Northstar

8 | www.travelweekly-asia.com RIVER CRUISE Michelin-inspired dinners with wine pairings are nightly affairs that constantly exceed quality and service expectations. For breakfast and lunch, the sumptuous farm-to-table cuisine are prepared à la minute. Then, there's also 24-hour room service for every craving in between. A unique experience While most river ships on the Danube are built to typical 11m-wide and 130m-long proportions, there are great reasons to opt for a unique experience on a larger class of ships. Crystal Mozart is truly a standout in this regard. It is only one of two 'doublewide' ships that currently sail on the Danube – the only possible region that can accommodate such wide vessels. Designed for a select 154 guests across 77 suites, the ship is one of the most spacious on the Danube, especially given its 25% smaller suite-count compared to typical river ships of 90-100. Luxury clients will appreciate the all-suite Crystal Mozart, with accommodations that start from a generous 20sqm, fitted with a king-sized bed, double wardrobes, sofa and writing desk. More impressive yet is the palatial 82sqm Crystal Suite. With only two such suites available on the ship, they are in high demand. Stepping out from their suite haven, guests can spend many evenings with cocktail in hand at the ship's sheltered wraparound promenade–a unique feature you hardly find on other ships. It's where guests can roam freely for uninterrupted views of passing quaint towns and elegant castles. Guests have up to five dining options to choose from, including an exclusive dining concept The Vintage Room for rare wines; pampering experiences at the spa with two indoor pools and sauna and steam rooms, beauty salon, and fitness centre. European splendor, Asian service excellence Another aspect that sets the ship apart is its commitment to cater to its growing Asian clientele. Tips for selling river cruises 1. TELL THE FULL PICTURE: Manage guest expectations by giving a realistic preview of river cruising. Aspects such as entertainment and dining are scaled down, but there are many upsides such as quality, an intimate setting, high guest interaction, personalised services such as butler service. 2. DURATION: Expect at least five to seven nights of cruising, any shorter will not allow for a full appreciation of a river cruise. 3. ALL-INCLUSIVE: While river cruise prices are generally higher, cite the inclusive benefits that are not normally extended gratis on ocean cruises such as shore excursions, alcoholic drinks and gratuities. 4. PROFILE: Some useful questions to think about when matching customers to the right cruise brand and ship: do they fly on business class or premium economy, or stay in four- or five-star hotels? A Crystal Enrichment Lecture on the life and music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. "Crystal Mozart upholds high international service standards with Asian-friendly refinements, which include access to dedicated English and Chinese speaking butlers and professional tour guides. Guests can savour Michelin- inspired international delicacies like foie gras, truffle and white asparagus with the familiar comforts of home." – Michael Goh, head of international sales, Genting Cruise Lines Seared U10 scallops with pumpkin-pistachio purée is part of the nightly Michelin-inspired dinners on Crystal Mozart. Wine tasting at Herzongenburg Monstary in Krems. Take in scenic views of the river from the Deluxe Suite with its own private french balcony.

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