Crystal Cruises to refocus on Germany and Austria

Following the successful launch of its first luxury river yacht, Crystal Mozart, Crystal River Cruises has announced that it will increase its presence on the Danube, Main and Rhine, deploying four of its planned new build river yachts in the region over the next two years (2017 & 2018).

Based on guest feedback lauding the itineraries planned in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Amsterdam and Holland, the company has elected to delay its entrance into the French river cruise market, choosing instead to prioritise its offerings in the German/Austrian region.

The shift in focus means redesigning and enlarging the two Paris-Class river yachts, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel, as Rhine-Class river yachts, and redeploying them east in 2018.

Previously, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel were to travel along the Seine, Rhone and Dordogne Rivers in France beginning in June and August 2017 respectively.

“Unlike an ocean-going ship that can accommodate a change in itinerary with short notice, a river ship operates within more confined parameters and is unable to reroute easily,” says Crystal’s CEO and president, Edie Rodriguez. “We are listening carefully to what travellers are telling us and have concluded that the best way to anticipate, meet and surpass their expectations is by making this move earlier rather than later.”

sourced:traveldailymedia.com