On Oct. 20, a month after announcing its new pricing structure, Crystal Cruises announced a 70 percent increase in new bookings since four weeks ago. The company also saw more than a 100 percent increase in booking revenue for 2010 versus the same time last year in bookings for 2009.
The company’s new “2010 Cruise Guide” and “20th Anniversary Worldwide Cruise Atlas” were complete by the end of October with the new pricing, the result of exhaustive research on what appeals to Crystal clients (the line’s new two-for-one fares, All Inclusive — As You Wish shipboard spending credits, free airfare and a price guarantee). The atlas also includes a 2011 preview cruise calendar.
In 2010, the redesigned, 922-guest Crystal Symphony, and the 1,070-guest Crystal Serenity cruise through the Middle East, Africa, the Caribbean, South America, the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands, the Black Sea, the Panama Canal, the Mexican Riviera, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, the British Isles, the Baltic Sea, the Arctic Circle and New England/Canada.
New destinations include maiden calls in Iran, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia on the World Cruise as well as new North American cruises to the Sea of Cortez and Hawaii. Most sailings maintain an emphasis on port-intensive, destination-driven itineraries with many overnight stays, although some crossings and lengthier cruises offer days at sea.
Crystal’s 2010 cruises showcase a number of special interest sailings, including Crystal’s Wine & Food Festival (set for seven cruises, with two back-to-back options); Mind, Body & Spirit; Jazz; Film & Theater Festival; and Big Band. Additionally, Crystal’s annual President’s Cruise adds special programming and events in celebration of the line’s 20th anniversary.
On a Dec. 11 departure in the Caribbean, a new Science and Technology theme will debut, as guest lecturers focus on the world’s latest scientific developments.
PGA pros offer onboard and shoreside tips on improving guests’ games, and guests play at some of the world’s most exclusive courses in New England and Canada on an Oct. 22 sailing. And, personal style consultations with professional designers and stylists will be offered along with fashion shows on two cruises in the Mediterranean, departing June 6 and Sept. 29.
www.crystalcruises.com
