Immerse yourself amongst the serene waves, the breath-taking views across the horizon, and the freedom of the wind around you, all from the privacy and intimacy aboard a river cruiseship. Experience a whole host of cultures amidst different destinations, whilst enjoying the facilities onboard the Crystal River Cruises, which provide guests with an intimate journey across waterways that cannot be experienced in the same way aboard vaster ocean cruise ships. Following the journey along European rivers, Crystal Cruises allow the opportunity for day excursions to visit dreamy destinations, whether you’re admiring them from the privacy of your room, or stepping off the boat for each day in a new city.

With four sister ships – Bach, Mahler, Debussy and Ravel – Crystal Cruises have produced travel like no other, as the models cruise through European rivers, boasting luxury from each and every port. The service and facilities onboard Crystal Cruises prioritise guests with low crew to guest ratios, spacious atmospheres onboard, Michelin-inspired cuisine with fresh ingredients, and modern décor.

The Crystal Ravel, the newest addition to the line, accommodates an exclusive 106 passengers, and is finished in contemporary style, having been built only in 2018. The 3 decks of the ship offer spacious, inviting facilities, from the bar on the sun deck, where guests can sip cocktails as they admire the glorious sun setting over the tranquil waves, to the contemporary and intimate Waterside restaurant on the middle deck which serves diverse menus of Michelin-inspired cuisine from around the world.

Aside from this main restaurant, the Ravel Bistro hosts fine tapas bites, alongside delicacies made with fresh ingredients from local suppliers, that burst and sizzle with an array of colourful flavours, such as the roasted jumbo shrimps and herb-marinated Alamo beef medallions. The open-dining concept as well as flexible dining hours provides a relaxed atmosphere for guests, presenting a multitude of dining options that can be suited to them. Completing the line-up are The Pantry, a self-service wine and beverage bar, open for 24 hours, for guests who seek a midnight snack or a quick bite in between meals, as well as The Vintage Room which offers extravagant dinners paired with incredible wines.

Each suite presents a comfortable and cosy atmosphere, with streams of light pouring through from the floor to ceiling windows, allowing guests to truly indulge in the waterway views. Crystal Cruises home some of the largest luxury suites in river cruising, each completed with a walk-in closet, allowing guests to relax in style and comfort within their private rooms as well as aboard the decks under the sparkling sun. The intimacy of the river cruise ship, alongside the casual though elegant environment, is complimented by the spaciousness, provided especially through the expansive social spaces topped with glass skylight roofs. Alongside the accommodation and opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation on board, Crystal Ravel features a full-service spa, as well as an equipped fitness center, including an indoor pool crowned with a glass roof.

The ‘all inclusive’ packages allow guests to truly immerse themselves in the Crystal River Cruise ship experience, with all gratuities aboard and ashore included. All guests aboard Crystal Ravel are also provided with a personal butler, creating the one-of-a-kind and special experience. The highly trained staff, with their friendly smiles and attentive natures, add to the leisure guests feel aboard this vessel, as Crystal Ravel prides itself on the fact that there is 1 crew member for every 1.5 guests, furthering the attention to detail for each guest.

Crystal Cruises promise to facilitate guests at every moment, with shore excursions being operated and guided using Crystal’s own fleet of fully-equipped luxury buses. Each excursion furthers the sense of exclusivity, as only 15 guests are guided around the magical destinations, and guides provide impeccable service with a variety of languages available. All crystal itineraries offer guests the advantage of leisurely enjoying stays in different ports, as a few more overnight stays in different cities, as well as longer hours available to explore, allows for authentic, cultural experiences all along European rivers.

The curated destination experiences include the opportunities to explore the cities by foot with a tour-guide, relish in culinary specialities with a variety of dining and gastronomical opportunities such as a tasting at Schlagkamp Winery in Cochem, marvel at architectural and historical delights as they meander old town streets or enjoy the string and opera performance in a historic Antwerp cathedral, as well as
tailor and customise their own private tours. Guests can explore the behind-the-scenes of Amsterdam’s greenhouses, witnessing the cultivation of the region’s famous tulips, ride horses through the forests of Novi Sad’s Fruška Gora National Park, or partake in a vintage photography tour in Vukovar.

With the finest service, luxury facilities, and rare spacious atmosphere onboard, as well as the opportunity for guests’ to visit magical destinations, it is of no surprise that Crystal Cruises have gained ‘World’s Best Cruise Ship’in Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader Choice Awards for 24 years; having also been voted ‘World’s Best Large Ship Cruise Line’ by Travel + Leisure readers for 20 years; and have also been crowned the “Best Luxury Cruise Line” by travel professional organization Virtuoso for three consecutive years (2014, 2015 & 2016).