MIAMI — Crystal River Cruises has resumed operations in Europe with a seven-night Danube sailing onboard the Crystal Ravel.

Sailing from Vilshofen, the Ravel embarked on Aug. 29 for Germany, Austria and Hungary, with overnights in Vienna and Budapest, marking the cruise line’s highly anticipated return to Europe’s rivers. 

In Vilshofen, officers and crew welcomed back guests onboard after a nearly 18-month pause in operations. Today, Aug. 30, sister ship Crystal Debussy will cruise from Basel on a seven-night Rhine itinerary featuring calls in Switzerland, France, Germany and Netherlands as well as overnights in Koblenz and Amsterdam.

“After months of planning and preparation we are excited to welcome our guests back onboard 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 incredibly eager to return to the luxurious accommodations, Michelin-level cuisine and unrivalled social spaces aboard our ships, as well as the enriching discoveries that await ashore.”

In preparation for the resumption, staff have been prepping both vessels, refreshing their training and implementing new Crystal Clean+ procedures that include stringent health and safety protocols. Crystal River Cruises also requires all guests and crew to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

For the remaining of 2021, Crystal River Cruises will be offering 32 voyages ranging from seven to 11 nights on the Rhine, Danube and Moselle rivers. Special focus will be on the line’s most popular seven-night Rhine and Danube itineraries, as well as voyages that showcase the Mosel Wine Region. There is still time ad availability to book on select voyages, including limited availability on 2021 Holiday voyages.

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 local life. 

Crystal’s Rhine-Class river ships offer 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 also feature Panoramic Balcony-Windows and walk-in closets and dual vanity in the bathrooms in most categories.

For more information go to www.crystalcruises.com.