Crystal Ravel Christened in Budapest

Crystal River Cruises has christened its fifth river ship.

Taking place in Budapest, Crystal Ravel was christened by her godmother, Hungarian Producer Mariann Peller, who is famous in Hungary for creating the television show "Virtuosos," a classical music talent show that's the first of its kind. It's a fitting choice for a ship that is named for Maurice Ravel, the 20th-century classical composer and pianist from France.

The christening took place on the Danube at the Akadémia dock in the center of town surrounded by Budapest's gorgeous bridges and dramatic skyline. A grey sky created a moody atmosphere for a ceremony that included the traditional maritime blessing by Peller, complete with a Champagne bottle smashed on the hull.

Afterward, guests were treated to a performance by members of the Young Virtuosos Foundation, an organization that was founded by Peller to support young classical musicians. In honor of the celebration, Crystal River Cruises is also making a donation to the foundation. During the ceremony, Crystal's President and CEO Tom Wolber pointed out that the Peller's TV show is so popular in Austria that it actually inspired an increase in the number of children enrolling in music education in Austria by 14 percent.

The 106-passenger Crystal Ravel is nearly identical to her three sisters, with highlights including a retractable bar on the spacious top deck, multiple dining venues, a small indoor pool enclosed in a greenhouse, and cabins that have large showers and walk-in closets. The ship feels luxurious compared to most river cruises, from the china and crystal to the all-inclusive policy that results in free-flowing wine. But, despite the comfort of the vessel, cruises on Crystal River ships are also quite modern and surprisingly casual, with bright pops of color, no formal or semi-formal dress codes, and open seating (as well as placemats instead of tablecloths) in the dining room.

Today's christening took place in the midst of a Danube cruise, and Crystal Ravel is scheduled to cruise Europe's Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers. For more information, call 888-722-0021 or visit www.crystalcruises.com.