Crystal Cruises aims to recreate the appeal of its ocean ships on river vessels. Jennifer Morris and dad John join Crystal Mozart’s first Danube sailing of the season to discover its highlights.
I open my eyes, suddenly awake. I’m staring through a porthole and wonder for a second if I’m still dreaming before my masseuse Judit’s soothing voice informs me my full-body Vitality Massage has come to an end. I plod out to the pool area in a sleepy reverie.
With nowhere else in particular to be, and Dad entertained elsewhere on the ship – probably trying out the various machines in the gym before a wholly unnecessary second lunch – I decide to take a dip in the Jacuzzi.
It strikes me, as I watch the Wachau Valley slowly drift past the huge windows at the other end of the spa, that I have the facilities all to myself, despite us having set sail several hours ago. Such spaciousness and tranquillity prove to be two of Crystal Mozart’s top selling points.
The ship is Crystal’s first foray into river cruising and the line will expand its fleet over the next two years. Crystal Bach, launching in 2017, will be the first of four new luxury river yachts, followed by Crystal Mahler, and in 2018 Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel will join the fleet. The yachts will be all-balcony and all-suite.