Full steam ahead for Crystal Cruises

A bold expansionist agenda is on the cards for Crystal Cruises in the coming years, company CEO Edie Rodriguez (pictured above) has told travel media in Sydney.

An emphasis on maintaining high standards and continuing to diversify the brand beyond luxury cruising are the key priorities, she said.

Speaking to assorted media and industry partners aboard the Crystal Symphony last Friday, Rodriguez outlined plans for several new builds, with a major ocean-going vessel due to debut in 2022. The vessel will include one floor of private residences with around 900 to 1000 other guests situated on lower levels.

There will be distinct separation between cruise passengers and residents, Rodriquez said, citing a key difference between other notable vessels including The World. Residences for the new build vessel will go on sale in December.

Elsewhere, December 2016 saw the launch of the Crystal Esprit, the first of Crystal’s expedition yachts. The vessel includes 31 suites for a maximum of 62 guests with an emphasis on casual exploration and water sports. A sister vessel to the Esprit – a specialty tailored vessel for polar exploration – Crystal Endeavour, is due to roll off the production line in 2019.

On Europe’s rivers, Crystal also saw the launch of Crystal Mozart last July, which sails the Danube.

Rodriguez said the Mozart “aims to take river cruising to the next level of service and sophistication, with four dining venues, including Michelin star restaurants, all suite configuration, butler service and a 32 foot speedboat”. Six new build river vessels are in the works, with two delivered this year and another two slated for 2018 and 2019 respectively.

And in the skies – yes, you read correctly – Crystal Air Cruises will launch on August 31. One for the most well heeled of clientele, it will offer a 29-day New York to New York itinerary that starts at a cool $US159,000 ($207,300).

And locally, Rodriguez was pleased to announce Crystal’s two flagship open ocean vessels, Serenity and Symphony, will meet in Sydney Harbour on February 17, 2018. Crystal’s dedicated Sydney office also opened its doors this week, with Rodriguez on hand to cut the ribbon.

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