Unfortunately, this is the end of Crystal Cruises. V.Ships will take over as Management Company of the ships. “The ships are for sale … I know you probably have a lot of questions, but I unfortunately don’t have any answers right now.”Ĭrystal Cruises office in the US is closing down. “Unfortunately, this is the end of Crystal Cruises, and we don’t know what’s going to happen in the future. It appears that the cruise line’s assets will be sold individually and not as a whole, meaning the end of the company.Īn announcement to crew on Crystal Symphony stated: “I have been informed that the entire Crystal Cruises office in the US is closing down. It all started to unravel when the German government insisted that payments for loans were made, and a Singapore fuel company demanded $2.5 million in bills be repaid.Ĭrystal’s American offices closed this week. It has building ships that would be among the world’s biggest with 9,500 passengers. But it was now part of a complex conglomerate that included Star Cruises, Dream Cruises and a German shipbuilding yard. The company had plans to expand the operation from ocean cruises to private jet charters, residences at sea, expedition and river cruising.ĭespite the pandemic, Crystal launched a discovery yacht with helicopters and submarines. It was purchased by Genting Hong Kong, an offshoot of a Malaysian casino company, in a 2016 transaction valued at US$550 million. It’s the highest profile – and most luxurious – casualty of the pandemic: Crystal Cruises, a luxury line owned by Genting Hong Kong has officially shut down.Ĭrystal was the most awarded luxury line on the seas. "Crystal Cruises' new pricing strategy offers daily rates in the $250 per person range off-season, a territory most often identified with a premium cruise line, not a luxury line," says Charlie Funk, co-owner of Just Cruisin' Plus (. For big spenders and hard-core oenophiles, there is also an extensive menu of bottles for purchase.Ĭrystal joins the ranks of luxury lines such as Seabourn, Silversea, SeaDream and Regent Seven Seas (also all-inclusive), though Crystal is still regarded as a better value as its ships are larger and its fares often lower. Several red and white wines are offered at no extra cost in the ship's restaurants and bars, from a Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio to a California Cabernet Sauvignon. In Spring 2012, Crystal Cruises started bundling all drinks - from wines, beers and spirits to bottled waters, soda, and fancy coffees - in its now all-inclusive fares (gratuities are also included). Photo Caption: Fresh sushi on Crystal Serenity Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity, though it can't hurt to stop to check and see if they can squeeze you in without one. Wash it all down with the complimentary house wines or a range of sake available for purchase The extensive menu includes Japanese soups and salads, and creative desserts like a trio of crème brûlée - sweet ginger, pink guava, and passion fruit.Ĭrystal makes sure there is always one Nobu-trained chef on board at all times. Or choose from Nobu's signature yellowtail sashimi with jalapeno, tuna tataki with Ponzu sauce, or a dozen standard options along with sushi rolls. Featuring more than two dozen of Master Chef Nobuyuki "Nobu Matsuhisa's signature Peruvian- and European-influenced Japanese dishes, enjoy Nobu-style lobster with truffle-yuzu Sauce, black cod With miso, grilled Wagyu beef rib-eye and other delicious options. Silk Road - one of Crystal Serenity's six dining venues offered at no extra charge - may serve the best Japanese food at sea. Photo Caption: The recently refurbished Crystal Serenity Here 9 reasons, both old and new, to choose the Crystal Serenity for your next cruise. Still, the line is smart enough to know what works and shouldn't be changed. In 2013, Crystal's two ships sail to ports around the world on cruises ranging from 5 to 98 nights, with nearly half less than 10 days and nearly 90% with overnight stays, giving passengers more time to explore. "Crystal offers some of the best value luxury cruises out there, with their fares dipping below $300 per person for their lowest-category standard cabins during off season periods - not bad considering all drinks and gratuities are now included," says Mike Driscoll, editor of the Cruise Week. The line made another big move earlier this year with its new all-inclusive policy, bundling all drinks and gratuities into the cruise fare for both Crystal Serenity and Symphony. The facelift included revamping the cabins and adding new sunbeds around the pool. Crystal Cruises' 1,070-passenger Crystal Serenity debuted nearly a decade ago but it looks as good as new - thanks to the line's recent $25 million retrofit.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |