Crystal Cruises announced today that they will be expanding into new markets in the luxury travel segment. This expansion is a direct result from the lines sale to the larger Genting Group earlier in the year.
Crystal’s president and CEO, Edie Rodriguez and Chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay announced today their plans for the expansion of one of the top luxury brands in the industry cruising. They have placed an order for 3 new ships from Germany’s Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany. These will be expedition capable but not expedition centered ships. They will be luxury cruises ships at heart. The all-suite & all balcony ships will accommodate 1,000pax and be larger than 100,000gt. The first delivery will take place in 2018.
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 (8.9 feet) than residences on any other cruise ships or yachts; and even some land properties. 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.
Crystal then announced the creation of Crystal Yacht Cruises. This will be a dedicated line sailing the Crystal Espirit ship to exotic destinations in the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean. She’ll start sailing for them in November of this year.
This ship will be loaded with toys 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.
If I’m not mistaken, this is the the former MegaStar Taurus currently sailing for Star Cruises.
Starting in spring of 2017 they will then launch Crystal River Cruises. Details are still sparse about this, such as when, where and what ships, but here’s how it’s being described: “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.”
And lastly Crystal also announced in 2017, they will acquire a 787 Dreamliner for the Crystal Luxury Air brand. They will fly 60 guests in fully reclining business class seats to destinations which major airlines do not offer nonstop service. Each journey will be approximately 28-day itinerary will visit 10-12 remote and/or sought-after locales.
No word yet on where they will be acquiring the 787 from as all empty slots are taken well in advance by airlines and leasing companies.