LOS ANGELES — Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel were to travel along the Seine, Rhone and Dordogne Rivers in France beginning in June and August 2017 respectively. However, following the successful launch of its first luxury river yacht, Crystal Mozart, Crystal River Cruises announced it will increase its presence in the Danube, Main and Rhine Rivers.

Based on guest feedback applauding the itineraries planned in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Amsterdam and Holland, the company has elected to delay its entrance into the French river cruise market, choosing instead to prioritize its offerings in the German/Austrian region in order to meet travellers’ demand for those experiences. The shift in focus means redesigning and enlarging the two Paris-Class river yachts, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel, as Rhine-Class river yachts, and redeploying them east in 2018.

Four ships in total will be deployed to the area with two new builds joining the fleet over the next two years (2017 & 2018).

“Unlike an ocean-going ship that can accommodate a change in itinerary with short notice, a river ship operates within more confined parameters and is unable to reroute easily,” says Crystal’s CEO and president, Edie Rodriguez. “We are listening carefully to what travelers are telling us and have concluded that the best way to anticipate, meet and surpass their expectations is by making this move earlier than later.”

Crystal is protecting guests who have already booked 2017 voyages on Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel.

Crystal Debussy guests choose from one of the following:

• Crystal Mozart voyage and $750 shipboard credit per person, plus $500 per person future cruise credit*;
• Crystal Bach voyage and $500 future cruise credit per person*;
• A 2017 Crystal Esprit voyage (7-night), plus $750 per person shipboard credit and $500 per person future cruise credit*;
• A veranda room for a 2017 Crystal Symphony European voyage (up to 14 days) and $500 per person future cruise credit*;
• $1,000 per person future cruise credit to apply toward any other 2017 Crystal Experience (booked at prevailing rates).

Crystal Ravel guests choose from one of the following:

• Crystal Mozart voyage and $500 per person future cruise credit*;
• A 2017 Crystal Esprit voyage (7-night), $750 per person shipboard credit plus $500 per person future cruise credit*;
• A veranda room for a 2017 Crystal Symphony European cruise (up to 10 days) and $500 per person future cruise credit*;
• $1,000 per person future cruise credit to apply toward any other 2017 Crystal Experience (booked at prevailing rates).

*Valid for 18 months and can only be used towards a second Crystal experience beyond the one chosen as an alternate to the Crystal Debussy or Crystal Ravel booking.

The redesign and subsequent redeployment of Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel translates to more options, space and onboard amenities for travellers, says Crystal, as the river yachts will be increased in size from 110 metres to 135 metres, the maximum size permissible on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. The increased length allows for the addition of a swimming pool with a sliding glass roof and more of the ship’s larger suites, which range in size up to 759 square feet.

The new design places the ships as part of the line’s 106-guest Rhine-class series currently comprising Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler, which are due to enter service June 18 and August 29, 2017, respectively. Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel will be set for maiden voyages in April, 2018 and May, 2018 respectively with detailed itineraries to be announced shortly.

For more information visit crystalrivercruises.com.