MV Werften has held a keel-laying ceremony for two Rhine-class river ships for Crystal River Cruises, the Crystal Bach and the Crystal Mahler today in Wismar, Germany.

Guests included Tan Sri Lim, Chairman of the Genting Group, Edie Rodriguez, President and Chief Executive Officer of Crystal Cruises, Erwin Sellering, Prime Minister of the State of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and the Malaysian Ambassador to Germany, Dato’ Zulkifli Adnan.

“This keel laying marks an important milestone for us. We are excited to build these high-end vessels for our brand Crystal River Cruises in our very own yard,” said Tan Sri Lim.

The ships will carry 110 passengers in 55 cabins and are seven-star vessels, according to a statement.

“These are not only impressive vessels, but today is also a special day because it is the first keel laying under a new flag,” added Sellering.

Noted Rodriguez: “This phase of the expansion of Crystal River Cruises is in the hands with the expert shipbuilders and designers at (the shipyard). We are thrilled to take this step toward offering our travel-savvy guests another option in which to explore the world in the utmost luxury.”

“We are happy and proud to start now. It is our great pleasure to build these ships and push ahead our building program. We have grand plans, are heading into the right direction and will strengthen our staff and skills further in the fields of planning, design, procurement and project management,” said Jarmo Laakso, managing director of MV Werften.