Crystal Esprit christened in Seychelles

Crystal Cruises has officially welcomed Crystal Esprit to its fleet after a naming ceremony in the Seychelles.

The launch of the luxury yacht marks the beginning of Crystal’s enormous expansion, announced following the acquisition by Genting Hong Kong earlier this year.

The ship was christened by godmother Lady Gaenor Anne Meakes, fiancée of Mark Richards, one of the world’s most awarded and recognised yachtsmen.

Crystal’s president and CEO, Edie Rodriguez said: “To say today is a special day is an understatement. Since joining Crystal just over two years ago, a personal goal of mine has been to see Crystal realise the next step in continuing to pioneer luxury travel and hospitality; and today I am seeing that dream fulfilled.”

The line will launch Crystal River Cruises in 2016, with five luxury river yachts – more than double the originally planned number – sailing the likes of the Rhine, Seine, Danube, Main, Garonne and Dordogne.

In 2017, Crystal Luxury Air will take off with all-first-class outfitted Boeing 777-200LR and Boeing 787 Dreamliner taking guests on multi-week journeys to far-off destinations not typically served non-stop by major airlines.

For more information, see crystalcruises.co.uk

You can read all about life on board one of Crystal Cruises’ ultra-luxury ships in Cruise Adviser’s Preview guide (below).