Crystal River -- Information and Tips for 2021

loriva · September 6, 2021

While we do not sail on Crystal Ravel (Budapest to Vilshofen) until late October, I have learned so much from others on the CruiseCritic boards that I try to pay it back (and forward) whenever I can. Here are a few things I (a first-time Crystal cruiser) have learned from Crystal in preparation for our river cruise.

--Crystal's Shore Side Butler Service has been transitioned to River Onboard Guest Services. They will help with any onboard inquires or requests you may have. (I received a response to my request in less than 24 hours.) Email is obgsriver@crystalcruises.com; telephone: 1.800.446.6620, Option #9; or Fax: 310.785.3975.

--Should you need anything regarding Pre- or Post-Extended Land Programs, Transfers, or Shore Excursions, you are invited to contact the River Destinations team at RiverDestinations@crystalcruises.com.

--Crystal River will mark any special occasion with a cake and champagne one evening to honor the celebration. You are asked to contact the Onboard Guest Services team (see contact info above) at least 30 days in advance and to advise what evening you would like to have this arranged.

--Once you have made final payment, you can sign up for a lunch or dinner in the Vintage Room. The details of passengers who have signed up are all sent to the ship prior to boarding. You will be advised once you board the date and time of the Vintage Room Lunch or Dinner. If for whatever reason they do not have enough guests signed up for the Vintage Room, the Restaurant Manager onboard will advise of any other options available for the sailing.

Finally, the Crystal Onboard Guest Service representative sent me the onboard beverage menu. (Thanks, Cara!) While it is labeled "Rhine," it should be valid for the Danube sailings as well (as the guest rep knew I was on a Danube itinerary). Cheers and happy dreaming of upcoming cruises!

River- Rhine Connoisseur and Inclusive Beverage Menu (4).pdf

loriva · September 6, 2021

And, because I had lots of time on my hands with the many cruises and other trips cancelled during the pandemic, I paid special attention during the Crystal@Home offerings while they were not sailing and compiled a list of specialty cocktails they featured during their "Thirsty Thursdays." Seven days onboard will not be enough to try them all, but at least I have a list for reference depending on mood! I'm thinking some of those hot drinks might be nice to enjoy on the top deck if we hit a cold snap during the sailing! (I did also compile notes on history and culture of places we're visiting--I don't plan ONLY to drink! But those notes are best posted on the port section of this board.)

Muscat Cinnamon Tea (hot): 2 whole cinnamon sticks, 1 cup of boiling water, 1 oz. Seedlip Spice (non-alcoholic spirit), Orange peel. Steep in a teapot and serve with honey & a cinnamon stick.

Crystal’s Hot Toddy: 2 oz. honey, 1 lemon slice, 1 orange slice, 1 cinnamon stick, 10 cloves, Boiling water, and your choice of spirit--brandy, scotch, and bourbon work well. Add honey and boiling water to a Cognac glass, stir to mix. Press the cloves into the citrus slices (5 each) & add to the glass. Add the cinnamon stick & liquor of your choice. Stir vigorously to infuse the flavors.

Crystal’s Spanish Coffee: 1.0 oz. Courvoisier VSOP Cognac, 0.5 oz. Tia Maria, 0.5 oz. Triple Sec, Freshly brewed dark roast hot coffee, Freshly whipped cream. Pour liqueurs into a clear coffee glass, add coffee, and finish with whipped cream. Add chocolate shavings to taste.

The Boulevardier--An “autumnal cousin of the classic Negroni,” replacing the gin with bourbon, the Boulevardier gained a following at Harry’s American Bar in Paris during Prohibition in the United States: 1.5 oz. Bourbon or Rye Whiskey, 1.0 oz. Bitter Campari, 1.0 oz. Sweet Red Vermouth. Pour all ingredients into a mixing glass and shake well with ice. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and serve with twist of orange or lemon.

Sbagliato—a “happy accident” when a bartender poured prosecco instead of gin into a Negroni: 1 ounce Campari, 1 ounce sweet vermouth, 3 ounces prosecco—mix together & garnish w/orange.
Crystal’s Brandy Alexander: 1.0 oz. Martell cognac, 1.0 oz. Brown crème de cacao, 1.0 oz. Cream, Nutmeg: Mix and shake well with ice and strain into a glass. Serve over ice or straight up, sprinkle with nutmeg.

Crystal’s Teenie Weenie Limón Martini: 2.0 oz. Absolut Citron, 0.5 oz. Cointreau, 0.5 oz. Limoncello, Splash of fresh lemon sour, Sugar for coating the rim of the glass: Shake with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass, straight up or on the rocks. Garnish with a lemon spiral.

Crystal’s Grapefruit Tarragon Gin & Tonic (from Crystal’s Diverse G&T menu): 2 oz. Hendrick’s Gin, 2 oz. Fresh grapefruit juice, ¼ oz. Simple syrup, 1 ½ oz. Fever Tree Indian Tonic Water: Mix, serve in a Spanish Copa glass, and garnish with fresh tarragon.

Strawberry & Black Pepper Gin & Tonic: 2 oz. Martin Miller’s Gin, 4 oz. Fever Tree Indian Tonic Water, 2 Fresh strawberries, 10 Peppercorns--Slice the strawberries into quarters and drop into a glass with ice, along with black peppercorns. Add Martin Miller’s gin, stir once to mix with the ice then top up with tonic water. Add a twist of fresh pepper from a grinder and place a strawberry on the rim of the glass. A large balloon glass or large red wine glass works best; highball is sub..

French 75 cocktail is a potent blend of gin, champagne and lemon.

The Vesper Martini: 2 oz. Gin, ½ oz. Vodka, ¼ oz. Lillet Blonde (a wine-based aperitif)--Shake over ice until well chilled, then strain into a deep goblet—a champagne coupe or stemmed cocktail glass--and garnish with a thin slice of lemon peel.

Ginger Cosmo: 2.50 oz Absolut Citron, 0.50 oz Triple Sec, 2 quarter-sized slices of Fresh Ginger, 0.50 oz sugar syrup, Half pressed lime Juice, Splash cranberry Juice: Muddle ginger and sugar syrup in shaker, add remaining ingredients and shake well until ice cold. Strain into chilled cocktail/martini glass. Garnish with a candied ginger slice on pick.

Bellini Cocktail: 5.00 oz Prosecco, 2.00 oz White Peach Puree--Stir gently with ice in a shaker and strain into a small highball glass.

Rossini Cocktail: 5.00 oz Prosecco, 2.00 oz Strawberry Puree--Stir gently with ice in a shaker and strain into a small highball glass.

The Paper Plane--Created in 2007 by famed Australian bartender Sam Ross--one of the most-prolific cocktail creators in the industry today--as a modern take on the Last Word cocktail: 0.50 oz Cynar Amaro, 0.50 oz Aperol, 0.50 oz Bourbon, 0.50 oz Fresh Lemon Sour--Shake and strain over fresh ice in an old fashioned (rocks) glass. Garnish with an orange slice.

The Stepford Sister--Created by Scottish bartender Sam Hughes of the Bramble Bar in Edinburgh. He aimed for “something zippy and refreshing for that perfect afternoon aperitivo moment…” Mission accomplished: 1.00 oz Beefeater gin, 1.00 oz Elderflower Liqueur, 1.00 oz Averna Italian Bitter, 1.00 oz Fresh lemon juice--Shake with ice and fine-strain (double strain so no solid pieces remain) into a chilled Martini Glass and garnish with an orange peel.

Classic Aperol Spritz: 1 oz. Aperol, 2 oz. Prosecco Sparkling Wine, 1 oz. Club Soda--Serve the drink in a nice, stemmed glass over ice. Garnish with slice of orange. So popular and universally satisfying is the cocktail, Crystal’s barkeepers and mixologists devised an entire selection of “Spritzes” from which to choose. Aromatic with citrus and slightly bitter with the refreshing bite of prosecco, feel free to spritz any way you wish. Aboard Crystal ships, choose from Aperol Aperitivo, Cynar, Campari, Lillet, Limoncello, or Galliano L’Aperitivo:
   --Aperol, an Italian aperitif or bitter, made using bitter oranges, rhubarb, cinchona and gentian root. Aperol is not as bitter as Campari and more approachable.
   --Cynar, pronounced chee-nar, is an artichoke liqueur made in Italy full of woody vegetal flavors and perfectly refreshing as a spritz.
   --Campari, the famous bright red bitter that was originally colored from the cochineal beetle. Campari is the world’s most-famous bitter and found in many cocktails.
   --Lillet, the sweetheart of Bordeaux in summertime. A French aromatic wine this aperitif is made with both sweet and bitter oranges and Semillon wine.
   --Limoncello, if you don’t favor the bitter flavors then try a sweet and tangy spritz. Limoncello is traditionally made in Campania Italy from Femminello St. Teresa lemons.
   --Galliano L’Aperitivo, made from sage, lavender, anise, vanilla, oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit, this bitter packs a lot of complex favors.

The Pirlo Cocktail (Northern Italy’s answer to the spritz): 1 part Campari (Aperol if you prefer a lighter flavor), 2-3 parts white wine (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or Lugana), Small splash of sparkling water, Slice of lemon or orange.

The Hugo: Approx. 1 ¼ oz Elderflower Liqueur, 2 oz. Sauvignon Blanc (SB Scharl Oststeiermark), 1 ½ oz. Splash Prosecco (instead of Soda), Mint leaves (10 pcs), Ice cubes--Serve in a large wine glass.

Pink Flower: 1 ½ oz. Tanqueray Gin, ½ oz. St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, ¾ oz. lemon juice, 2 ½ oz. fresh pink grapefruit juice, ½ oz. simple syrup--Shake with ice until cold, then strain into a champagne coupé with a little fresh ice. Garnish with a quarter slice of grapefruit.

Cable Car: 1 3/4 oz. Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, 1/4 oz. Orange Curacao Liqueur, 1 3/4 oz. Fresh Lemon Sour--Pour into a mixing cup with ice and shake. Apply a cinnamon sugar rim to a martini glass and serve straight up.

The Ginger Drop Martini by Markus Krüger: For two cocktails, squeeze a thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger into a shaker, then add ingredients--3 oz. lemon vodka, 1.5 oz. Triple Sec, 1.5 oz. simple syrup, 1.5 oz. fresh lemon juice--Shake well with ice & pour into a sugared martini glass.

Queens Park Swizzle: 3 oz. Havana Club rum, ½ oz. rich simple syrup, ½ oz. fresh lime juice, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, Handful fresh mint leaves--In a highball or hurricane glass, gently muddle the mint leaves until they are softened; use the muddler to coat the leaves up the sides of the glass. Add the remaining ingredients and fill the glass with crushed ice. Using a bar spoon, stir quickly in tight circles (twisting the spoon between the palms of your hands works nicely) to form a frost on the outside of the glass. Garnish with mint and serve.

Oceans Three Zero: 1 oz. Crème de Cacao White, 1 oz. Lanique Rose Liqueur, 1 oz. Gordon’s Gin, 1 oz. Aquafaba, Juice of one lemon--Shake hard to create foam, then double strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with small rose petals to one side.

Enjoy!

Canal archive · September 6, 2021

Wonderful ever time I enjoyed a Scenic speciality I asked for a recipe or how it was made. I now have quite a selection, I’ve done this all over the world even in the U.K. actually it’s amazing how the chefs or bartenders appreciate being asked.

Coral · September 6, 2021

We were on a 10 night cruise and I don't think anyone used the Vintage Room. I don't think they even advertised for it. The food was outstanding on the ship and everyone was busy, I don't think it was a priority for anyone. Many people ate off the ship also. I think most preferred that to paying $$$$ for the Vintage Room.

I did walk around the ship and did find it though.

Edited September 6, 2021 by Coral

Lois R · September 7, 2021

Hi Lori, loving reading about the drinks😀

TER777 · September 8, 2021

A friend and I did the Vintage Room 2 years ago. It was absolutely fabulous. Some diners even signed up for a second dinner thus stressing the chef who had to create a whole new menu. Apparently no one had done two in one cruise before.

loriva · September 9, 2021

Crystal recently advised me in response to a question: "With regards to the enrichment programs onboard, for River this information is not provided prior to sailing and will be made available once onboard. 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."

After J80crew advised there were no lecturers on the Ravel sailing out of Budapest on 05 September, I asked Crystal if this would be put in place for later cruises. Here's what they just advised: "My Supervisor has advised due to Covid restrictions we have put a hold on group enrichment programs for our river sailings at this time." (Kudos to the Crystal staff for very quick responses.)

caripoo · September 10, 2021

LOVE CRYSTAL RIVERS......

J80crew · September 11, 2021

On 9/9/2021 at 7:52 PM, loriva said:

Crystal recently advised me in response to a question: "With regards to the enrichment programs onboard, for River this information is not provided prior to sailing and will be made available once onboard. 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."

After J80crew advised there were no lecturers on the Ravel sailing out of Budapest on 05 September, I asked Crystal if this would be put in place for later cruises. Here's what they just advised: "My Supervisor has advised due to Covid restrictions we have put a hold on group enrichment programs for our river sailings at this time." (Kudos to the Crystal staff for very quick responses.)

Lori, we did have one enrichment lecture yesterday on Bavarian culture and history. Unfortunately, most of us missed it because of the timing—only 8 guests in the audience.

loriva · September 11, 2021

10 hours ago, J80crew said:

Lori, we did have one enrichment lecture yesterday on Bavarian culture and history. Unfortunately, most of us missed it because of the timing—only 8 guests in the audience.

Thanks for the update. We'll look for that around the Vilshofen end of the cruise.

If you have time--after your cruise is just fine--please let us know how Crystal is handling the COVID-19 testing needed for return flights to the United States.

And enjoy the rest of your cruise!

loriva · September 17, 2021

On 9/11/2021 at 6:47 AM, J80crew said:

Lori, we did have one enrichment lecture yesterday on Bavarian culture and history. Unfortunately, most of us missed it because of the timing—only 8 guests in the audience.

If you have time J80crew, how did the rest of your cruise go? What should those of us looking to sail with Crystal on the Danube know before we go?

loriva · September 18, 2021

Crystal just changed its river cruising boarding procedures. It sent out an email with a link to an updated River Cruising Guide: https://online.fliphtml5.com/gwsfl/gmzp/#p=8

While the subject of the email is "Review Your Luxury River Cruise Vacation Guide Now!," it does not highlight that you REALLY should review the guide. Because it has been updated to include a requirement to make an appointment for your pre-cruise COVID-19 testing. The guide has QR codes and links to the various cruise check-in locations where you can make your appointment. For our Danube westbound itinerary boarding in Budapest, testing is between 1100-1600 hours and there are five testing slots available at 10-minute intervals, i.e., 1100, 1110, 1120, etc. The process to register and select a slot is pretty simple and there is also an option to reschedule (presuming availability) or cancel.

There is no information on if or how the testing time selected relates to boarding time--if you can board as you are cleared after testing or if you will still have to stick to an assigned boarding time based on your loyalty level or suite category. (Having never sailed with Crystal before, I'm not positive how Crystal--especially in the case of river cruises--assigns boarding times. Based on posts on the ocean board, those boarding times are assigned based on loyalty or suite category.) I'll report back based on our experience, but hope others who sail before us will also post their experiences.

I hope Crystal sends out additional emails with a subject line that makes this requirement clearer. While everyone looking to cruise these days should be hyper-aware of COVID-19 entry and boarding requirements, I fear some will miss this new requirement.

Happy sailing!

Coral · September 18, 2021

On my past river cruise with Crystal - there was a specific time when you could start checking in. I went early and they invited me on the ship, checked me in and checked to see if my room was ready. It was - so they took me to my room. I then enjoyed lunch on the ship.

This was before COVID.

J80crew · September 19, 2021

On our Sept 5 cruise, we had preregistered for a test time at 11:30, since we were scheduled to arrive in Budapest from Zurich at 9:00. Because the airport directed us out without going through customs, we did not meet up with the Crystal rep for our transfer, so took a cab to the Ritz-Carlton for the Covid test and check-in. We were the first to arrive, before 10:00, but were met at the front entrance and escorted to the proper room. We waited a bit for the test personnel to arrive, but everything went very smoothly, and folks were tested as they arrived. The first bus was due to pick us up at a little before noon, and when it arrived those of us who had gotten our test results were escorted to the bus and reached the ship shortly thereafter. I assume that the bus made loops and transferred guests as they were ready. Crystal does a great job of taking care of people and making everything as easy as possible.

loriva · October 6, 2021

We received our e-documents from Crystal today. That is precisely three weeks' prior to sailing. The e-docs include our Cruise Ticket, a Passenger Location Form we need to print and fill out by hand prior to the physical check-in, Terms and Conditions (8 pages of the docs), our itinerary with embarkation and debarkation information, and a Travel Advisory, which includes the location of the check-in center for our pre-boarding COVID-19 testing. The check-in center information was already provided in Crystal's "Luxury River Cruise Vacation Book" aka "Pre-cruise Checklist": https://online.fliphtml5.com/gwsfl/gmzp/#p=1. The e-docs also contained a link to the "Before you Sail" on-line booklet: https://online.fliphtml5.com/gwsfl/bten/#p=1.

loriva · October 6, 2021

Just checked on the pre-boarding testing numbers. Only 21 slots have been booked, and the ship holds 106 passengers at full capacity. Not sure if that reflects a light passenger load or that people have missed the need to book the COVID test. The Crystal website shows a few categories as "Call for Availability" and others having space. So could be a combination of reduced capacity and missing the test booking.

loriva · December 2, 2021

I meant to do these notes and observations as we went along or as soon as we returned from our trip, but it just didn't happen. And now Ravel's cruises are cancelled until the season starts in April 2022. But offered in case they help someone traveling then. I did save all of the daily programs as well as the menu from our dinner in the Vintage Room and will scan them to post when I can. Also happy to answer any questions. We were first time cruisers with Crystal as well as new to river cruising, so these are offered from that "newbie" perspective.

--We saw the ship docked under the Liberty Bridge in Budapest the day before we boarded and presumed all was well. Thus, we modified our sightseeing plans presuming we’d have our overnight on the ship and tours of Budapest the next morning. Big mistake as they were in Budapest empty only to pick up supplies, having disembarked the passengers in Esztergom—where Crystal bussed us 90 minutes the next day to board—due to low-water levels on the Danube. I’d recommend CALLING the ship—Ravel’s number is +31 20 22 46 665-- the morning before you are scheduled to board and asking if they plan to sail from the scheduled departure city or not so you can plan your touring accordingly. Thanks to CC.com we did realize that these things happen on river cruises, but we would have definitely changed our plans in Budapest the day before if we'd known. And, obviously, Crystal did know as they had already disembarked passengers. For a line the standard of Crystal, you would have thought they could have sent out a short email on the change of plans. (Overall, communication from Crystal prior to the cruise was lacking.)
--Check-in for the cruise took place at the Ritz-Carlton in Budapest and was very easy. Crystal had passengers book online for a COVID testing window, but they were moving along ahead of the schedule. You do need to select a password you can easily remember when you register as you’ll need to bring up the testing portal on your device to obtain the result to show the staff. Crystal provided coffee, tea, water, and some savory and sweet snacks while you waited. When you had your negative results, Crystal staff checked you in. We filled out all the forms, brought our boarding passes, calendar, etc. as requested but no one asked for them. (If we hadn’t filled them out, I’m sure they would have done so!)

--Crystal provided extended lunch offering on embarkation day and a glass of champagne on boarding as well as bottles of bubbly, while, and red wines in the suite.
--The ship is beautiful, service and facilities top-notch. Thoughtful touches like a step stool for those of us of smaller statue in the laundry room (two stacked washers and dryers plus ironing board) plus a TV to see what’s going on with ship’s activities or entertainment. And as soon as someone on the staff saw me carrying my laundry hamper, they swooped in ask me if they could carry it for me--very helpful!

--The bed was very comfortable and the suite well-laid out and equipped. The only things we found fussy were the door to the closet—it needs something to hold it open—and the window. The butler could get it to work after lots of trying, but we could never do it on our own. (We think the sensor was slightly out of alignment.)
--The pool is heated and has a “swim-against-the current” feature—the button to start it is in the center of the pool wall on the stern end. The room has four comfortable loungers with blankets and large pillows. Plenty of towels are available on shelfs. There is a refrigerator with bottled water and coffee and tea available above the water refrigerator. The ceiling of the pool area is glass. Outside is the stern with six deck chairs and two tables. You can also see the ship’s Maltese flag and where the ship has just passed. This is a lovely area, which seems to be underused—so a nice place to chill.
--There is a self-service coffee machine on the second deck by the stairwell that also has two types of cookies.
--There is a restroom on the second deck behind the stairwell and also one in the pool area at the rear of the ship.
--Crystal uses the QuietVox system for its shore excursions. Remember to charge them at night or between tours (the butlers are also on the lookout for this). The destinations manager also mentioned people who use hearing aids frequently lose their aids when they try to use the QuietVox ear piece over their aid. Only one ear piece—for the left ear—was provided, so if you wear a hearing aid in that ear you might ask for one for the right. Or see if the system can connect to your smartphone.
--River ships do not stock all of the ingredients for some of the specialty cocktails on Crystal’s ocean ships. But bartenders do have the recipe book for all of the cocktails and will try to substitute.
--Wines poured onboard reflected the region. Each night featured a suggested white and red pairing, but the sommelier would let you taste and suggest others if not to your liking. (We really liked the pinot noir from Austria they had. Sorry I did not take a photo of the label.) The somms were very helpful and accommodating. Same with all of the dining room staff.
--The Ravel stocks bottled local beers; on the Danube cruise these were: Hirter (Austria), Weihenstefaner (Germany), and Weihenstephaner Korbinian (Germany). Hirter was also available on tap.
--Neal, the piano entertainer from the UK, was great and lots of fun. He led singalongs, some trivia, and other events. The ship brought on a couple of wonderful singers and two interesting lecturers.
--The signature event at the Belvedere in Vienna is not to be missed. A 10-piece orchestra, two singers, and two dancers presented a wonderful program. And a small, private tour of the art museum before.
--Durnstein Abbey has a fun selfie mirror where you can take your photo with the abbey courtyard reflected behind you. And the mirror hides the rest rooms!
--If you do the Bier-Unterwlten excursion in Vilshofen you visit the underground beer museum and have a beer tasting—and receive a souvenir glass.
--If disembarking in Vilshofen, Crystal will let you ride the transfer bus to the airport in Munich even if you are not on their flights or leaving that day. Easy to arrange onboard.

floridacruisegirl · December 7, 2021

On 12/1/2021 at 9:05 PM, loriva said:

I meant to do these notes and observations as we went along or as soon as we returned from our trip, but it just didn't happen. And now Ravel's cruises are cancelled until the season starts in April 2022. But offered in case they help someone traveling then. I did save all of the daily programs as well as the menu from our dinner in the Vintage Room and will scan them to post when I can. Also happy to answer any questions. We were first time cruisers with Crystal as well as new to river cruising, so these are offered from that "newbie" perspective.

--We saw the ship docked under the Liberty Bridge in Budapest the day before we boarded and presumed all was well. Thus, we modified our sightseeing plans presuming we’d have our overnight on the ship and tours of Budapest the next morning. Big mistake as they were in Budapest empty only to pick up supplies, having disembarked the passengers in Esztergom—where Crystal bussed us 90 minutes the next day to board—due to low-water levels on the Danube. I’d recommend CALLING the ship—Ravel’s number is +31 20 22 46 665-- the morning before you are scheduled to board and asking if they plan to sail from the scheduled departure city or not so you can plan your touring accordingly. Thanks to CC.com we did realize that these things happen on river cruises, but we would have definitely changed our plans in Budapest the day before if we'd known. And, obviously, Crystal did know as they had already disembarked passengers. For a line the standard of Crystal, you would have thought they could have sent out a short email on the change of plans. (Overall, communication from Crystal prior to the cruise was lacking.)
--Check-in for the cruise took place at the Ritz-Carlton in Budapest and was very easy. Crystal had passengers book online for a COVID testing window, but they were moving along ahead of the schedule. You do need to select a password you can easily remember when you register as you’ll need to bring up the testing portal on your device to obtain the result to show the staff. Crystal provided coffee, tea, water, and some savory and sweet snacks while you waited. When you had your negative results, Crystal staff checked you in. We filled out all the forms, brought our boarding passes, calendar, etc. as requested but no one asked for them. (If we hadn’t filled them out, I’m sure they would have done so!)

--Crystal provided extended lunch offering on embarkation day and a glass of champagne on boarding as well as bottles of bubbly, while, and red wines in the suite.
--The ship is beautiful, service and facilities top-notch. Thoughtful touches like a step stool for those of us of smaller statue in the laundry room (two stacked washers and dryers plus ironing board) plus a TV to see what’s going on with ship’s activities or entertainment. And as soon as someone on the staff saw me carrying my laundry hamper, they swooped in ask me if they could carry it for me--very helpful!

--The bed was very comfortable and the suite well-laid out and equipped. The only things we found fussy were the door to the closet—it needs something to hold it open—and the window. The butler could get it to work after lots of trying, but we could never do it on our own. (We think the sensor was slightly out of alignment.)
--The pool is heated and has a “swim-against-the current” feature—the button to start it is in the center of the pool wall on the stern end. The room has four comfortable loungers with blankets and large pillows. Plenty of towels are available on shelfs. There is a refrigerator with bottled water and coffee and tea available above the water refrigerator. The ceiling of the pool area is glass. Outside is the stern with six deck chairs and two tables. You can also see the ship’s Maltese flag and where the ship has just passed. This is a lovely area, which seems to be underused—so a nice place to chill.
--There is a self-service coffee machine on the second deck by the stairwell that also has two types of cookies.
--There is a restroom on the second deck behind the stairwell and also one in the pool area at the rear of the ship.
--Crystal uses the QuietVox system for its shore excursions. Remember to charge them at night or between tours (the butlers are also on the lookout for this). The destinations manager also mentioned people who use hearing aids frequently lose their aids when they try to use the QuietVox ear piece over their aid. Only one ear piece—for the left ear—was provided, so if you wear a hearing aid in that ear you might ask for one for the right. Or see if the system can connect to your smartphone.
--River ships do not stock all of the ingredients for some of the specialty cocktails on Crystal’s ocean ships. But bartenders do have the recipe book for all of the cocktails and will try to substitute.
--Wines poured onboard reflected the region. Each night featured a suggested white and red pairing, but the sommelier would let you taste and suggest others if not to your liking. (We really liked the pinot noir from Austria they had. Sorry I did not take a photo of the label.) The somms were very helpful and accommodating. Same with all of the dining room staff.
--The Ravel stocks bottled local beers; on the Danube cruise these were: Hirter (Austria), Weihenstefaner (Germany), and Weihenstephaner Korbinian (Germany). Hirter was also available on tap.
--Neal, the piano entertainer from the UK, was great and lots of fun. He led singalongs, some trivia, and other events. The ship brought on a couple of wonderful singers and two interesting lecturers.
--The signature event at the Belvedere in Vienna is not to be missed. A 10-piece orchestra, two singers, and two dancers presented a wonderful program. And a small, private tour of the art museum before.
--Durnstein Abbey has a fun selfie mirror where you can take your photo with the abbey courtyard reflected behind you. And the mirror hides the rest rooms!
--If you do the Bier-Unterwlten excursion in Vilshofen you visit the underground beer museum and have a beer tasting—and receive a souvenir glass.
--If disembarking in Vilshofen, Crystal will let you ride the transfer bus to the airport in Munich even if you are not on their flights or leaving that day. Easy to arrange onboard.

Hi Loriva: thank you so much for your helpful tips. Although we will be on the Rhine, your notes have greatly helped us in setting the stage for life onboard.

loriva · January 25, 2022

This may all be moot now, but I promised to scan and post the Daily Programs from our Danube cruise on Crystal Ravel for the edification of others. So, at least, promise kept.