Crystal Debussy on the Move! Anyone Sailing Next Week?

[loriva]

Marine Traffic's tracker shows Crystal Debussy on the move to Basel, where it is scheduled to restart service on Monday, 30 August.  It was a little concerning a couple of days ago when it was in Amsterdam--its ending port, not beginning.  Debussy is showing an arrival in Basel of 1400 hours local on 29 August.

 

Crystal Ravel has been in Linz since mid-June.  It is due to sail out of Vilshofen on Sunday, 29 August.  I wonder when it will begin its move.

 

Anyone on any of these initial sailings?  Or sailings in September.  Would love to hear your experiences.  We are booked on a Budapest to Vilshofen sailing in late October and hoping it will go!

 

Many thanks,

 

[gnome12]

Remember that a river cruise boat that doesn't have passengers can sail many more hours a day than it normally does with passengers.

[notamermaid]

37 minutes ago, gnome12 said:

Remember that a river cruise boat that doesn't have passengers can sail many more hours a day than it normally does with passengers.

Indeed. Rhine upstream she can average 6 knots an hour. And if they sail through the night - which they may do for training purposes very much so - will be in Basel perfectly on time. ☺️ Not to worry.

 

Have a great cruise in September.

 

notamermaid

 

[J80crew]

Loriva, We are on Ravel leaving Budapest September 5. We had originally planned to spend three days in Budapest prior to boarding, but of course had to change that due to Hungary’s restrictions on US passengers arriving by air. We will instead spend those days in Switzerland and fly to BUD the morning of the 5th. Crystal sent us a copy of a certificate assuring entry of Crystal passengers from the US for transit to the ship within 24 hours. We need only our vaccination cards and cruise tickets. Unfortunately we will not get the Budapest part of the cruise since we have to leave that evening, but will have a day in Bratislava before going on to Vienna. Those who are doing the reverse cruise will probably have their Budapest visits, since they will be arriving by ship. In any case, I’m just glad we get to go!

[loriva]

58 minutes ago, J80crew said:

Loriva, We are on Ravel leaving Budapest September 5. We had originally planned to spend three days in Budapest prior to boarding, but of course had to change that due to Hungary’s restrictions on US passengers arriving by air. We will instead spend those days in Switzerland and fly to BUD the morning of the 5th. Crystal sent us a copy of a certificate assuring entry of Crystal passengers from the US for transit to the ship within 24 hours. We need only our vaccination cards and cruise tickets. Unfortunately we will not get the Budapest part of the cruise since we have to leave that evening, but will have a day in Bratislava before going on to Vienna. Those who are doing the reverse cruise will probably have their Budapest visits, since they will be arriving by ship. In any case, I’m just glad we get to go!

J80crew,

 

We're so hopeful you will cruise and have a great time.  This cruise would be our first river cruise and first with Crystal.  We had planned from the beginning to fly into Prague, spend three nights, and then take a train to Budapest, which at this time looks like its still permitted by the Hungarians.  Since we're coming by land, we're also spending two nights in Budapest before boarding the Ravel.

 

If you have a chance, would love to hear of your experiences on your cruise.  Again, wishing you all the best!

 

Lori 

[J80crew]

1 hour ago, loriva said:

J80crew,

 

We're so hopeful you will cruise and have a great time.  This cruise would be our first river cruise and first with Crystal.  We had planned from the beginning to fly into Prague, spend three nights, and then take a train to Budapest, which at this time looks like its still permitted by the Hungarians.  Since we're coming by land, we're also spending two nights in Budapest before boarding the Ravel.

 

If you have a chance, would love to hear of your experiences on your cruise.  Again, wishing you all the best!

 

Lori 

Thanks, Lori. It is also our first river cruise, though not our first Crystal cruise. We know what a great job Crystal does on their ocean ships, so expect to have a great time on this one. I’ll try to follow up with a report of our experience. 

[loriva]

12 hours ago, J80crew said:

Thanks, Lori. It is also our first river cruise, though not our first Crystal cruise. We know what a great job Crystal does on their ocean ships, so expect to have a great time on this one. I’ll try to follow up with a report of our experience. 

 

Looks like Ravel is also underway!  Will be watching for its arrival in Vilshofen.

[loriva]

             Miami, August 29, 2021– Today, Crystal River Cruises, The World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line, celebrated the resumption of European river cruise operations and its return to Europe’s beloved rivers as Crystal Ravel sailed from Vilshofen on a seven-night Danube itinerary featuring calls in Germany, Austria and Hungary, shipboard overnights in Vienna and Budapest, and cruising of the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley. In Vilshofen, officers and crew welcomed guests back to Crystal Ravel after a nearly 18-month pause in operations. Tomorrow, August 30, sister ship Crystal Debussy is set to cruise from Basel on a seven-night Rhine itinerary with calls in Switzerland, France, Germany and Netherlands and overnight calls in Koblenz and Amsterdam.

              “After months of planning and preparation we are excited to welcome our guests back on board to experience the attentive service and personalized care of our devoted staff on cruises to the best-loved destinations of Europe’s scenic rivers and waterways,” said Walter Littlejohn, Crystal River Cruises’ senior vice president and managing director.

              “We know our guests are also incredibly eager to return to the luxurious accommodations, Michelin-level cuisine and unrivaled social spaces aboard our ships as well as the enriching discoveries that await ashore,” Littlejohn said. “The effortless luxury and relaxation of river cruising seems perfectly designed for the moment in which we find ourselves, allowing our guests to escape to a world of natural beauty along Europe’s rivers, highlighted by great art, architecture and history, and with unique opportunities for cultural immersion to create cherished memories of a lifetime.”

              The ships’ staff have been prepping the vessels, refreshing their training, and implementing new Crystal Clean+ procedures that address the unique challenges of COVID-19 with stringent health protocols in place to provide guests a safe and enjoyable experience. Crystal River Cruises requires all guests and crew to be fully vaccinated as part of Crystal Clean+, which due to the mandatory vaccination requirement, allows guests to explore ashore independently.

              Inherently spacious, the line’s luxurious all-suite river ships allow for ample social distancing, accommodating just half as many guests as similarly sized vessels and offering a la carte restaurants, open-seating dining, and an abundance of tables for two.  

              In 2021, Crystal River Cruises will offer 32 voyages ranging from seven to 11 nights exploring the historic cities, cultural treasures and UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Rhine, Danube and Moselle rivers with a focus on the line’s most popular and destination-rich seven-night Rhine and Danube itineraries, as well as voyages showcasing the fairytale beauty of the Mosel Wine Region. Every 2021 river voyage is also highlighted by at least two overnight stays, with many voyages offering three overnights, allowing guests to further immerse themselves in the ports’ charm and history, or venture to nearby towns for broader experiences.

              Crystal River Cruises’ 2021 deployment reflects a gradual return of service and the consolidation of sailings from Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler to similar voyages on their identical sister ships, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel. There is still time and availability to book on select voyages, including limited availability on 2021 Holiday voyages. Crystal Ravel is set to ring in the New Year in Vienna during an extended three-night call, while Crystal Debussy will celebrate New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam with a two-night call to enjoy all the festivities and enrichment the city has to offer.

              On Crystal River Cruises’ itineraries, timeless medieval towns mix beautifully with modern hubs of culture and commerce. Guests can explore Melk’s Benedictine Abbey, Vienna’s famed Ringstrasse, and the windmills of Amsterdam, and cruise through the magnificent landscapes of the Rhine River Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On every voyage, Crystal’s Destination Discoveries features inclusive and optional curated experiences ashore, as well as Signature Events and extended journeys designed to enhance the journey for guests with selections that cater to a variety of interests, including a complimentary Signature Event at the Belvedere Palace in Vienna for select 2021 Crystal Ravel sailings. 

              Crystal’s award-winning Rhine-Class river ships are the industry’s first and only all-balcony, all-suite, all-butler vessels in Europe, with every category of accommodation positioned above the water line.  All suites feature Panoramic Balcony-Windows™ and walk-in closets and dual vanity in the bathrooms are featured in most categories.

              All of Crystal’s river ships feature private butler service in every room category, king-sized beds, Caudalie amenities, robes and slippers, and wall-mounted flat-screen HD TVs. Additional enticing features include farm-to-table cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries: the elegant Waterside Restaurant, namesake Bistro cafés and the exclusive Vintage Room; and the Palm Court for entertainment, enrichment presentations and sweeping views of the countryside. Crystal’s attention to detail reaches ashore, as guests are transported on adventures in luxury motor coaches equipped with complimentary water and Wi-Fi for added convenience and comfort.

 

Source:  https://mediacenter.crystalcruises.com/crystal-river-cruises-celebrates-resumption-of-european-river-cruising-with-crystal-ravel-and-crystal-debussy/

[caripoo]

YOU WILL LOVE THE CRYSTAL RIVER....The best...We did the Rhine on the Debussey and it was the BEST

[loriva]

And Ravel has arrived in Budapest!  Happy sailing, J80crew!!

[CILCIANRQTS]

About that overnight in Amsterdam…☹️👎

[mgatc]

Looks like there will be a change.

[J80crew]

Here we are on Ravel cruising between Budapest and Vienna. Everything has gone very smoothly. After all the worries about entering Budapest, nobody had a problem; in fact, we didn’t even go through customs. We had spent three wonderful days in Switzerland and took an early flight from Zurich to Budapest Sunday morning. On arrival, we were shuttled directly out of the airport. Because we didn’t come in the international terminal, we did miss the Crystal transfer desk, but we took a taxi ($15) to the hotel where Crystal had set up covid testing and check in. After passing the test we were bused to the ship, met with champagne, and shown to our stateroom. We had lunch and settled in, explored the ship and rested till cocktail time. The entertainer, a pianist and comedian, was really good; and when he found out that we and another couple on board like to ballroom dance, he played dance numbers for us. After dinner we had a cruise around the city to see Budapest at night, which is spectacular with all the buildings lighted. And because we did not have to leave within 24 hours after all, we were able to get in our Budapest excursions this morning. We did the panorama and had an excellent guide, a young man who had both a vast knowledge of the city and its history and a sense of humor. We left Budapest at noon and will arrive in Vienna tomorrow afternoon. 
 

Some initial impressions, since this is my first river cruise, compared to Crystal’s ocean ships:

1) It is very quiet. Of course, the fact that there are only 25 passengers on board is a factor. There were 60 on the first cruise, and our waiter said that the next cruise will be almost full. There is a full crew, and they have trouble keeping busy with so few people to serve.
2) There are no planned activities on board; we would have liked a trivia game this afternoon, for example. And because the ship is so small, it is hard to get much exercise walking around. 
3) While the food is very high quality, the menu is more limited than on the ocean ships. 
4) The scenery is a lot better while cruising than it is at sea. 
 

After all the changes and the concerns about whether we would actually get on this cruise, things went surprisingly smoothly, and we are happy to be here. I’ll try to post again later on for those who are interested. 

 

[loriva]

Thank you so much for your posting, J80crew!  It sounds like things are working out very nicely for you.  I hope you continue to enjoy your trip!

 

I also just started a new topic with some updated information I learned from Crystal in preparing for our cruise.  Welcome any contributions your time permits you to make.

 

Many thanks,

 

[loriva]

A few questions if you have time, please:

 

     --Crystal's brochure put together for river cruising in the age of COVID-19, lists the Ritz-Carlton as the hotel for check-in and testing in Budapest.  Was that the one used?

     --You mentioned "there are no planned activities on board; we would have liked a trivia game this afternoon, for example."  So, no enrichment programs?  When I asked Crystal, they responded "Cruises will feature a destination-focused entertainment and enrichment program, including onboard lecture series featuring a destination expert as well as regional affairs experts on most voyages."  (And, YES to trivia games!!)

     --Also, "because the ship is so small, it is hard to get much exercise walking around."  Are the swimming pool and fitness center open for use?  What about the spa?

 

Would love to see some of the menus if you have a chance, please.  (On the Crystal topic I just started, I posted the beverage menu they sent me.)  Also, do you know if they have enough interest for the Vintage Room on your sailing or the one before or after?

 

First and foremost, of course, enjoy your trip and no worries if time does not permit until you are home!

[J80crew]

Loriva, yes, the Ritz-Carlton is the hotel they used. The process is very efficient and takes about an hour.

There was a trivia game yesterday morning, so I’m guessing it depends on the the tour schedules. We did not have one today. They do have destination-focused entertainment on some evenings. In addition to last night’s wonderful event in the city, we have a local singer tonight and I believe an opera singer is scheduled one other night. We have not had any on-board lectures so far. The destination team holds open hours each day for those who have questions, primarily regarding the tours. 
Yes, the pool and fitness center are open, but both are very small. The pool is not large enough for a lap, but apparently it has a strong current that you swim against, so it’s the water equivalent of a treadmill. We didn’t bring suits, so haven’t tried it. The fitness center has two bikes and some free weights and I think one multipurpose weight machine. I haven’t checked to see how much use it gets. We did get plenty of exercise today, with a walking tour in the morning and then a three mile walk on our own this afternoon. 
I’ll try to snag a menu or take a screen shot of the online one. 

 

[loriva]

41 minutes ago, J80crew said:

Loriva, yes, the Ritz-Carlton is the hotel they used. The process is very efficient and takes about an hour.

There was a trivia game yesterday morning, so I’m guessing it depends on the the tour schedules. We did not have one today. They do have destination-focused entertainment on some evenings. In addition to last night’s wonderful event in the city, we have a local singer tonight and I believe an opera singer is scheduled one other night. We have not had any on-board lectures so far. The destination team holds open hours each day for those who have questions, primarily regarding the tours. 
Yes, the pool and fitness center are open, but both are very small. The pool is not large enough for a lap, but apparently it has a strong current that you swim against, so it’s the water equivalent of a treadmill. We didn’t bring suits, so haven’t tried it. The fitness center has two bikes and some free weights and I think one multipurpose weight machine. I haven’t checked to see how much use it gets. We did get plenty of exercise today, with a walking tour in the morning and then a three mile walk on our own this afternoon. 
I’ll try to snag a menu or take a screen shot of the online one. 

 

 

Thanks, J80crew!

 

We saw that the Ritz Carlton was the hotel used by Crystal in Budapest (even before it became the testing/check-in center) and were able to book a night before our cruise using points from Marriott.  We have taken the success of the first two cruises as a sign and booked our train tickets from Prague, where we'll fly into and spend a couple of nights, to Budapest.

 

Sorry to hear they are not having any enrichment lectures as I've read how much people like this experience from Crystal.  It is a different time, however.  Thanks for the information on the pool and fitness center.

 

I'm presuming your event last night was the one at the Belvedere in Vienna?  We are looking forward to that very much.  If time permits, would be interested in your other experiences with the Crystal tours.

 

Thanks again and hoping you continue to enjoy your cruise!

 

 

[J80crew]

On 9/8/2021 at 5:21 PM, loriva said:

 

Thanks, J80crew!

 

We saw that the Ritz Carlton was the hotel used by Crystal in Budapest (even before it became the testing/check-in center) and were able to book a night before our cruise using points from Marriott.  We have taken the success of the first two cruises as a sign and booked our train tickets from Prague, where we'll fly into and spend a couple of nights, to Budapest.

 

Sorry to hear they are not having any enrichment lectures as I've read how much people like this experience from Crystal.  It is a different time, however.  Thanks for the information on the pool and fitness center.

 

I'm presuming your event last night was the one at the Belvedere in Vienna?  We are looking forward to that very much.  If time permits, would be interested in your other experiences with the Crystal tours.

 

Thanks again and hoping you continue to enjoy your cruise!

 

 

I neglected to answer your previous question about the VIntage Room. The staff have been promoting it (though not in a pushy way). They need a minimum of 6 and as of yesterday had 5 signed up.  The problems for us are 1) my husband has a narrow taste range and would probably not eat half of the six courses; 2) it involves a total of 12 glasses of wine each; and 3) it costs 290 euros a person, which given the quality of the included wine on board seems like an expense we don’t need.  Remember that we have only 25 guests on board, so the odds of meeting the minimum on another cruise are much higher.