Crystal Mozart Review

Cruising the Danube with Crystal

Review for Europe River Cruise on Crystal Mozart
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Sanibelle
10+ Cruises • Age 70s

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Sail Date: Aug 2016

We just returned from a 10 day Danube River cruise on the Crystal Mozart. The old Peter Deilmann boat had been taken down to the hull and totally rebuilt by Crystal, and they did a beautiful job. It was only the fourth sailing of the ship and the staff were still trying to work out some kinks which often accompany a new ship with so many new employees. Some of the staff have prior experience on Crystal or on other river cruise companies, but many were new. The common areas were well planned and attractive. Embarkation was quick and efficient, once we were able to find the ship. Because Crystal is new to river cruising, they are in a different area than other river boats in Vienna, and it is very difficult to drive down to the boat, even after sighting it from the road. Crystal did provide a shuttle service from the airport and railway station, but we had a driver coming from Prague, and locating the ship was very difficult as there were no signs or directions to guide us. We were given two different phone numbers for the boat, but neither one worked.

Once onboard, we were immediately shown to our room. Cabin 250 was at the end of the hall and had a French balcony. I believe it was 215 square feet but seemed very small. There was plenty of room in the closets but the bed took up most of the room and it was difficult for two people to pass each other. The bathroom was well appointed, and the automatic toilet with heated and lighted seat and bidet was a big hit with my husband. It welcomed us by opening and closing every time we entered the cabin or moved anywhere near it. My one complaint with the bathroom was that the oversized sink took up the entire top of the vanity, and there was nowhere to put hairbrushes and makeup. Such a big sink was not necessary or appropriate. A nice supply of Etro bath products was provided, although we had to remind our room attendant to bring fresh shampoo, bath gel, toilet paper, etc. She was very sweet but thoroughly inexperienced, and also knocked on the door at strange times, although she did get better as the cruise progressed.

The brochure describes “butler” service, “Butler service (upon request) is complimentary and available to all passengers (regardless suite grades). Butler service is also inclusive of gratuities and offers shoeshine, packing-unpacking, laundry-pressing-dry cleaning, private arrangements, in-cabin dining (Hors d’oeuvres, canapes).” We did not even see our butler until late on the second day and the only thing he did was to make sure the drinks were replaced in the refrigerator daily and never asked if we wanted fresh fruit, canapes, etc. He was very pleasant and we subsequently found out that he was also a busboy in the dining room at lunch and dinner. No wonder he had little time to do things for us.

Cabin Review

Cabin French Balcony S2

Cabin 250 was at the end of the hall and had a French balcony. I believe it was 215 square feet but seemed very small. There was plenty of room in the closets but the bed took up most of the room and it was difficult for two people to pass each other. The bathroom was well appointed, and the automatic toilet with heated and lighted seat and bidet was a big hit with my husband. It welcomed us by opening and closing every time we entered the cabin or moved anywhere near it. My one complaint with the bathroom was that the oversized sink took up the entire top of the vanity, and there was nowhere to put hairbrushes and makeup. Such a big sink was not necessary or appropriate. A nice supply of Etro bath products was provided, although we had to remind our room attendant to bring fresh shampoo, bath gel, toilet paper, etc. She was very sweet but thoroughly inexperienced, and also knocked on the door at strange times, although she did get better as the cruise progressed.

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