Crystal's new river cruise vessel was officially named by Broadway performer Rachel York on 28 May
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Broadway performer Rachel York christened Crystal River Cruises’ newest ship, Crystal Debussy, in Amsterdam, The Netherlands on 28 May.
York blessed and named the vessel during the ceremony at the port, which was also attended by port representatives and Crystal’s president and CEO Tom Wolber and vice president and managing director Walter Littlejohn. In addition, York performed ‘Defying Gravity’, a song from musical Wicked.
“Crystal Debussy is an exquisitely designed ship and her crew are so warm and welcoming,” said York. “I am truly honoured to be the godmother of this beautiful ship.”
The christening ceremony took place during Crystal Debussy’s three-day stay in Amsterdam, which was part of a 10-day ‘Splendors of the Rhine’ itinerary. This enabled the ship’s guests and crew to participate in the festivities too.
“It is fitting that our crew and guests, as well as representatives from our parent company and the city and port of Amsterdam, are all part of this milestone for Crystal Debussy and the Crystal River fleet,” said Littlejohn. “They each embody elements of the Crystal Family and our vision to create the most memorable luxury travel experiences in the world.”
“Crystal River Cruises has raised the bar of excellence with each new ship, and now again as Crystal Debussy joins the fleet, effectively redefining true luxury in the river industry,” Wolber said. “At the heart of this achievement are the crew and officers, all of whom are members of the Crystal team that ensure that every detail of our guests’ experience is seamless, from ship to shore.”
Built at MV Werften’s yard in Germany, the 106-guest Crystal Debussy features all-balcony, all-suite accommodations, butler service in every room category, farm-to-table cuisine in multiple open-seating eateries, and Palm Court, which hosts entertainment and enrichment presentations.
Crystal Debussy embarked on her maiden voyage along the Rhine river on 9 April and will spend 2018 and 2019 sailing itineraries between Amsterdam and Basel, Switzerland. Seven-day cruises will also take guests to ports in The Netherlands and Belgium, while 10-day voyages will enable them to visit Germany.