Crystal Cruises fleet set to triple

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This was published 8 years ago

Crystal Cruises fleet set to triple

By Sally Macmillan
Updated
Crystal Symphony in New York City.

Crystal Symphony in New York City.

If there's any pressure on Asian economies, it's not affecting the world of luxury cruising. Earlier this year, Genting Hong Kong bought uber-luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises for $US550 million ($755 million). The company owns Star Cruises, the world's third largest cruise line after the Carnival Corporation and Royal Caribbean Cruises, and is also a major shareholder in the Norwegian Cruise Line.

Genting is investing vast amounts of money in Crystal Cruises, expanding its fleet of two elegant ships (Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity) to six by 2018, starting a new river cruise line in 2017 and adding round-world trips on a private Boeing 787 Dreamliner for 60 pampered passengers.

The first new ship to join the line will be Crystal Esprit, the former Megastar Taurus (part of the Star Cruises fleet). Built in 1991, it will be remodelled to offer a maximum of 62 passengers all-suite accommodation and water toys that include four Zodiacs for excursions, a 12-passenger 32-foot superyacht tender, water skis, wake boards, kayaks, jet skis, fishing, scuba and snorkelling equipment and, amazingly, a two-person submarine. The sub will be available for underwater weddings, among other adventurous activities.

Meet the crew Scenic Jade cruises past Reichsburg Castle.

Meet the crew Scenic Jade cruises past Reichsburg Castle.

Crystal Esprit sets sail around the Seychelles on December 23 this year, followed by after-cruise New Year's Eve celebrations at the Dubai Taj hotel. Diane Patrick, managing director of Wiltrans International, which represents Crystal Cruises in Australasia, said, "This is a significant announcement coinciding with Crystal's 25th anniversary. The luxury yacht and river cruising additions will introduce new guests to Crystal's luxury onboard experience and the three new-build Polar ice-class vessels will offer opportunities to explore and discover even more fascinating destinations."

The first of Crystal Cruises' three new "expedition-capable" Crystal Exclusive Class vessels is due to launch in 2018. The 100,000-tonne ships will accommodate 1000 passengers in all-balcony suites and 1000 crew will be on board to look after them. There will also be 48 Crystal Residences on the top deck that will have their own private restaurant, reception and facilities; they will range from 56 square metres to more than 372 square metres, the largest at sea.

Crystal River Cruises is scheduled to enter the burgeoning river cruise market in time for the start of the 2017 European season. It's not yet known how many ships will be built but the company says its river cruises will offer the hallmarks of the all-inclusive Crystal experience: "Six-star service, world-class dining, enriching shore-side adventures … and spacious suites with exquisitely designed interiors and elegant public rooms". Watch this space …

Ilija Jarcev, from Poland.

Ilija Jarcev, from Poland.

MEET THE CREW

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NAME Ilija Jarcev, from Poland

POSITION Hotel Manager, Scenic Jade

Kate McCue, the first American woman to take the helm of a cruise ship.

Kate McCue, the first American woman to take the helm of a cruise ship.

MY JOB I am responsible for the day-to-day operations on board to maintain Scenic's five-star level of service and exceed guests' expectations every day. I am accountable for planning, procurement, organising and directing all hotel services, including front office management, food and beverage operations, and housekeeping.

MY TYPICAL DAY I am here to support the heads of department in their daily duties, to encourage the crew to provide the best possible service for our guests, and to be there and listen to all the guests' comments and suggestions.

FAVOURITE CRUISE MOMENT The disco night when all the guests and crew mingle and have fun together.

Pandaw, which is renowned for its river expeditions in South-East Asia and India, is now offering cruises on the Amazon River.

Pandaw, which is renowned for its river expeditions in South-East Asia and India, is now offering cruises on the Amazon River.

MY FAVOURITE CRUISE PORTS Wurzburg on the Main River and Koblenz on the Rhine in Germany, and Amsterdam.

INSIDER TIP Amsterdam is a simply amazing town – just walk around and get lost on purpose. You will be surprised by how many hidden places you will discover on your own.

TIP Thinking about a family cruise this summer? Book early for inter-connecting cabins as they are the first to sell out during the school holiday season (mid-December to late January).

NEWS

Celebrity Captain

Kate McCue is making maritime history as the first American woman to take the helm of a cruise ship. Later this month, she will captain the 2158-passenger Celebrity Summit, sailing between the eastern US and Bermuda.

"Becoming the first female American captain of a cruise ship has been a goal of mine for as long as I can remember," McCue says. "The cruise industry is ever evolving, from the ships and the itineraries, to our guests' expectations for holiday experiences. Celebrity has a history of delivering on each of these, and I am thrilled to be a part of it."

Pandaw sets sail in South America

Pandaw, which is renowned for its river expeditions in south-east Asia and India, is offering cruises on the Amazon River. Starting in January 2016, the 18-passenger Amazon Dream will sail on five 14-night itineraries exploring the lesser-visited and scenically varied region of the Amazon River from Santarem, where the Tapajos River and the Amazon meet for several kilometres. The packages include three nights in Rio de Janeiro with trips to Corcovado and Sugar Loaf Mountain, two nights at Hotel das Cataratas, Iguacu, with visits to the famous waterfalls in Brazil and Argentina, and a nine-night cruise accompanied by local naturalist guides.

Bottoms up

Last month Princess Cruises introduced drinks packages on board its Australia-based ships (Dawn, Sun and Sea Princess) as well as the ships visiting the region for the upcoming summer season (Diamond and Golden Princess). The packages cost $59 a person a day and include beers, wine by the glass, spirits and cocktails as well as specialty coffees, soft drinks and bottled water. They are available on cruises of eight days and longer and, depending on how much you like to drink, can be better value than buying coffee or cocktails at the cafes and bars every day. Paying for a drinks package also means you know exactly what your budget is – one less thing to worry about.

DEAL OF THE WEEK

Sail through south-east Asia and tour China with a fly-cruise-tour package from Cruise1st for just $3699. Departing from Sydney on March 3, 2016, the package includes one night in Singapore, a 10-night cruise from Singapore to Shanghai on Mariner of the Seas, a six-day tour of China and all flights. Valid until sold out. Phone 1300 596 345, see cruise1st.com.au.

MORE DEALS

CRUISES.COM.AU Set sail on Pacific Pearl's three-night round trip from Sydney to join P&O Cruises' five ships rendezvous on Sydney Harbour on November 25. Cruises.com.au guests will enjoy a VIP welcome cocktail party, dinner in Salt Grill and reserved spots at the onboard concert. Departing November 23, from $429. Phone 1300 66 16 99, see cruises.com.au.

UNIWORLD has waived the single supplement on many of its popular 2016 itineraries including the 10-day Tulips & Windmills Amsterdam to Antwerp cruise. Solo travellers can save up to $2379 on the April 4 and April 13 departures when they book early. From $4559. Phone 1300 780 231, see uniworldcruises.com.au.

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