Starting today, after an 18-month hiatus, Crystal River Cruises is welcoming back two of their glorious ships to Europe’s rivers: Crystal Ravel and Crystal Debussy.

Crystal Ravel River Cruise
Photo credit: Crystal Cruises / Crystal Ravel

“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.”

– Walter Littlejohn, Crystal River Cruises’ senior vice president and managing director

For months the ships’ staff have prepped the vessels, refreshed their training, and implemented the new Crystal Clean+ procedures that focus on COVID-19 health protocols. I was concerned about getting back on a river cruise too soon with all that is going on in the world right now, however, after reading their new cleaning initiatives and training I’m feeling ready to get back out there. Not to mention Crystal River Cruises requires all guests and crew to be fully vaccinated as part of Crystal Clean+, which adds an extra layer of safety and assurance.

I’m hoping to do a proper review of a Crystal River Cruise before the year is out so stay tuned for that.

Crystal River Cruises mandatory vaccinations

Ample Space to Social Distant

Crystal Cruises accommodates about half as many guests as their competitors on similarly sized vessels, providing guests with plenty of space to safely socially distant from other travelers. Pair that with a la carte restaurants, open-seating, plenty of tables for two, and you have yourself plenty of opportunities to enjoy your cruise safely.

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Crystal River Cruises will offer 32 voyages ranging from 7 to 11 nights in 2021, 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. Every 2021 river voyage includes at least two overnight stays, with many offering three overnights, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the charm and history of the ports, or venture to nearby towns for broader experiences.