Crystal Mozart
Passenger-to-Crew Ratio: 154 to 92
About the Ship: The 154-passenger Crystal Mozart was previously known as River Mozart and sailed for Peter Deilmann, but after a lot of love from Crystal's design team, it's now one of the most beautiful and posh riverboats sailing the Danube. Crystal Mozart isn't a looker from the outside but once you explore the ship, you'll be wowed. There are four dining venues, most featuring farm-to-table menus with ingredients sourced from the ports the ship sails. The main dining room (Waterside Restaurant) and two casual options (Blue Bar and Grill, plus Bistro Mozart) are complimentary, and there is also an extra-fee, wine-dinner room. There is an all-day snack station plus 24-hour room service (not offered on all competitors' ships). Meals are open seating and you're not locked into one set dining time like you are on many other river cruise lines; instead, dine when you want and with whom you want any time during operating hours.
You'll find not only a spa but also a salon and a fitness center. Rooms have been designed for those with a penchant for technology, and you'll find a dizzying array of customizable lighting settings, ensuite iPads that control your personalized suite settings, interactive TVs and even customizable Toto toilets from Japan. Beds are king sized and dressed with Egyptian cotton linens, and cabins are soothing in a palette of slate gray and deep blues. Butlers tend to every suite and will unpack and pack your luggage, arrange for optional tours and even serve afternoon canapes in your room.
About the Cruise Line: Crystal River Cruises burst onto the scene in 2015 with the launch of Crystal Mozart. Many industry pundits believe that Mozart is a game changer for the entire river cruise industry, and it's definitely true that the riverboat is raising the bar when it comes to what's possible in the world of luxury river cruises.
Who Sails This Ship: Past Crystal Cruises passengers make up a large contingent aboard Crystal Mozart. The line is setting its sights on high-end travelers -- whether it's their first river cruise or fifth.
Itinerary Highlights: Crystal Mozart is one of the widest riverboats made -- double that of most European riverboats -- so it can only sail between Passau, Germany, and Budapest, Hungary, where the Danube River is widest. Several free shore excursions are offered each day, and there is also an a la carte menu of additional for-fee tours to choose from in port.
Other Ships in the Fleet: Crystal Mozart is the first vessel in the Crystal River Cruises fleet. It will be joined by six newbuilds: Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler will begin sailing the Rhine, Moselle, Main and Danube rivers in 2017, with Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel arriving in 2018. Two additional yet-to-be-named riverboats are also slated to join the fleet.
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Uniworld S. S. Antoinette
Passenger-to-Crew Ratio: 154 to 57
About the Ship: Uniworld likes to say that S. S. Antoinette is a one-of-a-kind "boutique" riverboat and "the most luxurious river cruise ship in the world," and it just might be. The cruise line has infused luxurious details throughout the ship, including a 10-foot, Baccarat crystal-and-sapphire-blue chandelier that's the focal point of the lobby. (It previously hung in New York's Tavern on the Green.) Passengers will also find a heated swimming pool that's a study in mosaic tile work as well as sumptuously decorated, multi-room suites adorned with handcrafted Savoir of England beds that are draped in 100 percent Egyptian cotton linens. There's even a movie theater onboard -- the first on any river ship.
The interior of the ship was designed to mimic the 18th-century Chateau de Versailles of France. Brazilian marble is used for flooring throughout the ship, and original works of art -- black and white sketches, color lithographs and oil paintings from a wide range of artists -- adorn the walls. Unlike many river cruise ships, suites and staterooms are situated on S. S. Antoinette's top deck and include full, open-air, private balconies which convert to enclosed conservatories.
About the Cruise Line: Each Uniworld ship shares the same amenities and services, including free Internet and Wi-Fi, a complimentary 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar, and L'Occitane bath products in the cabins. While each Uniworld ship is decorated in its own unique way, all ships make a visual impression. But it's the service that will stand out most in your mind. Uniworld crew members are highly trained, from the wait staff in each dining venue to the English-speaking tour guides that accompany you on shore excursions. Suites include butler service, and these gentlemen understand the fine art of divining your needs. They can assist with unpacking (and repacking), serve in-room breakfast and evening canapes, and provide free laundry and shoeshine services. Simply ask, and your butler will grant your request. You can expect complimentary and unlimited wine, beer, spirits, coffee, tea and soft drinks throughout your voyage. Gratuities are also included in the cruise fare.
Who Sails This Ship: The decor and itineraries tend to draw a slightly more sophisticated, older crowd. Retirees are often found sailing S. S. Antoinette, and it's a popular ship for groups of friends traveling together.
Itinerary Highlights: S. S. Antoinette sails two interesting seven-night, round-trip itineraries out of Basel, Switzerland: "Castles along the Rhine" and "Rhine Holiday Markets."
Other Ships in the Fleet: Uniworld sails the rivers of Europe, Russia, Egypt, India, China, Vietnam and Cambodia. Just about all of the ships in the fleet were built or renovated since 2007, and the older ships have smaller entry-level cabins (151 to 168 square feet, as opposed to Antoinette's 196 square feet). Uniworld doesn't own the ships sailing Russia and Asia; therefore, certain aspects may differ from ships in the Uniworld-owned fleet. The company will launch a new Super Ship, the S. S. Joie de Vivre, in spring 2017.
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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
MS Majesty of the Seas. a cruise ship completed in 1992
A cruise ship or cruise liner is a passenger ship used for pleasure voyages, where the voyage itself and the ship's amenities are part of the experience. Cruising has become a major part of the tourism industry, accounting for U. S.$27 billion with over 18 million passengers carried worldwide [ 1 ] in 2010. The worlds largest cruise liner is Royal Carribean Internationals. Oasis of the Seas. The industry's rapid growth has seen nine or more newly built ships catering to a North American clientele added every year since 2001, as well as others servicing European clientele. Smaller markets such as the Asia-Pacific region are generally serviced by older tonnage displaced by new ships introduced into the high growth areas. Cruise ships operate mostly on routes that return passengers to their originating port. In contrast, dedicated transport oriented ocean liners do "line voyages" and typically transport passengers from one point to another, rather than on round trips. Some cruise ships also engage in longer trips which may not lead back to the same port for many months (longer round trips). [ 2 ]