Crystal Cruises announced recently that they would be entering the river cruising market, and now president Edie Rodriguez has announced that the company’s first two river cruise ships will be 70-suite yacht-style vessels. They will be launched in Europe in March 2017 and will be available for booking starting on Dec. 1.
The new 140-passenger vessels will feature 250-square-foot guests suites and two 500-square-foot penthouse suites. The suites will feature walk-in wardrobes, king-size beds and bathrooms with double vanities.

Itineraries will include France, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria – but, said Rodriguez they will “deviate from traditional routes to avoid congestion.”

She also noted that a portion of each cruise will sail during daytime hours.

Crystal will offer "Active Exploration Adventures," excursions that will incorporate options such as electric and manual bikes, hiking, Segways and kayaks. There will be one complimentary active excursion for each passenger on each sailing and  evening experiences such as dining at Michelin restaurants.

The vessels are to be  built by German shipyard Lloyd Werft.