Crystal River Cruises' Expansion Of 'Rhine Class' Continues With Keel Laying Of Crystal Debussy And Crystal Ravel At Germany's MV WERFTEN Shipyard

LOS ANGELES, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Crystal River Cruises, the World's Most Luxurious River Cruise Line, ushered in the next phase for its expanding "Rhine Class" fleet of river vessels, as the keels were laid for the company's next two new-builds, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel at a ceremony at MV WERFTEN shipyard in Wismar, Germany. In spring 2018, the two all-balcony, all-suite vessels are set to embark on their maiden voyages along Europe's mightiest rivers: the Rhine, Main and Danube.

In the presence of Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Chairman and Chief Executive of Genting Hong Kong; Jarmo Laakso, Managing Director of MV WERFTEN; Josef Lumetsberger, Crystal River Cruises' General Manager of Operations; Manfred Korous, Managing Director of Future Development and Director, Crystal River Cruises; and Harry Glawe, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Economics Minister, plus numerous distinguished guests, the first sections of the luxury vessels were ceremoniously lowered into position on keel blocks.

Tan Sri Lim and Minister Glawe placed the traditional lucky coins on the keel blocks before the first two sections, each weighing 170 tons, were laid down. "We are pleased to celebrate this important milestone, the start of the block assembly, for two more ships for our brand Crystal River Cruises today at our own shipyard. These ships will offer their guests the highest standards in luxury cruising on Europe's most beautiful river routes," said Tan Sri Lim during the keel-laying ceremony.

"This ceremonial act represents a tremendous achievement for Crystal River Cruises and the entire Crystal fleet, as we introduce the next chapter of the continuing story of Crystal innovations throughout the travel and hospitality industry," said Crystal CEO and President, Edie Rodriguez.

All-Suite, All-Balcony, All-Butler

The most prominent features aboard Crystal's "Rhine Class" river vessels: the river cruising industry's first all-balcony, all-suite designs boasting every category of accommodation perched above the waterline. All four river yachts will also offer Crystal's acclaimed butler service in every room category, plush king-sized beds that face toward the 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 enticing features include 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.  

The building of the river yachts – and other upcoming vessels for the Crystal fleet – at the MV WERFTEN Shipyard is significant as well, given that the yard shares a familial connection with Crystal. Crystal's parent company Genting Hong Kong completed the acquisition of the Lloyd Werft ship building yards in 2016 in anticipation of the company's extraordinary brand and fleet expansion, which, by 2022, will see four new build luxury river yachts, the world's first purpose-built polar class Crystal Endeavor mega-yacht and the first of Crystal Cruises' Exclusive Class polar class ocean ships with Crystal Residences constructed at the yard.

Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel will measure approximately 135 meters in length and 11.5 meters in breadth, accommodating 106 guests in Crystal's signature, all-suite luxury.  Beginning in spring 2018, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel, respectively, will sail routes of seven, 10 and 14 days between Amsterdam, Basel and Vienna.

About Crystal

By sea, river, land and air, Crystal has redefined the way the world views luxury travel. Crystal Cruises is the World's Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line, having earned "World's Best Cruise Ship" in Condé Nast Traveler's Reader Choice Awards for 23 years; been voted "World's Best Large Ship Cruise Line" by Travel + Leisure readers for 20 years; and the "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by travel professional organization Virtuoso for three consecutive years (2014, 2015 & 2016).  The newest and upcoming extensions of the celebrated Crystal brand include Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises, Crystal Luxury Air, Crystal River Cruises – The World's Most Luxurious River Cruise Line, Crystal AirCruises and Crystal Exclusive Class with Crystal Residences.

For more information and Crystal reservations, contact a travel agent, call 888.799.2437, or visit www.crystalrivercruises.com. Join the hundreds of thousands who follow the Crystal Cruises' Facebook page and @crystalcruises on Twitter and Instagram, and engage in the conversation with #crystalcruises.

About MV WERFTEN

The three shipyards in Wismar, Rostock and Stralsund belong to the biggest and most modern shipbuilding companies of Europe. The group of companies headquartered in Wismar has a direct access to the Baltic Sea, production facilities independent of weather conditions and an efficient logistics infrastructure at all locations and combines innovative high-tech production with comprehensive shipbuilding.

In their 70-year history the shipyards have designed, produced and fitted out about 2,500 new buildings including cruise vessels for AIDA cruises, RoPax ferries for Stena Line and river cruise vessels for TUI. Today the company has specialised on the development and construction of luxury cruise ships, river cruise ships and megayachts. MV WERFTEN is constantly investing in new technologies, plants and qualification of employees to guarantee an excellent "made in MV" quality.

PHOTOS: Crystal Debussy & Crystal Ravel Keel Laying

GROUP PHOTO CAPTION (From Left): Colin Au, President of Genting Hong Kong; Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Chairman and Chief Executive of Genting Hong Kong; Harry Glawe, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Economics Minister; Josef Lumetsberger, Crystal River Cruises' General Manager of Operations

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SOURCE Crystal River Cruises