Crystal River Cruises to Expand Presence in Rhine, Danube Rivers

Crystal River Cruises announced Thursday that it will expand its presence in the Danube, Main and Rhine Rivers by deploying four of its planned newbuild yachts in the region over the next two years.

The company revealed plans to delay its entry into the French river cruise market, citing positive guest feedback regarding its itineraries in Germany, Austria, Belgium and Amsterdam.

As a result of the change, Crystal will redesign and enlarge the Paris-Class Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel into Rhine-Class river yachts before deploying them in 2018.

The luxury river cruise line will offer a handful of incentive options for travelers who have already booked 2017 voyages on Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel, including alternate voyages and future cruise credits. 

READ MORE: What Other Ocean Cruise Companies Could Enter the River Market?

"Unlike an ocean-going ship that can accommodate a change in itinerary with short notice, a river ship operates within more confined parameters and is unable to reroute easily," said Crystal's CEO and President Edie Rodriguez in a statement. "We are listening carefully to what travelers are telling us and have concluded that the best way to anticipate, meet and surpass their expectations is by making this move earlier than later."

The redesign of the ships will entail stretching them from 360 feet to over 442 feet. The added length will allow for the addition of a swimming pool and larger suites.

Upon completion, the Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel will join the Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler, which are currently scheduled to enter service next summer. At the moment, the Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel are set to make their maiden voyages in April 2018 and May 2018, respectively.

READ MORE: Crystal River Cruises Launches with Christening of Crystal Mozart

Affected travelers can find Crystal's incentive options below. Keep in mind that all future cruise credits are valid for 18 months and can only be put towards a second Crystal experience beyond the alternate selection.

Crystal Debussy guests can choose one of the following incentives: 

-Crystal Mozart voyage and $750 shipboard credit per person, plus $500 per person future cruise credit

-Crystal Bach voyage and $500 future cruise credit per person

-A 2017 Crystal Esprit voyage (7-night), plus $750 per person shipboard credit and $500 per person future cruise credit

-A veranda room for a 2017 Crystal Symphony European voyage (up to 14 days) and $500 per person future cruise credit

-$1,000 per person future cruise credit to apply toward any other 2017 Crystal Experience (booked at prevailing rates).

Crystal Ravel guests can choose one of the following incentives:

-Crystal Mozart voyage and $500 per person future cruise credit

-A 2017 Crystal Esprit voyage (7-night), $750 per person shipboard credit plus $500 per person future cruise credit

-A veranda room for a 2017 Crystal Symphony European cruise (up to 10 days) and $500 per person future cruise credit

-$1,000 per person future cruise credit to apply toward any other 2017 Crystal Experience (booked at prevailing rates).

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