Since the launch of its European sales initiatives at the end of January, Crystal Cruises reports a 16% surge in Mediterranean bookings in the past six weeks of 2008 versus the same time period in 2007.
From a 10% savings offer to family group incentives to “sell three, sail free” promotions, the luxury line’s programs have caught the attention of travel agents and their clients. Via proactive mailings and an unprecedented number of orders, Crystal has distributed more than 5,000 comprehensive sales kits detailing the special offers and its breadth of Mediterranean itineraries. In the past month, Crystal travel agents have booked dozens of family groups with 10 guests per group, including a reunion of 29 family members.
“Agents are enthused about contacting their clients with news of even more value opportunities on Crystal sailings and they’re excited about sailing with Crystal themselves,” says Bill Smith, Crystal’s senior vice president, sales & marketing. “It’s a win-win. Booking three staterooms or a family group can generate a lot of income for an agent, give them a free luxury cruise, give them an on-site Crystal education and increase their database of satisfied clients.”
Crystal Cruises’ special Mediterranean offers include:
“Sell Three, Sail Free”
Agents booking any three new staterooms on most Crystal Mediterranean and Baltic cruises can sail free with a guest in a verandah stateroom on a choice of most Mediterranean cruises. Confirmation of the complimentary agent stateroom will be made after all bookings are paid in full. The promotion is non-transferable and is not for sale to others.
“Mediterranean Memories” Family Promotion
As family and multi-generational travel continues on its meteoric rise, Crystal Cruises unveiled a family package featuring a host of highly attractive amenities, including one complimentary berth accommodation for every 10 paid berths. The program, which is available on virtually all Crystal Serenity itineraries from May to October 19, also includes pre-paid gratuities for the group, $100 per person shipboard credit, one group portrait per stateroom, free third berth for guests ages 17 and under and a $500 credit toward a Crystal Private Adventure of $2,500 or more.
Fare Sale – Limited Time Offer
To support selling, Crystal has introduced a dramatic “Mediterranean Sale” for a limited time only. The program, which offers savings of up to $1,650 per couple on cruises departing from Rome, Venice, Athens, Barcelona and Monte Carlo, features 10 percent off all categories of staterooms and five percent off Penthouse accommodations.
