The new Crystal Bach is a stunningly beautiful ship, all cool, contemporary shades of cream and silver with splashes of teal, emerald, and burnt orange. Surfaces abound that you just want to touch: marble, heavy silk, and velvet. Hints of Art Deco create a sense of old-fashioned glamour. I can already tell that Crystal Bach is something special.

Rooms with a View

Riverboats on Europe’s waterways are essentially limited in size by the many locks and bridges. It’s how you use the space you have that makes the difference — and Crystal Bach certainly defies convention.

For starters, there’s a wonderful sense of space, which is no surprise given that the ship holds just 106 guests, while other lines accommodate up to 190 on ships of identical dimensions. There are no second-rate cabins; the lowest deck, typically featuring the most inexpensive accommodation, only has crew cabins, the small gym, spa, and laundry. Every stateroom upstairs on Crystal and Seahorse decks has a panoramic window that slides down to create an indoor balcony effect.

There are only three categories: 15 Petite Suites, 35 River Suite Deluxes, and two lavish Crystal Suites complete with fireplaces that flicker with faux flames. My 253-square-foot Deluxe Suite was gorgeous, with heavy silver drapes and a whole wall of glass. The color scheme boasts soothing creams and grays with an emerald-green velvet armchair and a black glass-topped vanity. A button on the phone summoned the butler, while the white marble bathroom was stocked with Etro goodies from Italy and big, fluffy towels and robes.