Crystal River Cruises has announced Elisabeth Gürtler as the Godmother of its first river ship, Crystal Mozart. On 11th July, the re-imagined ‘Queen of Europe’s Rivers’ will be officially welcomed to the fleet in Vienna in a christening ceremony that will culminate when the ship’s newly announced godmother breaks the customary champagne against the bow. Ms Gürtler is no stranger to the finer nuances of luxury travel, as the managing director of Vienna’s most famous hotel, the Hotel Sacher. Her expertise on Vienna and its cultural wonders stretches to the city’s historic Spanish Riding School, where she is also acting director.
“It is fitting that such a pillar of the Viennese community as Ms Gürtler would join the Crystal family as we expand into the stunning waterways of Austria and the surrounding areas,” said Edie Rodriguez, Crystal’s President and Chief Executive. “As we prepare to embark with Crystal Mozart on her journeys along the Danube River, we are honoured to do so with the blessing of one of the region’s most respected citizens, who also shares Crystal’s commitment to a superior standard of excellence in global travel.”
As godmother of Crystal Mozart, Gürtler joins an esteemed group of Crystal matriarchs that have come before, including Mary Tyler Moore (Crystal Harmony), Dame Angela Lansbury (Crystal Symphony), Dame Julie Andrews (Crystal Serenity) and Lady Gaenor Meakes (Crystal Esprit).
Crystal Mozart will embark on her maiden voyage round-trip from Vienna on 13th July, calling in picturesque locations lining Europe’s second-largest river. Visits to Dürnstein, Melk and Linz, Austria; an overnight in Passau, Germany; Bratislava, Slovakia; a second overnight in Budapest, Hungary; and ending with two nights back in Vienna will afford Crystal’s world-savvy guests intimate, immersive exploration of the region.
