After much anticipation, Crystal Cruises launched its 20th Anniversary promotion at the end of September. The promotion brings Crystal in line with other luxury lines, if not providing it with a competitive advantage over its more inclusive rivals in the luxury market, such as Silvesea and Regent Seven Seas.In conjunction with the promotion, we launched our own promotion this month focusing on Crystal. We believe in the product. After all, a pretty strong indication of Crystal's position in the market is born out by the distinction it has earned for 15 years running as the "World's Best Cruise Line" by reader's of Conde Nast Magazine. Our promotion is included in this month's Sherman's Travel Luxe 15.
What we have discovered from the calls we have received in response to our promotion, however, is that many people who have never sailed on Crystal do not know the line, and what distinguishes it from others. Many have sailed on the premium lines, such as Holland America and Princess, and some mistakenly believe that all cruise lines are created equally, with the only thing separating them being price. The truth is, Crystal excels above all other cruise lines, rivaling even the finest land-based resorts. Just as there is a commonly-reconized difference in appointments, service, and amenities associated with Ritz Carlton and Four Seasons Hotels, the same is true among cruise lines. Think of Crystal as the Madarin Oriental Hotel of the seas.
The accolades don't end there. In addition to being the top rated cruise line, Crystal also has the two highest-rated cruise ships in the world, large or small. The Crystal Serenity tops all other ships in ratings by readers of Conde Nast magazine, and the Crystal Symphony is second only to the Serenity. Pretty impressive for a cruise line that sails only two ships.
It is hard to condense all that separates Crystal Cruises into a blog post, and keep the post to a reasonable length. The truth is, Crystal is something one must experience to truly understand the difference. Some of these distinguishing characteristics are almost intangible -- the professional European-trained staff who instinctly anticipate your needs; the space ratio that gives you the sense that you are sailing on a ship with far fewer passengers than the ship's capacity; the sensation of total relaxation without the hurried feeling inherent in ships carrying three or four times the passenger load.
Other things are much more concrete. For starters, Crystal is far more inclusive than any premium line. All non-alcoholic beverages -- from soft drinks to bottled water to specialty coffee drinks -- are complimentary. Enrichment classes, which you would pay extra for on most cruise lines, also are complimentary --things like language classes offered by Berlitz; keyboard classes offered by Yamaha; and wellness classes such as Yoga and Pilates offered by the Cleveland Clinic. There is also the famous lecturers. On every sailing, Crystal offers lectures by prominent and distinguished men and women in their field -- from famous newscasters to sports legends to noted authors, movie producers, and acclaimed entertainers. Every sailing also offers a destination expert for travelers who truly want to immerse themselves in the places they will visit.
On top of all else, Crystal offers arguably the very best cuisine at sea. One of the most renowned chefs in the world, Nobuyuki Matsuhisa (known worldwide simply as "Nobu") brings his culinary talents to sea. Crystal Cruises' Silk Road restaurant in fact is the only Nobu restaurant at sea. Take a look at Nobu's menu at his Dallas restaurant, and you'll immediately recognized the value of dining at his restaurant onboard Crystal where your only expense is your waiter's gratuity. Prefer Italian? Then dine in Crystal's other speciality restaurant, Prego, with menus designed by legendary restauranteur, Piero Selvaggio. Of course, Crystal's complimentary main dining room also offers divine dining culinary choices. Want to please the wine connoisseur? Then dine in Crystal's exclusive Vintage Room. Limited to just 24 guests per seating, the experience is extraordinary, pairing some of the world's finest (and most expensive) wines with carefully selected menu choices. It is an experience not to be missed for those who love wine.
Of course, there is much more Crystal offers. From its Feng Shui-inspired spa, daily afternoon tea, and professional ballroom dance instruction, to world-class entertainment including lavish, Broadway-style and musical theater productions in the Galaxy Lounge.
Staterooms aboard Crystal are all luxuriously appointed, and all feature at least an ocean view; there are no interior staterooms. All staterooms feature a minimum of more than 200 square feet, with in-room refrigerator, seating area, DVD/CD players with flat-screen TVs, and a favorite feature among guests -- a full bathtub/shower combinations (beating the small stand-up showers offered on most cruise lines). Penthouse staterooms and suites add personal butler service, full Jacuzzi tub and separate shower, and walk-in closet.
Crystal's 20th Anniversary promotion brings its luxury cruises in reach of more people perhaps than ever before. The promotion begins with 2-for-1 cruise fare, meaning that 2 people sail for the same rate as the per person brochure rate. Add to that complimentary economy roundtrip airfare (available on most sailings) for guests booking ocean view and balcony staterooms, and complimentary business class airfare for guests booking Penthouse staterooms and suites, and Crystal's rates offer an extraordinary value. Then, to top that off, factor in shipboard credit of $500 to $1000 per person (that's $1,000 to $2,000 per stateroom based on double occupancy) and Crystal's offer is unbeatable. The shipboard credit is like cash onboard the cruise; it will defray guests' shipboard account. Finally, sail over your birthday, and you'll enjoy a 50% reduction on your next Crystal Cruise when booked by December 31, 2009.
We have enhanced the Crystal promotion for our clients. On select Europe sailings, and a special 2010 Thanksgiving sailing of the Mexican Riviera, our clients also will enjoy prepaid gratuities. When combined with Crystal's generous shipboard credit offer, our client's Crystal experience will likely be an all-inclusive vacation experience. A list of these select sail dates is located here.
For additional information about Crystal, please contact Cruise Holidays toll free at (866) 368-7327.
