Superyachts & River Cruising

Superyachts Are Here to Stay (And Why It’s Your Turn)

From cool and unlikely concept yachts to tabloid-worthy celebrity yachts, we’re fasci­nated with these worlds on water. And yet, you no longer have to be rich and famous to enjoy one. Whether it’s a boutique yacht­ing experience that catches your eye, or extreme adventure that you’re after, the lat­est launches prove there’s something for everyone.

“Some people won’t go on a sailboat because of the movement. And some don’t want to be around too many people on a cruise,” says Mary Jean Tully, Founder & CEO of Tully Luxury Travel, of the appeal of yachting. Fortunately, a new crop of ships offer guests fresh ways to see the world, opening up a new era for yachts – in which bigger is better, and adventure is more extreme. With Crystal Cruises’ new supery­achts, more people can now enjoy the pleasures of an intimate sailing experience on the high seas in high style – and to more remote destinations than ever before.

R&R more your speed? Sit back and enjoy a drink with friends and unbeatable views aboard Crystal Esprit’s superyacht. Launched in December 2015, the 62-guest ship boasts its own mini spa and casino, as well as six-star dining and suites outfitted with king size beds, spacious closets and double vanity sinks. Such plush environs are certainly an ideal way to see dreamy hot spots like the Seychelles islands and Adriatic coast.

Thirsting for more adventure?

In March, Crystal Cruises announced what promises to be the largest megayacht the world has ever seen: an expedition ship that can cruise the Arctic just as well as it can more tropical destinations.

Debuting in August 2018, Crystal Endeavor measures 600 feet (183 meters) long and includes 100 guest suites. It will also have a full-service spa, yoga, Pilates, salon and wellness centre; an infinity pool; six dining options and a 200-seat theatre. At 400 square-feet-plus (including balcony), suites are spacious, but there are two Owner Suites each boasting a whopping 3,122 square feet (1,615ft interior and 1,507ft balcony) should you feel the need to spread out a little more. Oh, and there’s butler service for all, in addition to one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio.

But it’s the toys that truly make this ship a gem. Whether you’re looking to enjoy water sports or discover remote islands, Crystal Endeavor has everything you could ask for to experience adventure at sea – from zodiacs, jet skis, wave runners and SEABOBs to helicopters and its very own 7-person submarines.

As the first purpose-built Polar Code com­pliant yacht in the world, the Endeavor is also uniquely built for global expedition cruising and comes with exciting itineraries to the Arctic and Antarctic. “Everyone is looking for a wild, extraordinary experi­ence, and the Endeavor is so 21st century, so different,” says Mary Jean. “It has a hel­icopter and an icebreaker – it’s an expedi­tion ship. It’s totally unique.”

Be it easy cruising or extreme adventure, your superyacht experience is sure to be a trip to remember.

See UNESCO World Heritage Sites by River Cruise

There’s something particularly romantic about taking a river cruise. The feeling is something akin to what explorers and tradesmen must have felt as they pulled up to various ports, discovering new places and visiting old friends.

As the saying goes, what’s old is new again, with river cruises booming and more options than ever to explore these historic waterways. Whether it’s gently sail­ing past vineyards and castles that appeals to you, or the chance to see multiple cities in a single itinerary without having to pack and unpack, river cruises offer a scenic and relaxing trip along the route of your dreams.

“River cruising is a comfortable and easy way to travel to many of Europe’s most notable towns – some that would be impos­sible to reach by ocean travel,” says Lore Doick, a Travel Designer with Tully Luxury Travel. “In many cases, you’re docked right in town, walking distance to restaurants, cafes and museums. You don’t have to worry about renting a car, finding your hotel or looking for a nice place to have dinner. It’s all taken care of for you – the hardest thing is picking an itinerary!”

Explore Europe’s Ancient Highways

Since rivers were the highways that con­nected Europe long ago, cruising on these legendary waterways gives travellers the unique opportunity to explore many of the towns and landmarks—including UNESCO designated sites – nestled along the shore.

And while some of the tours in the past may have been limited in amenities, the recent­ly unveiled Crystal River Cruises fleet prom­ises to take river cruising to new heights with its six-star service, superior dining, spacious suites, expertly curated itineraries and fascinating shore excursions.

Visit Must-See UNESCO Sites

The first Crystal River Cruise, Crystal Mozart, debuts this July and offers guests the chance to get up close and personal with not one but two UNESCO sites. On the tour, experience Austria’s picturesque Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring terraced vineyards, ancient ruins and that’s also home to the magnifi­cent Schallaburg Castle.

As a special bonus for 2016 and 2017 trips, Crystal Mozart will also offer guests the chance to experience the Belvedere Palace in Vienna, one of Europe’s most stunning baroque landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The evening promises unparalleled private access to the Palace’s impressive collections of art, including Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss. The event also includes a concert of Viennese compositions in the legendary Marble Hall, where the Austrian State Treaty was signed in 1 955, re-establishing Austria as a sover­eign state following World War II.

Other stops on the itinerary include wine tastings in Durnstein, tours of Salzburg – Mozart’s birthplace – and the imperial splendours of Budapest, as you cruise the Danube. The roundtrip Vienna itinerary allows guests to spend more time in this spectacular city, with the opportunity to extend their stay before or after the cruise.

Experience the Future of River Cruising

In 2017, Crystal launches its Crystal Bach river cruise, which visits the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, another UNESCO site, notable for its breathtaking Rhine Gorge and iconic Lorelei Rock. Cruise the Rhine and Moselle rivers exploring the cities and villages of Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland along the way.

Three other all-inclusive, butler-serviced river cruises are slated for 2017, including Crystal Debussy, which takes guests on a tour of the best of Paris, Seine River and Normandy. Wine aficionados will want to book with Crystal Ravel, which explores the wine region of Bordeaux. On Crystal Mahler, cruise the Danube and Rhine rivers as you visit the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.

From breathtaking scenery to UNESCO- designated historical sites, Crystal’s river cruises promise a memorable voyage of refined elegance.