By Anne Kalosh.
Gorgeous new river vessels are streaming into service in Europe, broadening the choices for lucky travelers.
Christened recently, within a couple days of each other, were Crystal River Cruises’ CRYSTAL DEBUSSY in Amsterdam and AmaWaterways’ AMALEA in Vilshofen, Germany.
AmaLea sails the Danube between Vilshofen, Germany, and Budapest. * Photo: AMAWaterways
The raising of a traditional Bavarian maypole, a dockside cocktail reception, religious blessing, local entertainment and welcome by the city’s mayor highlighted the AMALEA festivities. AAA Travel’s Filomena Andre, a respected travel industry leader, served as the godmother. Celebrations continued into the evening with a gala dinner and culminated with fireworks.
AmaLea godmother Filomena Andre, right, with AmaWaterways’ EVP Kristin Karst. * Photo: AMA Waterways
Meanwhile, CRYSTAL DEBUSSY’s party featured Broadway star Rachel York—a favorite performer in the “Crystal on Broadway” entertainment series—belting out “Defying Gravity” from “Wicked.” Party band the Phly Boyz also serenaded the vessel’s passengers, who sipped Champagne during the proceedings. As godmother, York made the wish that DEBUSSY’s travelers would always sail on “Crystal-clear waters.”
Broadway star Rachel York smashes the Champagne at Crystal Debussy’s naming in Amsterdam. * Photo: Crystal
The 106-passenger CRYSTAL DEBUSSY is the sister of this year’s CRYSTAL RAVEL and 2017’s CRYSTAL BACH and CRYSTAL MAHLER. Each has butler-served, all-balcony-suite accommodations with walk-in closets, gourmet dining and a full-service spa.
Gourmet dining is a feature of Crystal River Cruises. * Photo: Crystal
“Crystal River Cruises has raised the bar of excellence with each new ship, and now again as CRYSTAL DEBUSSY joins the fleet, effectively redefining true luxury in the river industry,” Crystal President and CEO Tom Wolber said. “At the heart of this achievement are the crew and officers, all of whom are members of the Crystal team that ensure that every detail of our guests’ experience is seamless, from ship to shore.”
CRYSTAL DEBUSSY’s naming ceremony took place during the vessel’s three-day stay in Amsterdam on its 10-day “Splendors of the Rhine” voyage, allowing passengers to take part in the festivities.
Throughout 2018 and 2019, CRYSTAL DEBUSSY will sail seven- and 10-day cruises between Amsterdam and Basel, Switzerland, along the Rhine and Moselle rivers, visiting ports in Germany.
The 154-passenger AMALEA is the sister of 2017’s AMAKRISTINA and 2016’s AMAVIOLA and AMASTELLA. All feature AmaWaterways’ twin balconies that offer panoramic views from both a French and an outside balcony. Multiple dining venues, a sun-deck pool with a swim-up bar and a fitness center and spa are other amenities.
“We are thrilled to have our industry friends and business partners here with us in Vilshofen, celebrating the arrival of AMALEA, and marking an extraordinary time for us at AmaWaterways,” President and Co-Owner Rudi Schreiner said. “We look forward to welcoming many guests on board this beautiful ship as she sails through the charming towns that sit along the banks of some of the most beautiful rivers in all of Europe.”
The festivities concluded a weeklong celebration with company executives, the godmother, travel industry friends and media joining passengers on board.
AMALEA is sailing seven-night cruises on the Danube between Vilshofen and Budapest during the summer and fall before concluding the season with four Christmas market cruises.
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HEIDI SARNA
