Crystal Cruises has upped its expedition yacht program from one ship on order to three, while delaying the first delivery by a year to 2019. The company’s new ocean-going 1,000-passenger ships are also being pushed back, from 2019 – already a year behind schedule – to 2022, according to a prepared statement. The ships are all on order at MV Werften, which is a consortium of shipyards owned by Genting Hong Kong, which also owns Crystal.
However, in the meantime, Crystal will spend significantly on the Serenity and Symphony, which will see massive enhancements in 2017 and 2018, respectively.
“Not only do our ocean cruise ships continue to earn the highest guest satisfaction feedback, they do so in record-breaking margins,” said Edie Rodriguez, president and CEO. “This enthusiasm only validates our commitment to continuing to invest in the most innovative itineraries and onboard spaces and amenities, as those are the features that are resonating with our discerning guests.”
In the first quarter of 2022, Crystal will introduce the first Crystal Exclusive-class ocean ship that “will set a new standard of luxury travel with signature features and guest amenities, and boast luxurious Crystal Residences, allowing travelers to literally call a Crystal ship home. The privately owned apartments will range from 600 to 10,000+ square feet and have access to private amenities, dining and other services,” said a statement.
On the expedition yacht side of the business, Crystal will take deliveries in 2019, 2020 and 2021. The ships will be 200 passengers and 25,000 tons. Crystal also announced it will rebrand its current Crystal Yacht Cruises as Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises.
The company also said it is planning to add a second Global Express Jet to its Crystal Luxury Air fleet due to the “popularity of the existing charter options, and travel partners and guests’ wishing to customize their vacation experiences with all things Crystal”.
On the heels of announcing the maiden journey of Crystal AirCruises Boeing 777 with The Peninsula Hotels, which opens for booking on November 1, Crystal will release on that day a selection of its 15- to 29-day all-inclusive journeys for 2017 and 2018.
In addition to new experiences, Crystal launched a new “All Exclusive” branding campaign, a sales and marketing office to further support the Australia region (August 2016), and due to the demand in the Australia market, a branch office will open in Sydney in 2017. Crystal also announced in March plans to make the Shrine Building in downtown Miami its central display showcase location for its portfolio scheduled to open in spring 2017.
