Crystal River Cruises, the World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line™, christened Crystal Bach, the first of its four new build “Rhine Class” river ships, on Sunday, August 20 in Rüdesheim, Germany. At LuxeGetaways, we are always interested in staying up-to-date with all that the cruise world has to offer, and after featuring a preview of several current and new offerings being introduced this year by Crystal, this recent christening caught our attention…
Crystal’s CEO and president, Edie Rodriguez, presided over the ceremony, along with emcee and longtime popular Crystal entertainer, Mark Farris. The ship’s godmother, beloved German opera star Anna-Maria Kaufmann, christened the ship with the traditional blessing and champagne breaking, and also lent her famed talents to the celebration with a special performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Air.” Also in attendance were the ship’s cruise guests, local travel partners and executives from Crystal’s parent company, Genting Hong Kong.
Industry’s first all-balcony, all-suite, all-butler river ship debuts as part of award-winning Crystal River Cruises fleet…
In another industry first, Crystal Bach and the “Rhine Class” ships feature all categories of accommodations positioned above the water line, boasting king-sized beds and Crystal’s acclaimed personal butler service. The design of the vessels firmly reiterates Crystal’s commitment to not only surpassing the very best the luxury travel industry currently has to offer, but leading the charge in pioneering new standards of luxury – a philosophy also driven home with the christening and debut of Crystal Skye, Crystal’s fully custom B-777, last week in Las Vegas.
The festivities of Crystal Bach’s christening reached far beyond those in attendance in Germany, as Crystal broadcasted the live stream of the ceremony via its Crystal Cruises Facebook page, effectively inviting the world to join in the celebration. We love this use of technology to bring these types of events to everyone!
Crystal Bach joins Crystal Mozart as part of the Crystal River Cruises fleet recently named “World’s Best River Cruise Line” by Travel + Leisure on Crystal Mozart’s one-year anniversary on July 11. Sailing 10- and 14-day voyages predominantly along the Rhine River, she will call in medieval towns and modern hubs in Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany.
All four “Rhine Class” river ships will offer plush amenities and spaces rare seen in the river cruising industry, including Panoramic Balcony-Windows™, walk-in closets and dual vanity in the bathrooms in most categories, ETRO robes and slippers, wall-mounted flat-screen HD TVs, and Nespresso machines. However, it are these extra features that get us excited about this class of travel, including a luxurious spa and separate fitness center and Crystal’s farm-to-table, Michelin-inspired cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries: the elegant Waterside Restaurant, namesake Bistro cafés and the exclusive Vintage Room; and the Palm Court.
More From The Christening of Crystal Bach
“The enthusiasm surrounding this groundbreaking ship has been tremendous already, and we could not be prouder to welcome her to the award-winning Crystal River fleet,” said Crystal’s CEO and President, Edie Rodriguez.“The fact that she is Crystal’s first-ever new build river ship means that we had the opportunity to go beyond the best and create a luxury river cruise experience that is truly unprecedented. She is the first – and, until her sisters join her – the ONLY all-balcony, all-suite river ship.”
“Crystal remains committed to being the standard bearer for what is possible in luxury travel, just as they have since they first embarked more than 27 years ago,” said Genting Hong Kong Chairman and CEO, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay. “We are proud to be part of and support this vision, and look forward to continuing on this journey together.”