By
Rebecca Gibson |
German opera singer Anna-Maria Kaufmann officially christened Crystal River Cruises’ first-ever newbuild river ship, Crystal Bach, during a traditional ceremony in Rüdesheim, Germany on 20 August 2017.
Joining Crystal CEO and president Edie Rodriguez and the line’s longstanding entertainer and emcee Mark Farris, Kaufmann blessed the ship and broke a bottle of champagne over her hull to bring luck to all who sail on the vessel. Kaufmann then performed Johann Sebastian Bach’s ‘Air on the G String’ for invited attendees, which included the ship’s guests, local travel partners and executives from Crystal’s parent company, Genting Hong Kong. Crystal also broadcast the live stream of the ceremony via its Facebook page.
“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 Rodriguez. “The fact that she is Crystal’s first-ever newbuild 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 Bach is the first of the line’s four new Rhine Class ships, and is the first vessel in river cruise industry to have all accommodation above the water line. Boasting king-sized beds and Crystal’s personal butler service, the guest accommodation will also have 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. Additional features include a luxurious spa and separate fitness centre, and Crystal’s farm-to-table, Michelin-inspired cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries. These include Waterside Restaurant, Bistro café, Vintage Room, and Palm Court.
“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 Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Genting Hong Kong’s chairman and CEO. “We are proud to be part of and support this vision, and look forward to continuing on this journey together.”
Crystal’s four Rhine Class newbuilds will join Crystal Mozart in the river fleet, sailing various itineraries on Europe’s rivers.