Search Sponsored by

Explore TravelAge West

Destinations

Back
  • Africa & Middle East
  • Asia & South Pacific
  • Caribbean
  • Central & South America
  • Europe
  • Hawaii
  • Mexico
  • USA & Canada

Travel Types

Back
  • Family
  • Adventure
  • Cruise
  • River Cruise
  • Tour Operators
  • Luxury
  • Culinary
  • Romance
  • Wellness
  • Sustainability

Directories

Back
  • Hotels
  • Cruise
  • Job Seeker Center

Interactive

Back
  • Click & Win
  • Geo Quiz
  • Slideshows & Video

Professional Development

Back

Industry Insight

  • Business Features
  • Interviews
  • Opinion
  • Tech
  • Humans of Travel Podcast
  • Coronavirus and Travel

Education

  • Certifications
  • Digital Guides
  • Fams
  • Thought Leadership
  • Advertiser Spotlight
  • Webinars
  • Immersive Family Experiences

Events

  • Global Travel Marketplace
  • GTM West
  • WAVE Awards
  • Future Leaders in Travel Retreat

Sign Up for Our Monthly River Cruise Newsletter

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.

Search TravelAge West

Clear Field
John RobertsContributing Writer

Share

River Cruise Review: Crystal Bach

Sep 03, 2018
River Cruise Review: Crystal Bach
Crystal Bach debuted in 2016.
Credit: 2018 Crystal

Crystal River Cruises made its splashy debut in 2016 and now features five luxury ships that offer an experience that’s a cut above the ordinary river voyage in Europe.

Sign Up for Our Monthly River Cruise Newsletter

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.

The line’s 106-passenger Crystal Bach sails Rhine and Danube river itineraries and helps set the standard for the fleet. The ship is nearly identical to three others in the line’s Rhine class: Crystal Ravel, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Mahler.

Service, style and sophistication stand out onboard Bach, which features 53 suites — all with butler service and floor-to-ceiling panorama windows that can be opened with the push of a button to create a “balcony.”

“We’ve had a lot of guests who have sailed on other river lines, and the main differences they say they find are in our service, food and design of the ship,” said Martin Nenkov, hotel director for Bach.

Clients can relax in the ship’s public lounges.
Clients can relax in the ship’s public lounges.
Credit: 2018 Crystal

Nenkov, who is from Bulgaria, is in his third year with Crystal and his first year on the rivers with the company. He says guests give especially positive feedback about the spacious staterooms.

Deluxe Suites have 237 to 253 square feet of space, and Petite Suites offer 188 square feet. Bach also features a two-bedroom Crystal Suite and a Crystal Penthouse. Every stateroom has a large bathroom with a walk-in shower, as well as a huge walk-in closet.

The ship also features 16 connecting suites, so it easily accommodates families with children.

A Deluxe Suite onboard Crystal Bach has between 237 and 253 square feet of space.
A Deluxe Suite onboard Crystal Bach has between 237 and 253 square feet of space.
Credit: 2018 Crystal

“We get a fair number of children,” said Walter Littlejohn, vice president and managing director for Crystal River Cruises. “[The suites are] important for multigenerational travelers.”
Babysitting can also be arranged on Bach.

“I think we have the best children’s program of all the luxury lines,” Littlejohn said.

The culinary experience — a full range of options that includes both indulgences and more healthful choices — is a highlight onboard Bach. Clients can enjoy a variety of meals at the Waterside Restaurant main dining room and the innovative atrium space that’s home to Bistro, which serves a light breakfast, lunch and a tapas-style dinner. Plus, passengers can enjoy 24-hour in-suite dining via room service or a decadent wine-pairing experience at The Vintage Room (available for an additional fee).

The onboard Vintage Room
The onboard Vintage Room
Credit: 2018 Crystal

The Market serves buffet-style breakfast and lunch, offering a salad station, fresh bread, desserts and main courses such as pasta prepared a la minute and carving station items. The galleys on Crystal ships are three to four times larger than those on other river lines, and guests can taste the difference. Meals are prepared fresh to order, and all breads, pastries and desserts are made onboard in the ship’s bakery.

The 24-hour self-service Pantry venue in the lobby has a fridge with wines, water and soft drinks, as well as a counter offering cookies, pastries, fresh fruit and a coffee machine.

Cuisine is an important part of the Crystal luxury experience, so the line offers guests the option to book a dining experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant in cities such as Basel, Switzerland; Budapest, Hungary; and Vienna. (In 2019, the experience will be complimentary for guests booked in the Crystal Penthouse or Crystal Suite.)

Waterside Restaurant
Waterside Restaurant
Credit: 2018 Crystal

Shore excursions, which are designed for smaller groups, are included in the cruise fare, Littlejohn said.

“Intimacy is important for our guests,” he said.

A spa offers a full range of treatments such as facials, lash and eyebrow tinting, hot-stone massages and custom massages. Bach also has a gym with two exercise bikes, a rowing machine, dumbbells and yoga/stretching mats. Personal training is available, as well.

There are no bikes onboard Bach; however, Crystal arranges to have bicycles available at each port — whether for planned ship excursions or for guests wanting to cycle on their own.

“We do everything possible if guests request a bike,” Nenkov said.

The sundeck offers plenty of seating, and shade is available under a canopy or umbrellas. You won’t find a chess board, putting green or walking track onboard, but the Vista Bar is staffed from morning to late afternoon, and servers make continuous rounds to ensure guests get their drinks quickly. Bach additionally has a heated indoor pool located in a comfy indoor area with a faux fireplace, a large glass ceiling and loungers.

“Overall, the guests don’t have one particular thing they like about the product,” Nenkov said. “It’s the overall experience: the food, the shore excursions and the service — especially the attention from the crew. We try to be a step above the rest.”

The Details
Crystal River Cruises
www.crystalcruises.com/river

During the COVID-19 pandemic, TravelAge West will remain a trusted resource for our readers now and long after this crisis is over, and will continue to publish articles on a variety of travel industry topics, destinations and more to inspire future trips. If there’s something you’d like us to cover, please send a message to [email protected]

Tell Us What You Think! forum

Related Content

The river cruise ship will sail on the Danube through 2018. // © 2016 Crystal Cruises 2

River Cruise Review: Crystal Mozart

  • Most Read
  • Most Shared
  1. The Main Challenges to Booking Hawaii Travel Right Now
  2. 3 Luxurious Haciendas on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula
  3. CDC Requires Negative COVID-19 Test for Entry Into the U.S.
  4. Hotel Review: Vista Encantada Spa Resort & Residences
  5. Hotel Review: The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain in Marana, Arizona
  1. CDC Requires Negative COVID-19 Test for Entry Into the U.S.
  2. What It's Like to Go on Safari Right Now
  3. Remembering Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, Founder of Sandals Resorts International
  4. What It's Like to Visit Walt Disney World Resort Right Now
  5. Here's Why Travel Advisors Should Be Booking Their Clients' Bucket-List Travels Now

More Stories Like This

ChristmasRiverCruises2021_Hero

Now Is the Time to Think About Celebrating Christmas 2021 With These Cruises

AvoyaRiverCruisesPrepare_Hero

River Cruise Lines Prepare for Transition to Operations

A Travel Advisor's Guide to the Latest River Cruise Sailing Updates

A Travel Advisor's Guide to the Latest River Cruise Sailing Updates

rivercruises2021

New River Cruise Itineraries From 8 River Cruise Lines

amawaterwaysamadahlia

AmaWaterways and American Cruise Lines Steal the River Cruise Spotlight at Seatrade

River Cruise Review: Tauck Inspire

River Cruise Review: Tauck Inspire

amawaterways2020covid

AmaWaterways on Advisor Commissions, New Rivers and How COVID-19 has Impacted Ship Design

Exciting River Cruise Experiences Through 2023

Exciting River Cruise Experiences Through 2023

AmaWaterways Provides a River Cruising Update

AmaWaterways Provides a River Cruising Update

amawaterwaysrivieracruiseprotocols

AmaWaterways and Riviera River Cruises Prepare for Safe Sailings

TravelAge West

About TravelAge West

  • About Us
  • Contributors
  • Sales Team
  • Contact Us
  • My Profile

Advertise

  • Advertise With Us
  • Media Kit
  • Upload Ad Material
  • Digital Ad Specifications
  • Reprints
  • Subscribe to Print

Stay Connected to TravelAge West

Get Us in Your Inbox

I accept the T&C and Privacy Policy.


Northstar Travel Group

Northstar Travel Group

  • Travel Weekly
  • Travel Weekly Asia
  • Travel Weekly China
  • TravelPulse
  • TravelPulse Canada
  • TravelPulse Quebec
  • Meetings & Incentives
  • Travel Technology
  • Corporate Travel
  • Hotel Investment
  • Data Products
  • AGENTatHOME
Copyright © 2021 by Northstar Travel Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. 100 Lighting Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094-3626 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000
Load Carousel Here
Load Video Here