Cruise & Cruise Line

Crystal Cruises Cuts Steel for Its First New Riverboat

Jason Leppert
by Jason Leppert
Last updated: 9:00 PM ET, Mon May 9, 2016

Photo courtesy of Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises anticipates the introduction of its river brand this July with the redesigned Crystal Mozart, and the line will next launch its first purpose-built luxury riverboat in summer 2017. Ahead of the latter, president and CEO Edie Rodriguez oversaw the initial steel cutting of the new Crystal Debussy, Crystal Ravel, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Bach.

READ MORE: Crystal River Cruises Expands Fleet to Five Ahead of Launch

With Rodriguez's push of a button, the ceremonial construction event took place at the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Germany - now part of the Lloyd Werft Group owned by Genting Hong Kong, Crystal's parent company. Also in attendance were Genting HK Chairman and CEO Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Lloyd Werft Shipyard Managing Director Rüdiger Palletin and representatives from regional German chambers.

"This seemingly simple act was an absolute thrill, as it represents a very important milestone in the growth of the Crystal brand," said Rodriguez. "It was my honor to stand with the leaders of our wonderful parent company and the acclaimed Lloyd Werft Shipyard, and to enjoy the support of the local community leaders, as we continue the process of ushering in the new era of Crystal with Crystal River Cruises."

READ MORE: Crystal Cruises Reveals New Product Timeline and World Cruise

The new luxurious all-suite ships will vary slightly in size and capacity, but each will feature the following:

• 250 square-foot suites with walk-in wardrobes, king-sized beds and double vanity bathrooms

• Two 500 square-foot Penthouse Suites with extra amenities

• Spacious public venues such as the glass-domed Palm Court with dance floor, fitness center and spa

The Crystal Mozart, so-called "Queen of European river ships," leads the change on the Danube River in July 2016 ahead of the new Crystal Debussy, Crystal Ravel, Crystal Mahler and Crystal Bach launches beginning in 2017.


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Jason Leppert

Jason Leppert

Jason Leppert - Senior Writer, Cruises and Cruise Travel - is a San Diego-based cruising expert with more than 100 sailings...

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