Crystal River Cruises Names Godmother of New Ship
Crystal River Cruises has announced that Hungarian producer Mariann Peller will be the godmother of Crystal Ravel, the company’s fourth new ‘Rhine Class’ river vessel.
Born in Budapest, Peller is known for creating Hungarian television show “Virtuosos,” the world’s first classical music talent show, as well as founding the Young Virtuosos Foundation, which promotes the study of classical music for young artists. Ravel will be christened in Budapest on July 11 during a ceremony which will include a blessing from Peller and a performance by the talented Young Virtuosos artists.
Peller’s Young Virtuosos Foundation goes beyond supporting young musicians, as it also supports the preservation and education of the region’s musical heritage. Crystal River Cruises will be making a donation to the foundation in support of its ongoing work.
“It is an honor to be a part of this momentous occasion and to join the Crystal Family, as we share a passion for exploring and celebrating the cultural treasures of Europe and sharing those experiences with people around the world,” Peller said. “Crystal ships and voyages are lauded for fine nuances and a superb standard of excellence, which is the distinction of a masterpiece of any kind.”
Since 2014, the popular “Virtuosos” show on Hungary’s MTVA public television network has set the stage for children and young adults to compete in various genres of classical music. It’s success led to legendary opera tenor Plácido Domingo and James Corden and his production company Fulwell 73 to partner with Peller to bring the show to the US and UK markets.
Crystal Ravel‘s christening will take place during the vessel’s visit to Budapest as part of her July 5 voyage from Vienna, allowing guests to be a part of the celebration. The line will also broadcast the ceremony via Facebook Live so travelers around the world can enjoy the tradition and performances.
The all suite, all balcony ship holds 106 guests and operates itineraries between Budapest, Basel, Vienna, and Nuremberg along the Danube and Rhine rivers, visiting places in Hungary, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Slovakia.
