In September, Crystal River Cruises’ second Rhine-class ship entered its luxury fleet. The 106-passenger Crystal Mahler was received at the MV Werften shipyard by recently appointed president and CEO, Tom Wolber. The newbuild was christened by godmother Lauren Barfield, an American volleyball player whose career began in Europe in 2012; she currently plays for reigning German champions SSC Palmberg Schwerin, a team sponsored by MV Werften. The naming was attended by Crystal executives, local dignitaries and representatives of Crystal’s parent company, Genting Hong Kong, including Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman of Genting Hong Kong and Crystal Cruises.
The Mahler is an all-balcony, all-suite vessel and sister to Crystal Bach, which launched earlier this summer, joining the one-of-a-kind Crystal Mozart. Two additional Rhine-class ships, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel, will join the fleet in 2018.
For her debut year, Mahler will be sailing seven-, 11- and 16-day cruises on the Rhine and Danube rivers, calling in medieval towns and modern hubs in Austria, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands and Slovakia.
“Welcoming this stunning new ship to Crystal’s celebrated fleet is incredibly gratifying, as we continue to expand the celebrated Crystal Experience to a broader audience of discerning world travelers,” Wolber said. “Like her sister ships, Crystal Mahler surpasses all previously established standards of luxury in the river cruising industry, with Crystal’s signature service and attention to detail that our guests have long expected from the ‘World’s Best.’”
The ship features French balconies in all suites, many of which also offer walk-in closets and dual vanities in the bathrooms. Crystal’s butler service is available in all accommodations, as are Etro robes and slippers, personal iPads, flat-screen televisions with streaming movies, complimentary Wi-Fi access and Nespresso machines. Mahler has a spa and a fitness center and several dining venues, including the Waterside Restaurant, Bistro cafe, the exclusive Vintage Room and the glass-domed Palm Court.
“The enthusiastic response to Crystal’s first Rhine-class ship, Crystal Bach, has been tremendous,” Wolber said. “The innovative design of these ships and industry-leading features and amenities are truly impressive, and the world’s most selective travelers are taking notice.”
The Details
Crystal River Cruises
www.crystalcruises.com/river
