CRYSTAL River Cruises has laid the keels for its next two newbuilds, Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel at a ceremony at MV Werften shipyard in Germany.
Tan Sri Lim, chairman and chief executive of Genting Hong Kong and Harry Glawe, Economics Minister, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern placed the traditional lucky coins on the keel blocks before the first two sections were ceremoniously lowered into position.
The two new all-balcony, all-suite vessels will be approx 135m in length and carry 106 guests.
“This ceremonial act represents a tremendous achievement for Crystal River Cruises and the entire Crystal fleet, as we introduce the next chapter of the continuing story of Crystal innovations throughout the travel and hospitality industry,” said Crystal chief exec officer and president, Edie Rodriguez.
Originally designed to sail on the Seine between Paris and Normandy and the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers from Jun and Aug this year, the two vessels were pulled from the region (CW 02 Aug) and redesigned.
They will embark on their maiden voyages along the Rhine, Main and Danube in 2018.
Pictured are: Colin Au, president, Genting Hong Kong; Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, chairman and chief executive of Genting Hong Kong; Harry Glawe, Economics Minister, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Josef Lumetsberger, gm operations, Crystal River Cruises.
