Crystal expands into river, yacht and air

Ultra luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises is to expand its offering following on from its purchase by Genting Hong Kong earlier this year.

The company, which currently has two ships – Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity – will add three ocean ships, launch a river division, the Crystal Espirit yacht and its own Dreamliner airplane over the next three years.

Crystal Espirit, a 62-guest luxury yacht will launch in December 2015, complete with a two-person submarine, four 10-passenger zodiacs and its own 32-foot yacht capable of holding 12-passengers. The ship will sail “warm water itineraries” starting with the Seychelles and Dubai as part of the company’s Crystal Yacht Cruises programme.

Crystal River Cruises will launch in spring 2017, the same year as Crystal Luxury Air – the company’s own all business-class aircraft. Crystal Luxury Air will offer non-stop flights to destinations which are not currently available from major carriers on around the world itineraries of around 28-days. Guests will stay at fine hotels, rather than the company’s cruise ships.

In 2018 the company will launch the first of three Crystal Exclusive Class vessels, which will be built by Meyer Werft. The vessels will all be polar ice class with a capacity of 1,000-passengers. There will also be 48 Crystal Residences on each new ship – offering permanent accommodation.

Edie Rodriguez, Crystal’s CEO & president, and company chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay made the announcement on board the company’s President Cruise.

Tan said: “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.

“Our vision and revolutionary plans for Crystal’s ocean vessels requires us to partner with a premium shipyard that has the expertise and resources to deliver the ‘Crystal Exclusive Class’,” he added. “Lloyd Werft is synonymous with successful world-class new builds and luxury mega yachts, including Luna, the second largest expedition private yacht in the world, measuring at 337 feet long.”

Rodriguez said: “We continue to think bigger, aiming to create unparalleled luxury experiences and adventures for our loyal and new guests, who – like Crystal – continue to seek broader horizons and new perspectives on the world.” She added, “We are ecstatic to continue pioneering new areas of luxury travel. Crystal’s newly expanded fleet will truly be travelers’ passport to virtually the entire world.”

For more images of the Crystal expansion please click here.