Crystal Cruises Adds Shorter Sailings To Mahler’s Spring Schedule

Crystal River Cruises is offering harried travelers a chance to get aboard its new ships with a series of shorter sailings during Crystal Mahler’s debut season starting in April 2018.

Mahler now will sail three seven-day Danube Serenade voyages between Budapest and Vienna and one 11-day Reflections of the Danube voyage, instead of the 16-day Grand Europe itinerary between Amsterdam and Budapest that Mahler sails most of the year.

Crystal CEO and president Edie Rodriguez said “the added convenience of shorter itineraries for those with limited time away” will allow time-pressed travelers a chance to sail Mahler.

Three of the four sailings will be themed cruises—former U.S. Ambassador to Hungary Nancy Brinker will join the April 10 Art and Diplomacy sailing; Edie Rodriguez will join the April 24 President’s Cruise; and the May 1 sailing will include a focus on Jewish Heritage excursions.

Each sailing will offer guests a choice of excursions through Crystal, called Crystal Adventures, or additional curated excursions.

Mahler features all-inclusive pricing with the industry’s first all-balcony, all-suite accommodations, each with private butler service.

For dining, Mahler offers open-seating dining, allowing guests to dine where and when they want onboard, at the Waterside Restaurant, Bistro cafés and Vintage Room, as well as the Cove Bar and Palm Court lounge.

Other amenities and services include a full-service spa and separate fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art exercise machines and cardio equipment as well as free weights. There will also be a partial indoor/outdoor pool on the aft.