WHY IT RATES: Crystal Cruises takes viewers behind the scenes to reveal everything included in making these experiences both luxurious and personal. -Codie Liermann, Associate Editor
There's an art to delivering luxury travel experiences, and Crystal River Cruises is taking viewers into the dedication and details of this process.
In a new MasterClass video series, the company showcases the various facets of its internationally-acclaimed experience on the rivers of Europe. Six separate videos go behind the scenes to illustrate the "Art of" food, wine, entertainment, destinations, dessert and service.
The MasterClass series also brings viewers face-to-face with many of the crew members who create the Crystal River Cruises experience. Crystal's people are at the heart of its global adventures and its guests and crew often become more like friends and family throughout their travels.
This is the sentiment behind the company's current campaign, "Where Luxury is Personal," and is again reiterated with the production of MasterClass.
"The Crystal River Experience goes far beyond simply offering great service or exciting adventures ashore or wonderful cuisine. Our team pours over every single element of our guests' experience - we analyze and anticipate every detail that would make it exceptional, and then we present it with the most polished and genuine service in the industry," said Walter Littlejohn, vice president and managing director of Crystal River Cruises. "The new MasterClass series brings travelers along on this journey of creating the experiences they value most."
In the first MasterClass episode, "The Art of Food," Crystal River Cruises' executive chef, Georg Pfandl, illustrates his own vision behind the blend of Asian and Austrian cuisine and the menus that are tailored daily on board to reflect the day's fresh finds at local markets.
Viewers are treated to the process and techniques he and his team use to create complex and mouthwatering flavors.
Subsequent weekly episodes will feature similar glimpses into the philosophy and process behind Crystal's hallmarks, with sommelier Ilija Marojevic highlighting the rich pairings found in the regions Crystal River Cruises travels; pastry chef Jozsef Reichenbach going into detail about creating artistic, indulgent desserts that reflect the destinations; Hotel Director Sonja Gruber on the personal touches that distinguish Crystal's brand of luxury and service from all others; a spotlight on Crystal's approach to showcasing each destination in ways that cater to guests' individual interests, including an interview with local German master butcher, Norbert Wittmann; and renowned tenor Steffan Mullan speaking on how he draws all Crystal guests into his performances aboard the award-winning ships.
The new videos will be available for viewing on Crystal's YouTube channel and will be distributed via the Crystal Insider blog.
When Crystal River Cruises' 2020 season embarks next spring, it will be with the youngest fleet of ships in the river industry.
Crystal's River ships sail itineraries of seven to 16 nights along the Danube, Rhine, Main and Moselle rivers. The 106-guest ships are all-suite, all-butler and all-balcony enclaves of elegance for itineraries that celebrate the romance, creativity and rich heritage of the destinations.
All suites feature Panoramic Balcony-Windows™ and walk-in closets and dual vanity in the bathrooms are featured in most categories. All of Crystal's river ships feature private butler service in every room category, king-sized beds, ETRO amenities, robes and slippers and wall-mounted flat-screen HD TVs.
Each suite offers Apple iPad devices that serve as Digital Directories for many guests' onboard needs, from dry cleaning and butler service to room service and dining reservations, as well as concierge and Crystal Collection inquiries.
Additional enticing features include farm-to-table cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries: the elegant Waterside Restaurant, namesake Bistro cafés and the exclusive Vintage Room; and the Palm Court for entertainment, enrichment presentations and sweeping views of the countryside while hundreds of inclusive, curated experiences ashore cater to travelers' individual tastes.
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