United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Crystal River Cruises delays French launch
Crystal River Cruises has decided to delay its launch in France and will instead place four of its planned new-build river yachts on the Danube, Main and Rhine.
Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel were originally due to travel along the Seine, Rhone and Dordogne beginning in June and August 2017 respectively.
But terror attacks in Paris in November 2015 and the more recent attack in Nice have led France to declare a state of emergency, and visitor numbers to the capital have fallen.
A Crystal spokesman said the company has heard ‘general concerns from agents and guests’ about recent incidents in Europe, but not specific to France.
"The majority of feedback stressed a strong interest in the Rhine and Danube itineraries as well as the vessel size," he said.
Crystal said the ‘shift in focus’ means it will now need to redesign and enlarge the yachts.
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.
"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 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 rather than later."
Guests who have already booked 2017 voyages on Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel are being offered various incentives to make up for the changes.
Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler, also in the line’s 106-guest Rhine-class series, 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.
Related News Stories:
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled