Classical Music TV Host Mariann Peller to Christen Crystal Ravel

Mariann Peller, creator of the popular Hungarian classical music television show “Virtuosos” will serve as godmother of Crystal River Cruises’ Crystal Ravel. The christening ceremony will be held on July 11 while the ship is in Budapest during its July 5 sailing, which departs from Vienna on July 5.

In addition to creating “Virtuosos,” Peller is also the founder of the Young Virtuosos Foundation, which encourages younger artists to pursue classical music studies. Artists from the foundation will perform during the christening ceremony.

“We are delighted to welcome Mariann Peller to the Crystal family, as her passion for the classical arts in her home country and around the world is the perfect complement to the spirit of the Crystal river experience,” said Tom Wolber, Crystal’s president and CEO. “It is also a pleasure to welcome the young performers of Virtuosos to the celebration and bring the exceptional talents of the region’s classical musicians to our guests.”

Crystal, which will make a donation to the Young Virtuosos Foundation, said it plans to broadcast the ceremony and musical performance on Facebook Live on its Facebook page.

Crystal Ravel made its debut on May 10 in Basel. The vessel sails on Danube and Rhine river itineraries between Budapest, Basel, Vienna and Nuremburg, calling at ports in Hungary, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Slovakia.

Crystal Ravel and its four sister ships feature Waterside, the main dining venue; the Bistro, serving coffees, pastries and charcuterie by day, and wines and tapas in the evenings; The Pantry, a 24-hour self-service wine, snack and beverage bar; and The Vintage Room, which offers optional lunches and dinners with wine pairings at an additional cost.

The vessels are also equipped with indoor pools, Palm Courts, reminiscent of those found on Crystal’s ocean ships, which serve as the venue for entertainment and cocktails.