First airline operator Virgin announced it was crossing over to the cruise sector with Virgin Cruises and now Crystal Cruises has unveiled plans to take off out of the water and into the skies.
The cruise line announced it will undergo a major brand expansion to enter new areas of cruising (river and yacht) and become the first luxury cruise line to own its very own Dreamliner.
The announcement comes as more holidaymakers book cross over trips combining river and ocean cruises into a single itinerary.
Introducing Crystal Cruises’ first yacht, Crystal Espirit.
While cruise lines such as Evergreen and Hurtigruten saw an opportunity to team up and share passengers, Crystal saw a chance to launch its own river and ocean line to cater to the cross-over market.
Additionally, there’s been an increase in cruise lines working with airlines for cruise and air packages.
Purchasing its own aircraft will remove the need to team up with airlines, and allow the cruise line to have full control over its packages.
Expansion will officially commence on 23 December this year when the company launches Crystal Yacht Cruises.
Crystal Yacht Cruises will start with one yacht, Crystal Esprit, which will carry 62 guests and offer modern technology onboard as well as four 10-passenger zodiacs for special excursions.
The yacht’s initial itineraries will include seven-day trips exploring the Seychelles Islands followed by holidays around the UAE and then the Mediterranean.
Crystal River Cruises will launch in 2017 with one unnamed vessel.
The river subsidiary will offer six-star service, world-class dining, and enriching shore-side adventures.
Following the river line will be the launch of Crystal Luxury Air, with the purchase of one twin-aisle Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
The aircraft will be able to carry 300 passengers, 60 in fully reclining business class seats.
It will fly to coveted destinations to which major airlines do not offer nonstop services.
Each approximately 28-day itinerary will visit 10-12 remote and/or sought-after locales, with accommodations at some of the world’s finest hotels and resorts; cuisine prepared by celebrity chefs inspired by the destination; and world-class cultural entertainment.
After launching the three major projects, Crystal will return its focus to ocean with the complete shake up of its current offerings.
Late 2018 the cruise line will welcome its first of three new Crystal Exclusive Class cruise ships.
Genting Hong Kong has signed a letter of intent with Lloyd Werft in Germany to build the polar ice class vessels.
The all-suite, all balcony ship will accommodate 1,000 guests, similar to the capacity on Crystal Symphony (922) and Crystal Serenity (1,070), and weigh more than 100,000 gross tons.
Additionally, for the first time ever, guests will have the opportunity to call a Crystal ship “home,” with innovative Crystal Residences.
Situated on the top deck of the new ships will be 48 unique homes, boasting their own private restaurant, reception and facilities, and much higher ceilings (nine-feet) than residences on any other cruise ships or yachts; and equal to most land apartments.
Residences will start at 600 square feet and go to more than 4,000 square feet of interior living area, which will be the largest on the high seas.
WOW that’s a lot of changes – the only thing left is Crystal Hotels.
