Recently, Travel Designer Cheri Port spent five days aboard the ultra-spacious Crystal Mozart, joining the ship for part of its signature 10-day Treasures of the Danube itinerary sailing roundtrip from Vienna. Here’s her review of this elegant river cruise experience.
“The Danube is the second-largest river in Europe, flowing through some of the continent’s most impressive imperial cities. This itinerary pairs that history with breathtaking countryside scenery. I was thrilled to sail with Crystal and experience this beautiful ship firsthand.”
From the moment she stepped on board, Cheri was struck by the gorgeous contemporary décor, expansive space, and elevated onboard amenities. Crystal Mozart doesn’t feel like a typical river vessel. Twice as wide as standard ships, it features an oversized spa with a pool, hot tub, and spacious steam and sauna rooms for both men and women — easily one of her favorite onboard retreats.
Fitness enthusiasts will also appreciate the well-equipped cardio and weight rooms. This was the perfect counterbalance to the indulgent cuisine, which Cheri describes as Michelin-quality dining — a must for any luxury travel lover.
Cheri stayed in the lavish two-bedroom Crystal Suite, an 883-square-foot haven complete with a walk-in closet, luxurious bathroom with soaker tub, dual sinks, a fireplace-accented living room, and a dining area with a bar setup. With a French balcony offering uninterrupted views of the Danube, it felt like a private high-end residence — only better.
Guests can choose how active or relaxed their day feels. Most ports offered morning and afternoon excursions, each lasting around three hours, allowing guests to mix and match to their liking. A standout feature? The onboard e-bikes, which can function like traditional bicycles or be switched to electric power for ease. For guests who want to explore actively without overexerting themselves, they’re a game-changer.
Among the most unforgettable moments was an exclusive Crystal-hosted event at Belvedere Palace in Vienna. The evening included champagne, hors d’oeuvres, and a private viewing of the world’s most extensive Gustav Klimt collection — including Cheri’s favorite, The Kiss. A classical concert in the majestic Marble Hall, accompanied by a ballet performance and waltzing, brought the night to a magical close.
Another trip highlight was the evening sail past Budapest’s Parliament Building, aglow in golden lights. Wrapped in blankets with tea in hand, guests watched in awe from the water — a truly breathtaking scene.
Tully Tip:
“One excursion I’d highly recommend is the Budapest by E-bike Discovery Tour. It offered the perfect balance of activity, culture, and history. Exploring this architecturally rich city on two wheels gave us the freedom to move at our own pace and stop whenever we wanted to take in the views. A particularly moving moment was visiting Shoes on the Danube, a powerful memorial to the Jewish victims of WWII. Seeing the iron shoes lined up along the riverbank was both humbling and unforgettable.”
The Stats:
Company: Crystal Cruises
Ship: Crystal Mozart
Itinerary: Treasures of the Danube; roundtrip Vienna
Length: 10 days
Capacity: 160 passengers
– The Tully Team
