In Rüdesheim, Germany, Crystal Cruises welcomed and christened the Crystal Bach over the weekend. Overseeing the ceremony were CEO and president, Edie Rodriguez; emcee and Crystal entertainer, Mark Farris and godmother and German opera star Anna-Maria Kaufmann.
"The enthusiasm surrounding this groundbreaking ship has been tremendous already, and we could not be prouder to welcome her to the award-winning Crystal River fleet," said Rodriguez, in a press release.
"The fact that she is Crystal's first-ever new build river ship means that we had the opportunity to go beyond the best and create a luxury river cruise experience that is truly unprecedented. She is the first - and, until her sisters join her - the ONLY all-balcony, all-suite river ship."
The Crystal Bach is the first of four Rhine-class new-builds. Kaufmann christened the riverboat with a bottle of champagne and also performed Johann Sebastian Bach's "Air."
Additionally in attendance were the vessel's voyage guests, regional travel partners and Crystal parent company Genting Hong Kong executives. The luxury line also broadcasted the festivities via live stream on its Facebook page.
"Crystal remains committed to being the standard bearer for what is possible in luxury travel, just as they have since they first embarked more than 27 years ago," added Genting Hong Kong Chairman and CEO Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, in the press release.
"We are proud to be part of and support this vision, and look forward to continuing on this journey together."
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The Bach joins the already operating Crystal Mozart, which was awarded for servicing the "World's Best River Cruise Line" according to Travel + Leisure. The new riverboat will sail on 10- and 14-day cruises mostly on the Rhine River, making stops in Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany.
Crystal Bach and its upcoming sister-ships feature all accommodations entirely above the waterline, plus king-sized beds, personal butler service and trademarked Panoramic Balcony-Windows.
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They also sport walk-in closets as well as dual vanity bathrooms in most suites. ETRO robes and slippers, flat-screen HD televisions and Nespresso machines also come standard.
Other venues onboard encompass a spa and fitness center, signature Palm Court and fine dining at the Waterside Restaurant, Bistro cafés and Vintage Room.
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