Famed soprano Anna-maria Kaufmann named Godmother of Crystal River Cruises’ Crystal Bach

Crystal River Cruises announced today that famed soprano vocalist and beloved German performer, Anna-Maria Kaufmann, will be the godmother of Crystal Bach. The newly-built “Rhine Class” river ship embarked on her maiden voyage from Amsterdam, Sunday, August 13, and will be christened by Kaufmann during her call to Rüdesheim, Germany, on August 20. Kaufmann’s decades-long career has spanned the globe, bringing her from her native Edmonton, Alberta to some of the world’s most prestigious stages and events. As Crystal Bach’s godmother, she will bless the ship during the christening ceremony, and serenade her and attending guests with her own special performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Air.”

“It is an honor to have one of Germany’s most gifted and cherished talents christen Crystal Bach as she officially embarks on the Rhine as part of the award-winning Crystal fleet,” says Crystal CEO and president, Edie Rodriguez. “Naturally, Anna-Maria’s remarkable career in classical music and passion for her chosen homeland are apropos for this stunning ship, but beyond that, her grace and internationally recognizable charm are representative of the elegance found aboard a Crystal river voyage.”

Crystal Bach is the first of four Crystal “Rhine Class” river ships to debut on the rivers of Europe, joining Crystal Mozart as part of the Crystal River Cruises fleet recently named “World’s Best River Cruise Line” by Travel + Leisure. Sailing 10- and 14-day voyages predominantly along the Rhine River, she will call in medieval towns and modern hubs in Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany.

Crystal’s “Rhine Class” river ships are the river cruising industry’s first and only all-balcony, all-suite vessels in Europe, with every category of accommodation perched above the waterline. All four river ships will offer Crystal’s acclaimed butler service in every room category, king-sized beds, Panoramic Balcony-Windows™, walk-in closets and dual vanity in the bathrooms in most categories, ETRO robes and slippers, wall-mounted flat-screen HD TVs, and Nespresso machines. Additional enticing features include Crystal’s farm-to-table, Michelin-inspired cuisine in multiple, open-seating eateries: the elegant Waterside Restaurant, namesake Bistro cafés and the exclusive Vintage Room; and the Palm Court.