Crystal Unveils New ‘Getaways’ For 2017 Ocean And River Sailings #Cruise

Crystal is expanding its numerous options for travelers seeking to explore the world in award-winning luxury, as the company unveils brand new “Crystal Getaways” for both Crystal Cruises and Crystal River Cruises. The Crystal Getaways – which span the globe to include the British Isles, Western Europe, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe along the Rhine River – are shortened itineraries of existing longer voyages, allowing travelers to experience Crystal’s celebrated luxury with less commitment of time and additional savings.

“Luxury travelers continue to seek unparalleled service, amenities and experiences when they explore the world, even with limited time,” says Crystal CEO and president, Edie Rodriguez. “Crystal Getaways allow travelers to enjoy a standard of luxury, excellence and unforgettable adventures, without stressing their calendars – while also realizing tremendous savings on the all-inclusive Crystal Experience.”

In all, 17 abbreviated Crystal Getaways have been added to Crystal’s 2017 roster of worldwide voyages, exploring the lush islands of the Seychelles, the UNESCO-recognized wine country of Bordeaux, the grandeur and innovation of the United Arab Emirates, the coast of the Cape of Good Hope, and the sparkling Christmas markets of Germany, Austria and Hungary. The 2017 Getaways include:

Crystal Cruises

• August 13, Honfleur to Liverpool, 5 days, Crystal Symphony
• August 18, Liverpool to London/Dover, 6 days, Crystal 

Symphony
• August 25, London/Dover to Bordeaux, 6 days, Crystal Symphony
• August 31, Bordeaux to Lisbon, 6 days, Crystal Symphony
• November 22, Dubai to Abu Dhabi, 4 days, Crystal Symphony
• November 26, Abu Dhabi to Port Louis, 13 days, Crystal Symphony
• December 1, Mahé/Victoria to Port Louis, 8 days, Crystal Symphony
• December 6, Fort Lauderdale to Barbados/Bridgetown, 8 days, Crystal Serenity
• December 9, Port Louis to Maputo, 7 days, Crystal Symphony
• December 14, Barbados/Bridgetown to Charleston, 6 days, Crystal Serenity
• December 16, Maputo to Cape Town, 6 days, Crystal Symphony

Crystal River Cruises

• November 17, Amsterdam to Nuremberg, 7 days, Crystal Mahler
• November 24, Nuremberg to Budapest, 9 days, Crystal Mahler
• December 3, Budapest to Nuremberg, 9 days, Crystal Mahler
• December 12, Nuremberg to Amsterdam, 7 days, Crystal Mahler
• December 19, Amsterdam to Nuremberg, 7 days, Crystal Mahler
• December 26, Nuremberg to Budapest, 9 days, Crystal Mahler

Crystal Partners With Peninsula Hotels For Crystal AirCruises Inaugural Journey

Crystal AirCruises ultra-luxury Boeing 777-200LR jet taking off on August 31, 2017

Crystal CEO and President Edie Rodriguez announced today a partnership with The Peninsula Hotels for the maiden journey of Crystal AirCruises ultra-luxury Boeing 777-200LR jet, taking off on August 31, 2017.

The 27-day “The Peninsula Grand Inaugural Crystal AirCruise” flies from New York to Paris, stopping in 10 glamorous cities, where guests will embark on cultural, culinary and exhilarating adventures. In each destination, The Peninsula Hotels will welcome Crystal guests, offering the superior standard of luxurious hospitality for which both companies are celebrated. Additionally, in each destination, guests will be treated to exclusive events that showcase the locale.

Remarkable Peninsula-curated events that depict the authentic spirit of each destination await Crystal AirCruises guests, including four special galas, beginning with a rooftop cocktail reception with the New York skyline as the glittering backdrop; a private party and dinner on the Great Wall of China in Beijing; an over-the-top dinner reminiscent of the glamour of “Old Shanghai” at The Peninsula Shanghai; and a special Loy Krathong “Festival of Lights” celebration at The Peninsula Bangkok. Additionally, in Tokyo, guests will enjoy a private performance of the ancient art of Kabuki, while the conclusion of the program in Paris takes guests on a journey to the Champagne region for an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes and private lunch at a famed Champagne house. In each destination, guests will be treated to The Peninsula’s famous Afternoon Tea experience.

“It is our honor to partner with The Peninsula Hotels for the landmark occasion of Crystal AirCruises’ inaugural journey, as their reputation for excellence is legendary, and their philosophy of exceeding guests’ expectations and wishes aligns beautifully with Crystal’s own,” says Rodriguez. “For more than two decades and throughout our tremendous expansion, our guests continue to expect innovative experiences and new heights of luxury with their Crystal vacations. Crystal AirCruises will offer these with our signature meticulous service and attention to detail.”

Travelers aboard the inaugural journey will be treated to truly immersive destination experiences from takeoff to landing, as each Peninsula Hotel visited boasts authentic cultural atmosphere and heritage of its location. Destinations and Peninsula Hotels set to enhance this journey of rare privilege include:

The Peninsula New York, with its glamorous Fifth Avenue address, offers the perfect scene for a rooftop toast to the inaugural journey, set against the Manhattan skyline and setting an enchanting tone for the adventures ahead.

The Peninsula Chicago, delivering a landmark location in the heart of Michigan Avenue’s famous dining, museums, music, shopping and theater.

The Peninsula, Beverly Hills, just steps from the world-renowned shopping found on Rodeo Drive, and just a bit farther from the quintessential Southern California beaches that are shrouded in sunshine.

The Peninsula Tokyo, steeped in the ancient history of its surroundings while simultaneously an icon of modern chic, the property is surrounded by lush Hibiya Park, as well as Tokyo’s vibrant and unconventional fashion scene at every turn.

The Peninsula Beijing, with its grand pagoda gateway entrance, symbolizes the ancient culture that continues to permeate every facet of the city, from the Temple of Heaven to shopper’s paradise Wangfujing Road.

The Peninsula Shanghai, boasting an exclusively striking vantage point of this chic city from The Bund, including the sleek skyline, iconic Pearl Tower and a world of colors, sounds, and treasures in between.

The Peninsula Hong Kong, affectionately known as the “Grand Dame of the Far East,” is a luxurious home base for Crystal AirCruises guests, who will likely savor the hotel’s world-renowned Afternoon Tea as much as their many other memorable experiences in the city.

The Peninsula Manila, which is nestled lavishly into the city’s mix of old world and new flavor, treats guests with inspired cuisine and impeccable service amidst their explorations of Manila’s edgy art galleries and lively music scene.

The Peninsula Bangkok, its riverside locale an ideal take-off point for adventures along the Chao Phraya River, or into the bustling town center for an array of colorful experiences.

The Peninsula Paris – The Grand Finale of the journey and itself an architectural masterpiece in a city that boasts some of the world’s finest, as the hotel’s rooftop affords 360-degree perspective of the City of Light. Surprise events showcasing the romance, history and culinary arts of Paris will conclude guests’ journey in the most magical way.

“Two world-class brands are partnering to create the ultimate global journey with ‘The Peninsula Grand Inaugural’ Crystal AirCruise,” says Simon Yip, Vice President of Sales, The Peninsula Hotels. “We couldn’t imagine a more perfect partner than Crystal to offer a guest experience reminiscent of the historical ‘grand tours,’ now elevated to include a private air experience unlike any other paired with our incredible hotels and bespoke destination programs.”

The dramatically redesigned aircraft is larger and newer than any global jet tour travel option, appointed with features rarely found in even the most luxurious private jets. The Crystal Exclusive Class seats are designed for maximum personal space and ergonomic comfort, and convert to 180-degree, lie-flat beds. The expansive social lounge with stand-up bar and dedicated table seating fosters friendly camaraderie among luxury travelers. Cuisine will be prepared by a dedicated executive chef in two state-of-the-art galleys and paired with an elegant premium wine list. For the inaugural AirCruise, special Peninsula amenities will also be present on-board, creating a seamless experience both on the ground and in the air.

Travelore Cruise News: Viking Named #1 Ocean Cruise Line In 2016 World's Best Awards

In its first year of service, Viking Ocean Cruises® - the first entirely new cruise line in a decade – has been named the #1 Ocean Cruise Line by Travel + Leisure readers in the 2016 World’s Best Awards.

Viking launched its first ocean ship, Viking Star®, in April 2015, and this win comes on the heels of the new cruise line launching its second ocean ship, Viking Sea®, in April 2016. Viking’s win of the #1 Ocean Cruise Line unseats luxury cruise line, Crystal Cruises, which held the title in the category for 20 years in a row. Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards are based on results from an annual survey, where readers are asked to cast their votes for the very best in cruising with considerations in the following cruise features: cabins/facilities, restaurants/food, service, itineraries/destinations, excursions/activities and value. Viking will also be featured in the magazine’s World’s Best issue, which will be on shelves in July; the full results of the awards can be found at www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best.

Viking Ocean Cruises is quickly amassing industry awards. The company’s second ocean vessel, Viking Sea, was recently awarded a top rating of five stars by Cruise Critic, a distinction previously bestowed to Viking Star – which was also named “Bests New Ocean Ship” of 2015 in Cruise Critic’s Editors’ Picks Awards. Additionally, the ship received three top awards in the 6th Annual Cruisers’ Choice Awards and was the highest rated ship in its category in the 2016 version of “cruising bible,” Berlitz’s Cruising and Cruise Ships guidebook. Viking will welcome two additional ships in 2017, Viking Sky® and Viking Sun®, whose maiden voyage will be a 141-day world cruise spanning 5 continents, 35 countries and 66 ports. Two remaining, yet-to-be-named ships will be delivered in 2018 and 2020.

The Viking Difference

Designed for discerning travelers, Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. The Viking difference is providing guests with extraordinarily well-designed cruises that facilitate engagement with the cultures of the world. Ships are small allowing privileged access to smaller ports and getting guests closer to their destination, with more time in port, more overnights and fewer days at sea. Onboard, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces, where every room is beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light. All-veranda ships mean that guests experience every day with a new, expansive vista. With the most al fresco dining at sea, featuring regional cuisines and always-available American classics, Viking’s guests can truly dine in their destination. A focus on cultural enrichment brings immersive experiences onshore and onboard. And only The Viking Way brings guests itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences.

In addition, Viking Inclusive Cruising provides a small ship experience at a big ship value—with every cruise fare including a veranda stateroom, shore excursions in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; premium dining reservations; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service—an included value of more than $200 per person, per day.

Booking Details

From now through July 31, 2016, Viking is offering U.S. residents a Special Savings Discount on 2017 and 2018 Ocean Cruises, with up to $1,000 off air per person. Contact a travel agent or call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464). www.vikingoceancruises.com

Source: www.luxurytravelmagazine.com

Crystal Cruises To Launch The World's Largest Megayacht

Months after the successful launch of Crystal Yacht Cruises 62-guest Crystal Esprit, and in response to traveler's feedback and enthusiasm, the "World's Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line" is again upping the ante with the world's first purpose-built polar class megayacht.

Measuring 600 feet (183 meters) long, the 25,000 gross ton new build with 100 guest suites will be the largest and most spacious megayacht afloat.

During a special press event at the annual SeaTrade Cruise Global convention in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Crystal's President and CEO Edie Rodriguez announced the introduction of the line's first-ever expedition megayacht, Crystal Endeavor, which will debut in August of 2018. Named after Captain James Cooks' research ship "HMS Endeavour," which discovered Australia and New Zealand nearly 250 years ago – the newly built vessel will be designed for global expedition in Arctic, Antarctic and tropical conditions.

The megayacht will be the first purpose-built Polar Code compliant yacht in the world with a PC6 Polar Class designation. As such, Crystal Endeavor will be able to cruise in Polar Regions during the summer and autumn in medium "first year" ice which may include old ice inclusions. She will also be fitted with the state-of-the-art offshore dynamic positioning technology, with computer-controlled systems to automatically maintain the ship's position with its own propellers and thrusters. This will enable the megayacht to float atop coral reefs and other underwater wonders without utilizing anchors, which can damage the terrain or other underwater wonders in waters too deep for anchors.

With the state-of-the-art offshore dynamic positioning technology, Crystal Endeavor will cruise in the Arctic; then follow the route of migrating whales along the coast of the Americas and Europe to Antarctica during the winter. Along the way, she will visit remote islands in the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, which cruise ships seldom call or cannot access. With a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV, used extensively in the offshore industry), expedition cruises will also be organized to see sunken galleons, warships and passenger ships, such as the Titanic at 12,500 feet, and with dynamic positioning, she will just hover over deep sunken attractions without using anchors.

The 200-guest capacity Crystal Endeavor will offer extreme adventures by air, sea and land with a complete range of "toys" which are not commonly found on today's megayachts, including two helicopters and two landing pads for flightseeing expeditions, as well as two, 7-person submarines, eight electric amphibious zodiacs, jet skis, wave runners, kayaks, fishing facilities, paddle boards, snorkeling and scuba equipment, recompression chamber, dive support tender and a multi-person ATV. To further deliver guest experiences distinct from any other expedition vessels, Crystal Endeavor will be equipped with SEABOBs – the world's most technically advanced and powerful underwater scooter – that allows you to move gracefully underwater.

The standard guest suites will measure a minimum 400 square feet (including balcony), larger than all current expedition and luxury cruise ships, while the yacht's two Owner Suites' will each boast a whopping 3,122 square feet (1,615ft2 interior and 1,507ft2 balcony), making them the largest guest suites of any megayacht afloat. Owner Suites' guests will enjoy a master bedroom and two guest bedrooms, indoor and outdoor living areas, private conservatory, garden and outdoor Jacuzzi, private spa and gym outfitted with sauna, steam room and treatment room. The Owners Suite can be connected to a penthouse suite (806ft2) for a combined square footage of 3,928 feet (2,227ft2 interior and 1,654ft2 balcony), - surpassing any current and future build accommodations at sea.

Crowning the megayacht will be Crystal's signature Palm Court, which will offer 270-degree panoramic views for whale-watching and viewing other wildlife. Crystal Endeavor will boast a combined Spa and Conservatory space of a 10,000 square feet, featuring a full-service Spa, Yoga, Pilates, Salon and Wellness Center; Jacuzzis; and an infinity pool whose base can be lifted to be a dance floor or an alfresco dining area. The megayacht will also feature six dining options, as well several guest amenities including a 200-seat theatre; numerous lecture rooms; cinema; card room; and a computer center.

True to the Crystal trend of spacious public areas, the vessel will offer numerous indoor and outdoor areas for guests' independent leisure and relaxation. Further, Crystal Endeavor will be all-inclusive and will offer the award-winning service for which Crystal has been celebrated for more than 25 years. The line's acclaimed butler service will be available for all guests, as the megayacht will boast a one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio, with 200 crew members serving the 200 guests on board.

Crystal Endeavor will be built by the Lloyd Werft Group, a collection of four shipyards in Bremerhaven, Germany, which has built over a thousand vessels, including cruise ships, ice-breakers, and megayachts. Crystal Endeavor voyages will open for booking in late 2016. Steel cutting for the ship will begin May 2016 and Crystal will take delivery in August 2018.

For more information and Crystal reservations, call your travel agent of Crystal Cruises at 310.785.9300, or visitwww.crystalcruises.com.

Source: www.luxurytravelmagazine.com

The Newest Trend In Billionaire Yachting Is Renting Out entire Cruise Ships

The Crystal Esprit can host your 200 closest friends for seven days on only $700,000.

Chartering yachts is nothing new — many boat owners rent their mega-yachts out for months at a time to make up for the high costs of ownership.

Chartering cruise ships? Now that's something different entirely. 

Celebrities and the ultra-rich have taken a penchant for renting out entire cruise ships for them and as many as 200 of their closest friends, Bloomberg reports.

"It's like owning a mega-yacht for a week or two," Carolyn Spencer-Brown, editor of Cruise Critic, told Bloomberg.

These cruise ships are on the small side, to be sure, and often are owned by smaller boutique cruise lines like Crystal Cruises.

Crystal's Esprit ship, which the company purchased with the intention that it could be loaned out, can host 62 guests — the perfect size for private cruising, but pales in comparison to the giants from Royal Caribbean, Carnival, or Norwegian Cruise lines, which can host thousands.

A seven-day private cruise with the ship starts at around $500,000 a week.

For comparison, one of the most expensive private yachts in the world to charter, the Triple Seven, only has five cabins and costs $600,000 a week, a number that doesn't include food, drink, taxes, entertainment, fuel, and gratuity like the cruise does.

Luxury Yacht GroupThe main lounge from the Triple Seven yacht, available for charter for $610,000 a week.

It also works out well for the cruise line, as that $500,000 adds up to be more than the company would generate from a single seven-day trip with a full ship of passengers paying $6,250 each.

These are no spur-of-the moment bookings, however, and they don't interfere with regular sailing schedules. Often, these types of private rentals are planned up to two years in advance.

SEE ALSO: The $83 million Skyacht One private jet is basically a luxurious super yacht that can fly

By 

Dennis Green, www.businessinsider.com

Crystal Cruises To Make Guest Service 'Smarter'

Hospitality technology provider Intelity announced its partnership with Crystal Cruises, the world’s most awarded luxury cruise line, to introduce the line's “Digital Directory,” which will allow guests to access services digitally while aboard the vessels. Each penthouse aboard the newly launched Crystal Esprit now feature touchscreen tablets that will provide current voyage information about ports and programming, Crystal Adventures ashore and daily menus in the dining venues, while also allowing guests to book reservations for excursions and dining, and even control their stateroom temperature. Additionally, guests can stay current on the day’s news, as the devices link directly to Press Reader, which offers an array of global newspapers. True to Crystal’s celebrated personalized service, the device will greet guests by name upon activation.

“A key component to my vision for Crystal to continue as a leader in redefining luxury is to embrace technology and allow it to help streamline our guests’ experience,” said Edie Rodriguez, Crystal’s president and CEO. “Not only does the Intelity platform make a significant step in this direction, it also helps us reduce our paper consumption and inform our guests in a more efficient way.”

A brand-wide mobile application, also built upon the Intelity platform, will help connect travelers booked on any voyage on any ship in the Crystal Cruises fleet with information needed to make their voyage smooth sailing, including ship information, voyage details and programming notes. Guests can download the app to any Android or iOS mobile device to assist with pre-cruise planning and receive notifications before embarkation.

Intelity CEO & President David Adelson said, “It’s an incredible privilege that our company is making its cruise line debut with the luxury cruise line ranked number one by the U.S. News & World Report and so many other revered publications. The fact that a company of Crystal’s caliber is embracing Intelity’s technology is an early sign of changing standards across the entire hospitality industry. Going digital is one of the leading ways that modern hospitality brands can ensure impeccable service and a truly distinguished customer experience.”

Crystal’s management and staff will also be able to take advantage of the system tools included with the Intelity platform. Features such as application content control, business intelligence metrics, built-in ticket management, and direct marketing and messaging enhance the value of the guest service software by increasing its impact on overall operations rather than just serving as a guest-facing mobile solution.

“We’re constantly seeking to innovate when it comes to delivering authentic, memorable travel experiences. Selecting a partner who can offer us a platform that also provides numerous operational benefits will be a strong resource for us as we move toward our upcoming goals for brand expansion,” added Rodriguez.

Source: http://www.cruisediscuss.com/

Crystal Cruises Announces Deal To Purchase The S.S. United States

The iconic ocean liner the S.S. United States that still holds the speed record for a Trans Atlantic crossing
may sail again after being purchased  by Crystal Cruise Line, one of the leading luxury cruise companies.
The ship,  in port in South Philadelphia for the past 20 years, has been saved from the scrap yard by hundreds of thousands of dollars raised by the non-profit S.S. United States Conservancy that currently owns the ship. The ship sailed from New York to ports in Europe from 1952-1969, hosting celebrities and important political figures of the day and is still the largest ocean liner built in the United States. It is estimated that the cost of restoring the ship will be at least $800,000,000.

Travelore Cruise News: Crystal Cruises Expands Free Wi-Fi For All Its Luxury Guests

Crystal Cruises announced today that it will expand complimentary Internet access to all of its luxury guests. Beginning August 30 on both, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, Crystal will provide one free hour per guest, per day for Deluxe Stateroom and Penthouse guests; 90 minutes for Penthouse Suite guests. With additional free access to Crystal's 24-hour satellite-enabled wireless Internet – which will also be available aboard Crystal Yacht Cruises' Crystal Esprit when the maiden voyage embarks on December 23, 2015 – travelers can remain connected while on vacation, whether on their own devices or utilizing one of the ships' cutting edge work stations or portable laptop rentals, which are available for a nominal fee.

"While some travelers like to 'unplug' on vacation, many of our guests wish to stay connected while traveling, whether for business purposes, to stay in touch with loved ones, or to share their Crystal experiences along their journeys," says President & CEO Edie Rodriguez, "It is always our goal to make life aboard our ships as effortless and comfortable as possible for our guests, and amenities like free Internet go a long way to help those efforts."

Last year, Crystal installed improvements to the onboard experience, including:

• Maximizing satellite bandwidth with the latest technology, allowing for more users and more content to stream simultaneously.

• Expansion of Wi-Fi signal range throughout the ships, making wireless connection available everywhere on board, including all staterooms, public spaces, and outdoor decks.

• The ability to access internet in areas that were previously unavailable, such as Japan.

The free Wi-Fi perk was previously available only to Crystal Society Members, the line's repeat guest loyalty program.

The world's most awarded cruise line has long been celebrated for its onboard technological offerings, including the Computer University@Sea facilities, equipped with state-of-the-art Mac/Windows dual-compatible computers and expert staff on hand for instruction and assistance. Specially designed classes offer curriculum tailored toward novice and expert users, with topics ranging from basic operating systems and use ofsmart phones and other devices, to digital photo and video editing and website design.

Crystal Cruises is the world's most awarded luxury cruise line, having earned more "World's Best" accolades than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history. Crystal Cruises has won "World's Best Cruise Ship" in Conde Nast Traveler's Reader Choice Awards for 21 years; been voted "World's Best Large Ship Cruise Line" by Travel + Leisure readers for 20 consecutive years; and the "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by Virtuoso for two-consecutive years (2014 & 2015). In summer 2015, Crystal embarked on the most significant brand expansion in the history of luxury travel and hospitality, which will introduce three new classes of cruising – Crystal Yacht Cruises (December 2015), Crystal River Cruises (March 2017), Crystal Exclusive Class Ocean Cruises (late 2018)– and Crystal Luxury Air (fall 2017).

Cruise Line Expands luxury Travel In Ocean, River, Yacht And... Air

 Exactly 25 years after Crystal Cruises set its course as a leader in luxury cruising with the launch of the first of three ships, the world's most awarded luxury cruise line is charting a new, much more vast, route. Aboard the line's annual President's Cruise on Crystal Serenity and Chairman's Cruise on Crystal Symphony respectively, Crystal's president and CEO, Edie Rodriguez and Chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay announced today Crystal's plans for the most significant brand expansion in the history of luxury travel and hospitality. Over the next three years, Crystal Cruises will introduce new ships – effectively establishing three brand new classes of cruising – as well as its own Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

In their special address to guests, Rodriguez and Tan Sri Lim made clear of new parent company, Genting Hong Kong's investment in maintaining Crystal's award-winning reputation and writing a new chapter in the continuing story of Crystal Cruises. The Chairman stated, "Our intent is to make Crystal Cruises the core of what will become the world's premier luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand portfolio, not only for the immediate future but for years to come."

In her announcement on Crystal Serenity, Rodriguez shared her enthusiasm about the expansion of Crystal Cruises, saying, "We continue to think bigger, aiming to create unparalleled luxury experiences and adventures for our loyal and new guests, who – like Crystal – continue to seek broader horizons and new perspectives on the world." She added, "We are ecstatic to continue pioneering new areas of luxury travel. Crystal's newly expanded fleet will truly be travelers' passport to virtually the entire world."

The stunningly ambitious timeline of new Crystal products begins at the end of 2015.

Crystal Yacht Cruises – December 23, 2015

Late this year, Crystal Esprit will embark on its maiden voyage as the first expansion of the Crystal Cruises fleet. The vessel is an extravagantly appointed yacht, delivered to Crystal Cruises by Genting Hong Kong (GHK), and extensively redesigned to reflect the stylish elegance for which Crystal is renowned. The 62-guest, 3,300-tonnage yacht will offer intimate, exclusive, and immersive experiences with a boutique ambiance. The all-suite yacht will feature posh, high-end finishes and modern technology, and is outfitted with some decidedly extreme features, like a two-passenger submarine, four 10-passenger zodiacs for special excursions and a 12-passenger Wider 32-foot super yacht tender for special boating adventures. Additionally, at their guests' fingertips are water skis, wake boards, kayaks, jet skis, fishing, scuba, and snorkel equipment

Set for delivery in November 2015, Crystal Esprit marks the debut of the new all-inclusive Crystal Yacht Cruises program, which will sail regional, warm-water itineraries of seven days and offer thrilling experiences on water and ashore. The first voyage sails December 23, 2015, exploring the Seychelles Islands, followed by an inclusive, post-cruise New Year's Eve celebration at the Taj Dubai Hotel.

For 2016 and 2017, and early 2018, Crystal Esprit routes for the Seychelles Islands, Dubai and Adriatic Coast include:

• Seychelles Islands – Mahe, Victoria; St. Anne Island, La Passe, la Digue; Baie Ste. Anne, Praslin; Laraie Bay, Curieuse Island; Anse Saint Jose, Curieuse Island; Cousin Island; Aride; Big Sister Island; and Desroches Island)

• Dubai - Khasab and Muscat, Oman; Doha, Qatar; Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi, UAB)

• Venice, Italy/Dubrovnik, Croatia - Rovinj, Sibenik, Trogir, Vis, Hvar, and Korcula, Croatia

• Dubrovnik, Croatia/Venice, Italy - Kotor, Montenegro; Split, Zadar, and Opatija, Croatia; and Piran, Slovenia

• Dubrovnik, Croatia/ Athens, Greece - Kotor, Montenegro; Corfu, Parga, Itea, Hydra, and Navplion, Greece)

Crystal River Cruises – 2017

The spring of 2017 brings more growth with Crystal River Cruises. Featuring expertly curated itineraries, Crystal River Cruises will offer the hallmarks of the all-inclusive Crystal experience – six-star service, world-class dining, and enriching shore-side adventures. Spacious suites with exquisitely designed interiors and elegant public rooms will punctuate Crystal's entry into worldwide river cruising.

Crystal Luxury Air – 2017

Also in 2017, Crystal's brand of Six-Star luxury will soar to new heights with the launch of Crystal Luxury Air, becoming the first in the luxury travel industry to offer extravagant around-the-world trips on the world's most advanced twin-aisle Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The plush aircraft, which typically seats 300, will fly 60 guests in fully reclining business class seats to coveted destinations to which major airlines do not offer nonstop service. 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.

Ocean Vessels: "Crystal Exclusive Class" – Late 2018

Certainly not resting on any laurels, Crystal returns its focus to the seas, with three new "Crystal Exclusive Class," cruise ships with the first expected for delivery in late 2018. Genting Hong Kong has signed a letter of intent with Lloyd Werft in Germany to build the polar ice class vessels. Lloyd Werft is widely recognized in the shipping industry for its excellent reputation and success with world-class new builds, building and lengthening six Norwegian Cruise Line vessels, including the Pride of America, the only ocean cruise ship flying the American Flag, sailing year round in Hawaii.

"Our vision and revolutionary plans for Crystal's ocean vessels requires us to partner with a premium shipyard that has the expertise and resources to deliver the 'Crystal Exclusive Class'," said Tan Sri Lim. "Lloyd Werft is synonymous with successful world-class new builds and luxury mega yachts, including Luna, the second largest expedition private yacht in the world, measuring at 337 feet long."

With the introduction of these new vessels, Crystal will be the first-ever cruise line to deliver expedition-capable ships with all the signature features and amenities of a luxury ship or private yacht.

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.

"With an impressive 100 tons of space per guest, the average space ratio for luxury cruise ships being 60 tons per person, our new ships' guest-to-space rations will be vast in comparison to past, current and under-construction luxury ships, reaching all corners of the world safely, smoothly and in the utmost style and comfort," said Rodriguez.

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 (9 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.

Other revolutionary features being introduced on Crystal's new vessels are: a whopping 400 square feet minimum for the guestroom suites - nearly doubling the size on other luxury vessels; increased ceiling heights by one f00t to 8 feet in all suites and decks; raising the bar on personal attention and service with 1,000 crew members on the ships to provide an unheard of one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio; an abundance of mouthwatering options centered on the art and expertise of Michelin-starred and celebrity chefs; and intrepid yacht-like amenities including submarines, helicopters and zodiacs.

The plans fulfill Rodriguez's growing vision for the company since taking the helm in 2013, while also solidifying Crystal's unrivaled reputation for innovating new facets of luxury travel.

"It has been a personal mission of mine since joining Crystal to see this incredible company reach new potential – and thus, new luxury travelers – as we continue to deliver unparalleled guest experiences and superior standards of excellence."