Crystal Cruises has become the first cruise line to offer an online travel agent training course in Japanese.  Just a week after launching its CrystalCruisesAcademy.com in Spanish, the luxury line is broadening its international travel agent development by introducing a complimentary, comprehensive and customized version of its successful course for Japanese-speaking travel agents.  In 2007, Japan was Crystal Cruises’ third highest international market, after Canada and the United Kingdom.

Carefully translated into Japanese, “Selling the World’s Best: Selling the Luxury Cruise Experience” Course I provides extensive overall product information on the space, quality, service and choices that define the Crystal luxury experience.  Crystal has also tailored the training with information on its services and amenities that cater to Japanese guests.

Every Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity cruise boasts a Japanese activities hostess to translate menus and the ships’ daily magazine, assist guests with questions, spa and dining reservations and lead guest social activities.  On selected cruises, Crystal also puts on a Japanese guest relations officer.  Other features include daily Asian breakfasts, NHK Japanese television programming (reception permitting), kimonos in all accommodations (as well as Frette terry robes), and an in-stateroom newspaper service that enables guests to order from a select list of Japanese newspapers.   Like all global travelers, Japanese guests also appreciate Crystal’s extensive onboard shopping opportunities and the complimentary shuttles the line arranges in many ports to the destination’s major shopping area.

Available at CrystalCruisesAcademy.com, Course I can be completed in two hours.  Agents who complete Course I will receive a certificate identifying them as a certified Crystal luxury cruise seller and will be entered into a drawing to win a free Crystal cruise.

Included within the interactive course is in-depth information on the:
* Many enriching features and luxurious amenities that can be enjoyed on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity,
* Worldwide itineraries, and
* Expansive shoreside Crystal Adventures.

Emphasizing Crystal’s value, one section provides a detailed comparison of a premium cruise product with all that is included on a Crystal cruise.

“Since our inception, Crystal Cruises has been the cruise line of choice for many of Japan’s luxury traveler,” says Karen Mann, Crystal Cruises’ director, international sales.  “The Japanese translation of our online training program demonstrates Crystal Cruises’ continued commitment to the Japanese travel agent community.”

Mr. Shinji Imasaki, president of NYKC (Nippon Yusen Kaisha Cruises), Crystal Cruises’ general sales agent in Japan, endorses the expanded training.  “This is a very nice tool for Japanese travel agents so they can know exactly what the Crystal product is,” comments Imasaki.  “I believe they will feel very comfortable recommending Crystal Cruises to Japanese guests.”