Taking cues from the ocean world, Crystal River Cruises will be the first line to employ state-of-the-art simulator training for its river yacht captains.
Simulations will occur at Simwave in the Netherlands beginning in November, when the simulator is completed, in an agreement between the center and Crystal parent company Genting Hong Kong.
"Crystal is committed to setting new standards of excellence in every facet of the Crystal experiences around the world, with the expertise of our captains and officers being of chief importance to the safety and security of our guests," said Crystal CEO and president, Edie Rodriguez, in a press release.
"Innovation and groundbreaking technology are integral to the beautiful new river yachts joining the Crystal River Cruises' fleet, and we're thrilled to extend that innovation to the training of our officers."
A Development Captain will supervise the training of Crystal's captains throughout an extensive curriculum to ensure safe river navigation. Actual riverboat specifications are plotted so that Simwave's 3D mathematical model can accurately simulate real-world handling scenarios. The physical arrangement of the bridge is also based in reality to mimic the vessels.
The simulator features nine displays to immerse trainees in 240 degrees of horizontal field-of-view and 47 degrees of vertical field-of-view.
"Due to the details in the visual scene like ropes, navigation objects, etc. it is of great importance that the sharpness and details in the visual system be high quality," described Joost van Ree, co-founder of Simwave, in the press release. "This makes it possible to simulate scenarios in complex environments more realistically."
What's more, the simulator can train a second captain in Rhine-class ship emergency relief situations.
Crystal's river officers already have thorough regional experience, but the simulator ups the ante with its raised training standards. Further ensuring guest safety even while in port, Crystal River Cruises restricts gangway access and attends to security 24 hours a day.
[READMORE]READ MORE: More Luxury Vessels for Crystal River Cruises[/READMORE]
The four Rhine-class river yachts will showcase all-balcony, all-suite accommodations with butler service. Suites will also have panoramic balcony-window-facing king-sized beds, walk-in closets and dual bathroom vanities in most categories. ETRO robes and slippers, flat-panel HD TVs and Nespresso machines will round out luxurious amenities.
Elsewhere onboard, a Michelin-inspired culinary program will serve the Waterside Restaurant, Bistro cafe and Vintage Room.
The Crystal Bach will be the first of the all new riverboats to launch in August 2017.
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