Crystal River Cruises becomes the first and only European river ship line to require guest & crew vaccination through 2022

Crystal River Cruises announced that it will extend its vaccination requirement for all guests and crew through December 2022. The line’s updated Crystal Clean+ health and safety protocols will continue to require all guests and crew to be fully inoculated with a COVID-19 vaccine (with both doses, if recommended by manufacturer) at least 14-days prior to their embarkation date. Guests will need to provide documented proof of vaccination at the time of check-in before boarding the ship. The vaccination requirement allows guests the freedom to explore ashore independently and facilitates smooth, hassle-free travel across multi-country itineraries.
“The health and safety of our guests and crew is paramount to everything we do at Crystal River Cruises, and as such, we will require full vaccination through 2022 so that our guests can continue to explore the world in great comfort and safety,” said Walter Littlejohn, Crystal River Cruises’ senior vice president and managing director. “After months of planning and preparation we welcomed guests back on board in late August and the feedback has been wonderful. Extending the vaccination requirement provides our guests with the health and safety information and assurances they need to plan future travels.”
Crystal continues to be a leader in its proactive response to COVID-19 with protocols based on the latest data and recommendations by health experts. The vaccine requirement augments the company’s comprehensive Crystal Clean+ measures, including COVID-19 tests at embarkation for both guests and crew, temperature checks when returning from ashore, a nimble mask policy, social distancing guidelines, enhanced cleaning and disinfection measures and more. Additionally, Crystal River Cruises’ crew are also currently wearing masks in all public areas to provide yet another layer of guest protection.
Spacious by design, Crystal River Cruises’ all-suite river ships allow for ample social distancing, accommodating just half as many guests as similarly sized vessels and offering an abundance of tables for two in its a la carte restaurants, where guests dine when and with whom they want. Additionally, fresh air ventilation systems ensure all guest suites and public areas feature fresh circulating air.
Crystal’s award-winning Rhine-Class River ships accommodate just 106 guests and are the river cruising industry’s first and only all-balcony, all-suite, all-butler vessels in Europe, with every category of accommodation positioned above the water line. All suites feature Panoramic Balcony-Windows™ and walk-in closets, and dual vanity in the bathrooms are featured in most categories.
Sister-ship Crystal Mozart is Europe’s most spacious river ship at twice the width of any other and carrying just 120 guests. Known as the “Queen of the Danube,” Crystal Mozart offers an unrivalled number of social spaces, restaurants and the largest spa on the rivers.
Recognized as The World’s Most Luxurious River Cruise Line™, Crystal River Cruises is distinguished by unrivalled service, with twice the number of crew per guest as industry average, butler service in every room category, king-sized beds, Caudalie amenities, robes and slippers, wall-mounted flat-screen HD TVs, and 24-hour room service. Crystal River Cruises’ unrivaled culinary farm-to-table experience features Michelin-level cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries: the elegant Waterside Restaurant, namesake Bistro cafés and the exclusive Vintage Room; as well as the Palm Court for entertainment, enrichment presentations and sweeping views of the countryside. Crystal’s attention to detail reaches ashore, as guests are transported on the days’ adventures in luxury motor coaches equipped with complimentary water and Wi-Fi for added convenience and comfort and carrying 30 percent fewer guests of coaches the same size.
Every Crystal River voyage invites guests to explore the destinations in ways most meaningful to them, with a collection of Crystal Destination Discoveries that are tailored to particular interests. Most are complimentary, while others offer more extravagant experiences, focusing on the culinary, cultural, exhilarating and personal sides of each locale.
Related News.
September 3, 2026
Cyprus Maritime Innovation takes Centre Stage at SMM Hamburg 2026
Underscoring its expanding role as a premier international hub for cutting-edge maritime technology and sustainable shipping, the Republic of Cyprus…
September 3, 2026
Trump seeks to refill US oil reserve with Venezuela deal but faces long delay
U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 30th (local time) that he would refill the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which has been depleted with…
September 3, 2026
US Navy Official visits South Korean Shipyards in private
With U.S. President Donald Trump pushing a plan to allow overseas construction of U.S. warships, attention is focusing on whether the building of…
September 3, 2026
SES and De Boer Marine expand collaboration with FlexMaritime deployment across Global Markets
SES, a leading space solutions company, and De Boer Marine, a leading provider of top-quality marine equipment and maritime connectivity services,…
September 3, 2026
New ESG guidance to help maritime industry turn sustainability into commercial advantage
New framework helps shipowners and ports align ESG strategy with access to capital, charterer expectations and long-term asset value. Maritime…
September 3, 2026
Britannia P&I Club analysis finds four in five crew deaths linked to illness rather than accidents
New report highlights cardiovascular disease as leading cause of fatalities and raises concerns over mental health risks among younger seafarers.…
September 3, 2026
The Swedish Club launches new Loss Prevention podcast, Knot Another Lesson
The Swedish Club has launched Knot Another Lesson, a new podcast exploring the practical lessons, emerging risks and operational challenges shaping…
September 3, 2026
Lloyd’s Register appoints Jens Grunenberg as Senior Representative for Germany
Lloyd’s Register has appointed Jens Grunenberg as its Senior Representative for Germany, effective 1 September. Based in Hamburg, Grunenberg will…
September 3, 2026
Indian Register of Shipping sets sights on Hamburg for European Expansion
Indian Register of Shipping, a leading international classification society and full member of the International Association of Classification…
September 3, 2026
MOL completes Merger of 6 Ship Management Companies
Unifying Management of Over 200 Vessels and Strengthening Safety Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, announced that it has completed the integration of the MOL…
Subscribe to our newsletter!
if you dont want to swim alone in the ocean of news, sign up for the newsletter, and you will receive daily all the important news of world shipping!
Design & Development by P.KAN.DESIGNER
© 2026 Cyprus Shipping News. All rights reserved
Design & Development by P.KAN.DESIGNER
© 2026 Cyprus Shipping News. All rights reserved























