Crystal Cruises is launching its river cruise arm one year earlier than planned after acquiring the 1987-built MS Mozart.
Formerly operated by Peter Deilman, the vessel was purpose-built to navigate the wide locks on the Danube. It will be stripped down during an extensive dry-dock that will reduce the passenger count from more than 200 to 160 and upgrade the accommodation to suites measuring up to 860 square feet.
When it re-enters service in July 2016, it will be under the name Crystal Mozart.
Crystal has also doubled its order for new river cruise vessels from two to four. These will launch between June and August 2017, hold between 84 and 110 passengers and carry electric bicycles, kayaks and jetskis.
Two will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers, with the smaller ones in France, sailing the Seine from Paris and the Garonne and Dordogne from Bordeaux.
Like the Mozart they will be named after famous composers, namely Crystal Bach, Mahler, Ravel and Debussy.
Meanwhile, the company has purchased a Boeing Business Jet B777-200LR, offering global itineraries for its brand extension Crystal Luxury Air.
The announcement comes on the heels of the cruise line’s news in July of a brand expansion, which will include air holidays around the world aboard a luxurious Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner.
In addition to doubling the initial air projections with the expanded aircraft fleet, Crystal will work with the Registry of Aruba in developing and securing an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC).
This will pave the way for Crystal Luxury Air to launch international operations. The twin-aisle BBJ B777-200LR will be redesigned to accommodate 88 guests with flat-bed first class seats; a lounge and bar; and offer 14- and 28-day around-the-world and international itineraries, beginning in 2017.
“Our mission is to make Crystal the core of what will become the world’s premier luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand collection, not only for the immediate future but for years to come,” said Crystal Chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay. “The acquisition of our second luxury aircraft is another profound step toward establishing our goal.”
The twin-aisle Boeing 777-200LR and the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which typically seats up to 300 passengers and will be redesigned to accommodate 52 guests.
“Following our expansion announcement, travellers and travel agents expressed a strong interest in all-inclusive luxury air travel with a wider range of itineraries,” says Crystal’s President and CEO Edie Rodriguez. “Based on this enthusiastic feedback, we are growing our fleet to meet the demand from our guests and travel partners in luxury air options.”
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