Crystal Cruises Gets New Owner

May 24, 2015

What:
Genting Hong Kong (GHK) recently announced that it has completed its acquisition of Crystal Cruises. GHK also named a new chairman of Crystal and has promoted some of the line’s senior management team.

Why It Matters:
Despite having only two ships, Crystal Cruises is widely considered one of the top luxury cruise lines in the world. GHK is part of Genting Group, a global hospitality and leisure company. GHK owns Star Cruises, a leading cruise line in Asia, and is a major shareholder of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, executive chairman of Genting Group and the former chairman of NCL, assumes the position of chairman of Crystal. Edie Rodriguez, previously president and chief operating officer, will be promoted to president and CEO. Thomas Mazloum, previously executive vice president, will be promoted to chief operating officer.

Fast Facts:
- Crystal Cruises’ claims to have earned more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, resort or hotel in history. Crystal Cruises has won “World’s Best Cruise Ship” in Condé Nast Traveler’s Reader Choice Awards for 21 years; voted “World’s Best Large Ship Cruise Line” by Travel + Leisure readers for 19-consecutive years; and the “Best Luxury Cruise Line” by Virtuoso.

- Established in 1993, GHK is part of the Genting Group, a global hospitality and leisure company in over 20 countries, including the United States with businesses in New York, Florida and Nevada. Genting has over 50 years of experience in the hospitality and leisure industry and collectively employs approximately 60,000 people.

What They Are Saying:
“Genting Hong Kong is delighted and honored to add Crystal to our global hospitality and leisure brands,” said Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, the new chairman of Crystal Cruises. “We will ensure Crystal’s reputation as ‘The World’s Best and Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line,’ by maintaining its integrity and working to continue to elevate its status as the highest standard of luxury cruising. The current management team and crew will continue to lead Crystal’s six-star operation while Genting will provide the financial resources and proven expertise in innovative ship design to deliver a new ultra-luxury ocean vessel by 2018.”

“We are extremely grateful for the unwavering support of our former parent company, NYK and the wonderful leadership and guidance of Mr. Kuzuya,” said Edie Rodriguez, now president and CEO of Crystal. “We look forward to ushering in a new era of luxury cruising with Genting Hong Kong’s support. With the support of GHK and its reputation for creating world-renowned leisure, entertainment and exquisite hospitality properties, Crystal is set to embark upon new opportunities that will expand our offerings for our guests and travel partners, as well as broader opportunities for our wonderful team of Crystal employees on land and at sea.”