Crystal Cruises has long been a hallmark of luxury cruising throughout the world. Recently, under new ownership, the brand has also expanded its services to include private aircraft charters and “cruise ships in the sky,” with the addition of multi-destination itineraries as part of Crystal Air Cruises. The luxury cruise provider will also make its mark on the river cruising market, beginning in July 2016. Read on for a recap of Crystal’s newest developments!
Crystal Yacht Cruises
In December 2015, Crystal unveiled the Crystal Esprit, the first ship to become part of Crystal Yacht Cruises. This 62-passenger ship, with a crew of 75, features exotic itineraries in the Seychelles during winter months and the Adriatic Sea during the summer. It has been beautifully rebuilt and was originally the private yacht of the owner of Crystal Cruises. This is a wonderful option for small groups traveling to celebrate a milestone occasion or a family reunion.
Crystal Yacht Cruises plans to have a heavy focus on the destinations visited, with many excursions offered on a complimentary basis. Certified SCUBA divers can dive from the yacht on Adriatic itineraries, and bicycles are available on a complimentary basis as well. In August 2018, the Crystal Endeavor will launch with a 10,000 square foot spa, a Palm Court offering 270 degree views and a polar-rated hull, allowing it to truly cruise worldwide.
Crystal River Cruises
The Crystal Mozart will be the first offering from Crystal River Cruises, launching in July 2016. It will be the largest boat on the rivers of Europe — nearly twice as wide as most others — and will feature an onboard spa, a wraparound promenade, and an indoor swimming pool. The Mozart’s width will also ensure that it will rarely be rafting with other ships, which will allow for great “city from the river” viewing opportunities. It will accommodate 158 passengers on its Danube River itineraries and will employ a staff of 91.
As with their yacht cruises, Crystal’s river cruise product will feature many “not to be missed” excursions offered on a complimentary basis.
Four additional river yachts are set to join Crystal’s fleet in the summer of 2017, including the Crystal Ravel and the Crystal Debussy, which will be deliberately smaller in size to navigate the rivers of France and will carry 80 guests each. Given the size of these vessels and the many inclusions they will offer, these river yachts are perfect for exclusive charters by small corporate groups or for family reunions. The river yachts will be an incredible addition to the river cruise market.
Crystal Luxury Air
Crystal is also taking its exceptional customer service experience to the skies by offering private jets, which will be available for charter whenever and wherever clients want to travel. Crystal will utilize a Global Express Bombardier that has an 11-hour range and can carry 12 passengers, two pilots, and two butlers. It will feature up to five “lie flat” beds and a galley.
Crystal Air Cruises
This brand new offering from Crystal will operate like a Crystal ship with wings! Each aircraft will have a set itinerary and departure date, and due to the aircraft’s 23-hour range, each itinerary will allow its guests the opportunity to spend 80% of their time enjoying the destinations, as opposed to being in transit between them.
Crystal has reconfigured a Boeing 777 that originally carried 380 passengers to accommodate just 88 guests, with three pilots, 15 butlers, a chef, and a doctor onboard. Each of the Boeing’s 88 seats will have 180-degree “lie flat” capabilities.
Five 30-day itineraries are scheduled to be offered throughout the year, with two shorter itineraries during Festive Season (a 19-day and an 18-day itinerary), both in December. All departures will be from Las Vegas, with the first itinerary set to begin on September 1, 2017.
Crystal Residences
Crystal plans to offer the option for guests to purchase a residence onboard any of their Exclusive Class vessels, beginning in the fall of 2019.
