield in Germany.

"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 travelers," said the line's newly appointed president and CEO Tom Wolber, in a press release.

"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.'"

The christening took place during a handover ceremony at the MV WERFTEN shipyard also attended by cruise line executives, local dignitaries and Crystal parent company Genting Hong Kong guests. Barfield-who is currently playing for Genting-sponsored SSC Palmberg Schwerin-blessed the ship and broke a bottle of champagne over its bow.

"A new milestone has been reached with the handing over of Crystal Mahler to Crystal River Cruises as half of the Rhine Class river cruisers have now been delivered," said Jarmo Laakso, CEO of MV WERFTEN, in the release.

The first Crystal Bach was launched last month and the Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel are set to join the class in 2018. The river fleet also includes the unique Crystal Mozart.

[READMORE]READ MORE: Crystal River Cruises Christens New Crystal Bach[/READMORE]

The Crystal Mahler will embark on seven-, eleven- and 16-day sailings on the Rhine and Danube Rivers. It will visit ports in the European countries of Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Netherlands and Hungary.

Altogether, the four Rhine-class ships will carry 106 guests each in all-suite, all-balcony accommodations featuring an unmatched crew-to-guest ratio.

Amenities include suites with walk-in closets and dual vanity bathrooms, as well as butler service for every guest. ETRO robes and slippers, iPad use, 42-inch HD TVs with streaming films, free Wi-Fi and Nespresso machines are additionally available in all suites.

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A spa and fitness center, the signature Palm Court and Michelin-inspired dining in the Waterside Restaurant, Bistro Café and Vintage Room help round out the amenities.

"The enthusiastic response to Crystal's first Rhine Class ship, Crystal Bach, has been tremendous," added Wolber. "The innovative design of these ships and industry-leading features and amenities are truly impressive, and the world's most selective travelers are taking notice."

The Crystal River Cruises fleet has been awarded by the readers of Travel + Leisure as the "World's Best River Cruise Line." The emerging brand is already making waves with its vastly remodeled vessel, the Mozart, and it is sure to continue that trend with its Bach, Mahler and upcoming new-builds-customized for Crystal from the keel up.

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