By Anne Kalosh.
Crystal River Cruises’ first new build has entered service. The line took delivery of the 106-passenger CRYSTAL BACH during a handover ceremony from MV Werften in Wismar, Germany, on August 3, 2017. CRYSTAL BACH joins the fleet’s 154-passenger CRYSTAL MOZART, currently the largest European river vessel, which Crystal acquired and rebuilt to launch its river brand in 2016.
“It is a thrill to welcome CRYSTAL BACH to the family, as she is one of the most anticipated vessels to embark on Europe’s rivers in years,” Crystal CEO and President Edie Rodriguez said. She called CRYSTAL BACH’s design, abundant space, standard of amenities and luxury “groundbreaking.”
Crystal Bach was handed over by MV Werften. Front left in dark blue is Crystal CEO Edie Rodriguez
This is the first of four Rhine-class vessels for Crystal. Each will offer butler service in every room category, king-sized beds, panoramic balcony-windows, walk-in closets and dual vanity in the bathrooms in most categories. ETRO robes and slippers, flat-screen HD televisions and Nespresso machines are other amenities.
The vessels will feature farm-to-table cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries and offer Crystal signature venues like a Bistro café, Vintage Room and Palm Court lounge.
Crystal Bach’s Waterside Restaurant (rendering)
Aboard CRYSTAL BACH passengers can enjoy fresh fish and seafood from Holland, seasonal fruits and vegetables from Germany and the Netherlands, meat and poultry from farmers in Bavaria and the Austrian Alps, along with regional wines, beers and cheeses. A new selection of vegetarian dishes is also offered.
European delicacies include sturgeon caviar from Eindhoven and river crawfish from the Rhine. Dutch herring on dill mousse and German green split pea soup with smoked duck join other dishes like Dornfelder braised oxtail ragout and boeuf bourguignonne. Truffle spring chicken cassoulet en croute, broiled Dover sole meuniere and cold-water lobster served with a creamy leek risotto are some of the other palate-pleasers.
As aboard CRYSTAL MOZART, the coffees and teas are provided by Julius Meinl, a prestigious, Vienna-based company dating back to 1862.
Plus, travelers can indulge in exclusive dining experiences at Michelin star-awarded restaurants in select destinations. Each 2017 itinerary features at least one such opportunity. One experience per cruise is included in the fare.
CRYSTAL BACH is sailing the Rhine and Moselle rivers, traveling between Amsterdam and Frankfurt, and Amsterdam and Basel. A sister vessel, CRYSTAL MAHLER, is due to enter service this fall on the Rhine, Main and Danube, while CRYSTAL DEBUSSY and CRYSTAL RAVEL are scheduled to begin sailing in spring 2018.
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