RIVER CRUISE NEWS
Crystal River Cruises to Launch In March 2017
Plans have been unveiled for Crystal
River Cruises for its collection of two
Crystal river yacht vessels, which will
be launched in Europe starting in late
March 2017. The new series of vessels
will boast a yacht-like design featuring
larger accommodations and space-toguest ratio than any other river cruise
ship, and include Crystal’s signature
all-inclusive six-star service, plus a
fresh approach to the traditional river
itineraries and experiences.
The 70-suite luxury river yachts, which
will be built by German shipyard Lloyd
Werft, will surpass current and planned
river boats or ships, and be the first in
the industry to feature exceptional
amenities and itinerary highlights
including: 250 square-foot guest suites
with walk-in wardrobes, American
king size beds and bathrooms with
double vanities, Two 500 square-foot
Penthouse Suites with added comforts
and conveniences and spacious public
areas, including Palm Court with dance
floor and glass domed roof and a wellappointed fitness centre and spa.
Crystal’s new river vessels will deploy
itineraries that maximize time in port
for meaningful shore-side excursions
and experiences. This will afford Crystal
guests virtually front-row access to some
of Europe’s most charming cities and
always guarantee the award-winning
Crystal service and dining experiences.
Crystal’s itineraries will also intentionally
deviate from traditional river cruise
routes to avoid congestion of other
vessels in port.
Crystal will dedicate a portion of
each cruise to sailing along some of
the most picturesque rivers in central
Europe—including destinations such
as France, Germany, Switzerland,
Holland, Belgium, Austria, Slovakia,
Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania
and Bulgaria—during daytime
hours, allowing travellers to relish the
extraordinary scenery. This timing also
affords guests the opportunity to enjoy
the nightlife in select destinations with
port overnights, which will often present
inclusive culinary experiences ashore at
Michelin-starred restaurants and local
eateries, and exclusive evening events
and entertainment.
During days spent in port, Crystal
River Cruises will offer guests a bevy
of the immersive Crystal Adventures
as well as launch its newest shore-side
program called Active Exploration
Adventures. Tailored for guests wanting
a high-intensity shore-side activity,
Crystal is offering a complimentary
active excursion for guests to explore
the splendid European landscapes
while staying fit on their vacation.
Travellers may also choose to create
their own active adventures using the
many bicycles (electric or manual),
Segways and other active gear
available on the ship for independent
exploration. A luxury yacht tender will
also be available for private yachting
experiences that take guests to even
more secluded areas within the
destinations.
behind one of Europe’s most important
royal houses. Carlos Felipe von
Habsburg will sail with Avalon’s guests,
providing an insider’s point-of-view into
his family’s long, royal dynasty.
Danube Dreams (10 days from
Prague to Budapest) has a 13 April
2016 departure World War I Cruise:
On this special interest departure,
travellers will learn the stories behind
the First World War (100 years after
it began) and significant historical
sites. The Enchanting Belgium (9
days from Amsterdam to Namur)
with 4 April 2016 departure Jewish
Heritage Cruise: Travellers will discover
Europe’s monuments, museums and
traditions significant to Jewish history
on this special departure. They will
also spend time in the Jewish ghetto
of Terezin, where tens of thousands of
innocent people died during the Nazi
occupation. The Danube Dreams (12
days from Budapest to Prague) departs
6 April 2016 and the Blue Danube to
the Black Sea River Cruise (14 days from
Bucharest to Vienna) departs on 24 and
27 April 2016.
explores Australia’s outback history
from Loxton to Mannum and is a part
of Australia not many people have
seen or experienced.” explains Donna
Gauci, General Manager, SeaLink
South Australia. The Loxton cruise visits
Katarapko, Cobdogla Creek, Overland
Corner, Old Distillery, Morgan,
Sunnydale and Piggy Flat/Coolcha for
overnight stops with shore excursions
along the way.
Each day features exciting day
trips including a visit to the amazing
Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve –
one of Australia’s most significant
archaeological sites, for a guided
boardwalk tour of ancient rock
carvings and to learn about Aboriginal
history.
Guests will fall in love with the animals
at a visit to a Native Wildlife Shelter
and enjoy a fun and very interactive
Australian Woolshed Show.
Inspiration – Enrichment – History
Passion travel isn’t limited to arts or
culinary-focused itineraries. Travellers
are also inspired by their roots:
Everything from heritage to historical
happenings. In 2016, Avalon Waterways
is inviting travellers to sail through
history with four legacy-inspired cruises,
including a NEW Habsburg History
Cruise, hosted by Carlos Felipe von
Habsburg – a descendant of the
famous royal house. The Holy Roman
Empire was continuously occupied by
the Habsburgs from 1438 to 1740. On
this cruise, travellers will learn the stories
Murray River Loxton Cruise 2015
Captain Cook Cruises has announced
the dates for its popular seven nights
Loxton to Mannum cruises onboard the
small ship paddle-wheeler, PS Murray
Princess. The cruise will depart Loxton
at 4.30pm on Friday 4 December and
disembark in Mannum at 9am on
Friday 11 December, 2015. This historic
339km voyage between Loxton to
Mannum, South Australia only operates
every two years and follows in the
wake of great 19th century pioneers on
a unique journey through three Locks.
“We are very excited to be able to
operate