The first vessel will start operating in 2016, a full year earlier than planned.
 
President and chief executive Edie Rodriguez announced today four newly built Crystal river yachts – twice the originally planned deployment – have been ordered for delivery in 2017 from the German shipyard Lloyd Werft.

Crystal has also completed the purchase of the German built MS Mozart, the largest river cruise vessel in Europe.

Following an extensive dry dock, the newly designed vessel will be renamed Crystal Mozart and embark on the Danube River on July 13, 2016.
 
“Once the transformation of Crystal Mozart is completed, it will truly be the crown jewel of the European rivers," said Rodriguez.

The new vessels will feature a Palm Court with dance floor and glass domed roof, a library, fitness centre, spa and sporting equipment such as electric assisted bicycles, kayaks and jet skis.
 
The two new builds cruising on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers will be named Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler.  The two new builds cruising on the Seine River and Garonne River will be named Crystal Ravel Crystal Debussy.
 
The announcement comes just months after Crystal Cruises unveiled its intention to embark on the most significant brand expansion in the luxury travel and hospitality history with the addition of Crystal River Cruises, Crystal Yacht Cruises, Crystal Exclusive Class ocean vessels and Crystal Luxury Air.