After nearly 20 years without an update, the luxury cruise brand of Crystal Cruises is undergoing a major transformation within the next few years!
Crystal Cruises celebrated their 25-year anniversary by making an announcement to create waves {pun intended!}. The announcement was made simultaneously during their annual President’s Cruise on Crystal Serenity by Crystal’s president and CEO, Edie Rodriguez and during the Chairman’s Cruise on Crystal Symphony by Chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay.
[su_quote cite=” Chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay”]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.[/su_quote]
Following is a breakdown of their grand expansion plan!
Crystal Yachts
Crystal Esprit will launch December 23, 2015 exploring the Seychelles Islands with 62 passengers.
The yacht line will maintain all of the luxury amenities of the small ship brand, but with added features:
- Marina platform – Anchor in new spots and enjoy the water, by leaping straight off a platform at the back of the ship, grabbing a kayak or snorkel.
- Exclusive destinations – While Crystals small ships have allowed them great flexibility, the even smaller yachts will provide more exclusive destinations for guests like the Seychelles.
- Yacht suites – Queen sized beds, full height closets, fine linens, and spacious luxury decor.
For 2016 and 2017, and early 2018, Crystal Esprit routes for the Seychelles Islands, Dubai and Adriatic Coast include:
- Seychelles Islands – Mahé, 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
On the heels of the new yacht, will be Crystal River Cruises in the Spring of 2017. Our team will continue to share new details as they are released on specific ship amenities and sailing dates.
For now, Crystal has promised it will maintain all the things you would expect from them while at sea:
- Six-star service
- Superior dining
- Largest suites in river cruising
- Delightful shore adventures
- Expertly-curated itineraries
Crystal Exclusive Class Vessels
After launching their new River Cruising itineraries, Crystal will be expanding their existing ocean fleet with three new world class ships in 2018.
[su_quote cite=” Crystal Cruises”]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.[/su_quote]
The excitement doesn’t stop there. Crystal will also be including 48 residences aboard the ship, making it possible for guests to call the ship home!
Homes will range from 600-4000 sq feet with up to 9 foot ceilings, their own private restaurant, entry and facilities.
Guests who are aboard for only a short time need not worry about being over shadowed by residents thanks to a stunning 1-to-1 crew to passenger ratio.
Crystal Luxury Air
Also in 2017, Crystal will be launching their new round the world luxury airline vacations.
This new in industry offering will utilize a luxury Crystal Boeing 787 Dreamliner to accommodate up to 60 guests in a space normally filled with 300.
- 28-day round the world itinerary
- Visiting 10 to 12 unique destinations
- Fully-reclining flatbed seats
- Stays at the best hotels
- World-class cultural entertainment
- Fresh, locally prepared meals
“It has been a personal mission of mine since joining Crystal to see that this incredible company reach new potential – and thus, new luxury travelers from all over the world – as we continue to deliver unparalleled guest experiences and superior standards of excellence,” said Rodriguez.
Cruise Specialists team will keep you up to date on announcements about future voyages on their new vessels! If you’re ready to be among the first to enjoy the new Crystal Esprit, don’t wait, contact our team today to start planning your trip.
