• 15 Feb 25

  Partner News
  Crystal Sets New Standard: Faster Commission Payments For Travel Advisors

    Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, has announced that it is redefining the ...Read more
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  Crystal Sets New Standard: Faster Commission Payments For Travel Advisors - News & announcements

    Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, has announced that it is redefining the way the brand supports its valued travel advisors with an unprecedented approach to commission payments.   Effective immediately, Crystal is accelerating commission payments, ensuring that advisors receive their earnings sooner than ever before. Under this new industry-leading policy, commissions will now be paid as follows, once a booking is paid in full and within the 100% penalty period:  

  • Standard bookings (cruises under 40 nights): commission paid from 50 days prior to departure.
  • Standard bookings (cruises over 40 nights): commission paid from 90 days prior to departure.
  • 20% Explorer Fare bookings: commission paid within 30 days of receiving final payment.

    "Travel advisors are at the heart of our success, and we recognise the importance of providing them with the financial support they deserve - faster," said Matias Lira, SVP Trade Sales Americas, UK & EMEA Crystal. "By accelerating commission payments, we’re reinforcing our commitment to our partners and ensuring they can focus on what they do best: crafting unforgettable journeys for their clients."   The enhanced policy will be applied retroactively to all existing, qualifying standard bookings that have been paid in full within the 100% penalty period. Advisors can expect payments to be processed within the next 30 days for standard bookings and in the coming months for applicable Explorer Fare bookings.   With this bold initiative, Crystal continues to elevate the luxury travel experience - not only for guests but also for the dedicated advisors who make it all possible.

• 04 Feb 25

  Partner News
  Crystal Announces First Half Of 2027 Voyages & Itineraries

    Discover the glaciers of Alaska, Japan’s iconic temples and the sun-drenched shores of the ...Read more
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  Crystal Announces First Half Of 2027 Voyages & Itineraries - News & announcements

   

  Discover the glaciers of Alaska, Japan’s iconic temples and the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean on exceptional sailings across six continents

    Following the launch of the 2027 World Cruise, Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, has now unveiled the complete first half of its 2027 itineraries aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Designed for discerning travellers, these voyages span six continents and more than 170 destinations, offering guests unparalleled access to iconic landmarks, stunning landscapes and authentic cultural traditions.   From the turquoise lagoons of French Polynesia to the mesmerizing Amazon River and the Mediterranean’s beautiful beaches, each journey offers a thoughtful mix of adventure, discovery and enrichment. Through its partnership with sister brand Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal elevates select shore excursions with exclusive experiences such as an intimate gastronomic experience in Ho Chi Minh City, uncovering wildlife in Alaska, exploring Japan’s storied temples and participating in wine tastings in Chile.   Guests of any of the sailings can also participate in a variety of programming and experiences, including access to the only Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea, performances by global entertainers, speciality dinners at the only Nobu and Beefbar restaurants on the ocean and lectures from distinguished scholars and experts across disciplines such as history, science, entertainment and the arts.   Crystal Serenity: 2027 World Cruise Segmented Highlights  

  • January: As the World Cruise departs from San Diego, sail along the Pacific Coast with stops in Cabo San Lucas, known for its rugged cliffs and marine life. Continue through Central America to explore Costa Rica’s lush rainforests and Nicaragua’s costal city, before heading south to Peru’s Sacred Valley and Chile’s Easter Island.
  • February: Explore the South Pacific, with stops to see French Polynesia’s lagoons, Samoa’s rainforests and Fiji’s coral reefs. Take part in authentic local experiences, including village visits and traditional dance performances.
  • March: Discover New Zealand’s landscapes, from the fjords of Milford Sound to the geothermal reserves of Rotorua. The journey extends to Australia, with visits to iconic cities like Sydney and Melbourne as well as landmarks like the Great Barrier Reef.

  • April: Journey through Southeast and East Asia, visiting Semarang’s sacred temples, Singapore’s lush gardens, Bangkok’s Grand Palace and China’s Great Wall and the bustling city of Hong Kong.
  • May: As the World Cruise enters its final month, discover South Korea and Japan, starting with Busan’s exotic beaches and UNESCO-listed sites such as the Gyeonju National Museum.  Explore Kyoto’s centuries-old temples and traditional tea houses, savor Tokyo’s world-renowned Michelin-starred dining and reflect at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park. Crystal Serenity then continues to Alaska to experience the awe-inspiring Hubbard Glacier and the scenic coastal town of Skagway before concluding in Vancouver.

    Crystal Symphony: January-June 2027 Itinerary Highlights  

  • January: Depart from Fort Lauderdale to explore Mexico and Central America's lush rainforests and ancient ruins. Continue to the Caribbean, with stops at popular destinations such as Martinique and Belize. Conclude with a journey through the Amazon River, offering an unforgettable exploration of its vast, enchanting ecosystem.
  • February: Explore The Lesser Antilles, including the British Virgin Islands’ pristine beaches and hidden coves and the colonial charm of Antigua and Barbuda. Continue to St. Barts, a luxury haven known for its chic boutiques and upmarket dining, and St. Kitts, where lush rainforests meet historic landmarks.
  • March: Following visits to some of the most pristine islands in the Caribbean, cross the Atlantic to the Canary Islands where volcanic landscapes meet coastal towns rich in Spanish colonial history.

  • April: Begin in the Canary Islands to see volcanic landscapes and coastal towns, then travel to Portugal to explore historic cities like Valencia and Lisbon. Continue to Morocco’s markets in Casablanca and Agadir, then sail through the Mediterranean to visit France, Monaco and Italy, including stops in Monte Carlo and Portofino.
  • May: Sail through the Mediterranean, starting with Greece’s ancient ruins and Montenegro’s stunning coastline. Visit Croatia’s historic cities, such as Dubrovnik and explore Malta’s rich history followed by stops in the Italian and Spanish Rivieras.

  • June: Delve deeper into the Mediterranean, with stops in Tunisia to explore ancient Carthaginian ruins, Morocco’s chic harbors and experience Monaco during the famed Grand Prix.

    “Our 2027 itineraries reflect Crystal’s commitment to delivering meaningful travel experiences across the globe,” said Mario Parodi, VP of Itinerary  Planning and Port & Fuel Operations for Crystal. “Every voyage has been designed to allow our guests to connect deeply with history, culture and nature. With the highest standards of service, exceptional dining, entertainment and shore excursions enhanced by our sister company Abercrombie & Kent, we ensure that every guest has the most exceptional experience.”

• 17 Jan 25

  NEWS
  Crystal reveals 2027 World Cruise itinerary

  Crystal has unveiled a 140-night journey for its 2027 world cruise aboard Crystal Serenity. The world ...Read more
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  Crystal reveals 2027 World Cruise itinerary - News & announcements

  Crystal has unveiled a 140-night journey for its 2027 world cruise aboard Crystal Serenity. The world cruise spans 83 destinations, across Alaska, Central and South America, French Polynesia, New Zealand and Australia, as well a comprehensive exploration of Asia. It opens for booking on 27 January 2025, with a waitlist now available, Departing from San Diego on 8 January 2027, the Pacific Rim World Cruise, “Stories of the South Seas”, offers a voyage to 29 countries and four continents and will cross the International Date Line twice. The world cruise will feature several immersive experiences curated by sister brand Abercrombie & Kent. Highlights include guided culinary tours in Thailand, private access to Indonesia’s historic temples and Fijian firewalking ceremonies. There are calls in Easter Island, Mexico, New Zealand, Australia, Southeast Asia, China, South Korea and Japan, before winding down in Alaska with visits to Sitka, Ketchikan and Hubbard Glacier. The voyage concludes in Vancouver. “Crystal continues to redefine what it means to embark on the journey of a lifetime,” said Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group. Fernando Barroso de Oliveira, Crystal’s chairman and brand ambassador, will accompany the 2027 World Cruise voyage. Guests on the full 2027 World Cruise gain a range of benefits, such as $1,500 ‘As You Wish’ shipboard credit, themed onboard events, private transfers and exclusive shoreside events.

• 11 Jan 25

  Partner News
  Crystal Celebrates 35 Years Of Being Exceptional At Sea

    Celebrate more than three decades of unparalleled cruising and culinary excellence aboard Crystal ships ...Read more
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  Crystal Celebrates 35 Years Of Being Exceptional At Sea - News & announcements

   

  Celebrate more than three decades of unparalleled cruising and culinary excellence aboard Crystal ships featuring Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Abercrombie & Kent’s Geoffrey Kent and Crystal veteran captains and cruise directors

    Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, is pleased to announce its first selection of 2025-themed cruises aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity with exclusive voyages commemorating the brand’s 35^th anniversary. These unique sailings are designed to delight and inspire while enjoying Crystal's signature entertainment, award-winning service and celebrated dining experiences.   Guests will sail alongside luminaries such as Michelin-star Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa and Abercrombie & Kent Founder Geoffrey Kent, while mingling with esteemed Crystal veteran captains (John Oekland and Egil Giske) and cruise directors (Paul McFarland and Gary Hunter) on itineraries curated to capture the essence of Crystal's legacy. In honour of the year-long celebration, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will host a series of sailings featuring some of the brand’s most popular partners, performers and comedians. Both ships will host a Crystal anniversary gala, special events and Crystal Society reunions, as well as the world-class dining experiences and showstopping performances for which Crystal is known.   "Our guests deeply appreciate our themed voyages, as they offer a truly immersive experience,” said VP of entertainment and enrichment Keith Cox. “Whether it's indulging in their passion for music, culinary delights or cultural enrichment, our carefully curated itineraries and exclusive events bring their interests to life in an extraordinary way.  We look forward to celebrating our 35^th anniversary with our loyal guests and some of our most popular partners and former officers throughout 2025.”   35^th Anniversary Sailings   Crystal Symphony   Tarragona (Barcelona) to Civitavecchia (Rome): 4^th-13^th June 2025   Guests will have the opportunity to sail with Geoffrey Kent, founder and chairman emeritus of Abercrombie & Kent, former captain John Oekland and cruise director Paul McFarland on a nine-night Mediterranean journey from Tarragona.  Stops include Palma de Mallorca, Mahón, Cinque Terre, Livorno for visits to Pisa and Florence, and Porto Santo Stefano before concluding with an overnight stay in Civitavecchia.   Thessaloniki to Civitavecchia (Rome): 10^th-18^th July 2025   This eight-night Mediterranean voyage will feature former cruise director Paul McFarland, Broadway actress Christine Andreas, and singer and multi-instrumentalist Salvatore Hasard. The journey begins in Greece’s Halkidiki Peninsula, with stops in Mykonos, Santorini and Heraklion, followed by a day at sea before visiting Lipari and Naples and culminating in Rome.   Crystal Serenity   Roundtrip Copenhagen: 15^th-22^nd July 2025   This seven-night journey includes an overnight stay in Copenhagen and features long-time Crystal partner Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, former captain Egil Giske and cruise director Gary Hunter. While onboard, Chef Nobu will participate in cooking demonstrations and an exclusive Vintage Room dinner, which guests may purchase tickets in advance to attend. "It has been an incredible journey partnering with Crystal for so many years, and I am truly honoured to be a part of the anniversary sailing,” said Chef Nobu. “Sailing with Crystal feels like coming home—our shared commitment to excellence and providing unforgettable experiences for guests is what makes this partnership so special. I look forward to celebrating this milestone together, surrounded by the warmth and hospitality that Crystal is known for.”   Québec City to New York City: 22^nd-31^st October 2025   Guests will embark on a nine-night voyage showcasing the vibrant fall foliage of Canada and New England, featuring an overnight stay in Québec City, stops in Baie-Comeau and Gaspé, the historic charm of Halifax, and culminating with overnight stays in Boston and New York City. This special sailing will also feature much loved former cruise director Gary Hunter.   As part of the celebration, Crystal Society members will enjoy double Society Savings (5% rather than the standard 2.5%) on these commemorative sailings.

• 10 Oct 24

  TRAINING | COMPETITION
  Crystal Launches Sell Three, Sail Free UK Booking Incentive

    Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, has announced details of its brand new ...Read more
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  Crystal Launches Sell Three, Sail Free UK Booking Incentive - News & announcements

    Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, has announced details of its brand new Sell Three, Sail Free UK booking incentive which rewards travel advisors with a complimentary suite. To take advantage of this time-limited offer, all advisors need to do is book three Aquamarine Suites, or higher-value category, on qualifying departures before 31^st March 2025 to receive a complimentary suite which they can either use themselves or offer as a bonus to a member of the travelling party of one of the three bookings.   Matias Lira, Crystal’s SVP Trade Sales LATAM, UK & EMEA, comments: “We value our relationships with travel advisors and appreciate their loyalty, expertise and hard work. This new incentive will not only further strengthen these partnerships, but demonstrates how grateful we are to them for their ongoing support.”   The Sell Three, Sail Free offer is valid for new bookings only and applies to 18 sailings in Europe, the US and Canada, the Caribbean, South America and Asia with departures between October 2024 and March 2025. The complimentary suite can be used on any eligible voyage that departs during the offer period.   For further information log in/register as a TA and navigate to “Trade Offers”.

• 31 Jul 24

  Partner News
  Crystal Announces New Travel Advisor Booking Engine

    - Innovative platform to revolutionise travel advisor booking experience with enhanced features & support ...Read more
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  Crystal Announces New Travel Advisor Booking Engine - News & announcements

   

  - Innovative platform to revolutionise travel advisor booking experience with enhanced features & support –

    Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, announced today the launch of its state-of-the-art booking engine, designed to streamline and enhance the booking experience for travel advisors. This ground-breaking platform will go live on 1^st August 2024 offering unparalleled ease of use, advanced features and robust support tailored to meet the needs of today’s travel professionals.   With the launch of this sophisticated tool, Crystal aims to set a new standard in the cruise industry, making it simpler and more efficient for travel advisors to manage cruise bookings. The booking engine, seamlessly integrated into crystalcruises.com, offers a suite of resources designed to provide travel advisors with the flexibility, speed and reliability they need to serve their clients effectively.   Key Features:  

  • Intuitive User Interface: The new booking engine boasts a clean, easy-to-navigate design that simplifies the search and booking process.
  • Real-Time Availability: Advisors can access up-to-date information on cruise availability, suite categories and pricing.
  • Personalized Recommendations: The platform leverages advanced algorithms to provide cruise recommendations based on clients' preferences and optional back-to-back voyage combinations.
  • Enhanced Support: A dedicated support team and comprehensive training resources ensure travel advisors can make the most of the new system.
  • Exclusive Promotions: Travel advisors can access special deals and promotions through the new booking engine.

    “Travel advisors are at the heart of our business, and we are committed to providing them with the best tools and resources available,” said Marett Taylor, Chief Sales Officer of A&K Travel Group. “Our new booking engine is a testament to our dedication to innovation and excellence. We believe it will significantly enhance the efficiency of our valued travel partners, enabling them to deliver exceptional service to their clients.”   Training and Support   To ensure a smooth transition, Crystal has developed comprehensive training resources, including webinars, video tutorials and step-by-step guides. Travel advisors will also have access to a dedicated support team ready to assist with any questions or issues that may arise.   "I am thrilled that Crystal has made the commitment to its travel advisor community by investing in this new booking engine,” said Melissa Araya, Vice President of Cruise at Virtuoso. “With everything we need now right at our fingertips, it will make it easier and more efficient for our travel advisors to deliver exceptional service to their clients."

• 02 Nov 23

  NEWS
  Crystal unveils 2025 Grand Journeys

  Crystal has just put on sale its Grand Journeys itineraries for 2025.  Following a multimillion dollar refurbishment, Crystal Serenity and Crystal ...Read more
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  Crystal unveils 2025 Grand Journeys - News & announcements

  Crystal has just put on sale its Grand Journeys itineraries for 2025.  Following a multimillion dollar refurbishment, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will offer extended voyages with longer port visits including overnight stops. They also offer optional overland experiences designed by Abercrombie & Kent including lesser-explored destinations. Options span northern Europe, Africa and Asia. Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony now house larger, redesigned suites with upgraded dining rand public spaces. "We're thrilled to announce an impressive lineup of Grand Journeys for 2025," said Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group. "These extended itineraries offer exclusive opportunities for immersion in some of the world's most unique and sought-after destinations." Grand Journeys for 2025 include a round-trip sailing from Mumbai visiting 15 countries and 32 destinations including Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, an overnight stay in Tokyo and Brunei. A 47-night round trip sailing from Singapore visits Taiwan, Shanghai, Ko Samui, Thailand and more. Other Grand Journeys include Rio de Janeiro to Mumbai, Cape Town to Barcelona and Stockholm to Liverpool.

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