Even before it officially launches, Crystal is expanding its river cruise fleet to five.
Earlier this year Crystal Cruises said it would enter the river cruise business in 2017 with two new vessels but has doubled its initial order with the German shipyard Lloyd Werft to four ships.
It has also acquired an existing river ship, the 160-pssenger Mozart which will be renamed Crystal Mozart ahead of its debut on the Danube River on July 13 next year.
This brings the launch of its river cruise business forward by a year.
"In response to travelers and travel agents’ enthusiasm for Crystal River Cruises, and through Crystal’s innovation, we are upping the ante once again, bringing ‘true luxury’ to the river cruise sector with the largest guest suites and public spaces," said Crystal CEO Edie Rodriguez.
The four new ships under construction will begin sailing in 2017.
Two river ships will accommodate 110 passengers and sail the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, while two 84-passenger vessels will be deployed in France.
