Crystal Cruises is rewarding travel agents for selling additional 2011 cruises, while offering 2012 itineraries — including a range of theme cruises to targeted clientele — at Early Booking half-price fares and free airfare.
The Book Now fares, available until Oct. 31, include two-for-one prices and free roundtrip airfare from more than 20 North American gateways (or generous air credits). On select sailings, guests can also enjoy additional Book Now Savings as high as $4,000. Crystal’s All Inclusive - As You Wish shipboard credit of $1,000-$2,000 per couple is included on select sailings in the first quarter of 2012. The line’s rates include specialty restaurant dining, featuring the cuisine of Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio and, next spring, Crystal will add fine wines and premium spirits, open bar service in all lounges and pre-paid gratuities for housekeeping, bar and dining staff.
“We are introducing the 2012 travel year on Crystal Cruises with the best pricing on the best itineraries, offering extraordinary service and enrichment on the vacation product that so many discerning luxury travelers regard as the very best experience in the world,” said Jack Anderson, senior vice president, marketing and sales. “Book Now means exactly what it says. We want to ensure that those who book early enjoy the best pricing.”
In 2012, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will visit 182 ports of call in 59 countries on 60 itineraries of seven to 94 days. Addressing the desires of niche interest travelers, Crystal has announced 25 Experiences of Discovery cruises for 2012. More than a third of next year’s cruises will have one of 12 themes in various parts of the world.
Due to increased demand, Crystal’s Ocean Views program will be offered on both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony sailings, expanding from World Cruise segments to include transatlantic cruises. During the sailings, expert thinkers from various fields (ambassadors, professors, military leaders, foreign correspondents, etc.) meet for panel discussions, debating current events and/or global issues. Crystal also is doubling the number of Big Band and Ballroom Dancing cruises. The Emerging Artists program that proved popular this year will be offered to Europe-bound guests next summer.
The Wine & Food Festival brings together expert chefs, wine authorities, mixologists and other culinary pros to create special meals, cocktails and presentations related to the region. While sailing from L.A. to New York, stars and industry experts of Hollywood and Broadway entertain guests. Golfing theme cruises allow guests to play on some of Europe’s most prestigious championship courses.
Motivational talks by football greats highlight the NFL Legends cruises and the Comprehensive Creative Learning Institute will offer an expanded curriculum of music, language, computer, fitness and other enrichment classes.
The spotlight is also on the remaining cruises for 2011, as the month of September brings bonus commissions of $125-$400 for each new 2011 booking. Effective Sept. 6-30, agents will receive the new bonus commissions for every new guest booked on any Crystal cruise scheduled from mid-October through the end of 2011. These include 15 cruises with a choice of seven-day, close-to-home sailings, Mediterranean itineraries, a Big Band voyage, Thanksgiving cruises and all holiday vacations. Bonus fare reductions — including the Fall Fare Sale, free airfare from many North American gateways (or airfare credits), “All Inclusive. As You Wish” spending credits and Crystal Family Memories perks — give agents a collection of offers to close sales.
“These commission incentives are available to every travel agent, large and small,” Anderson stated. “Crystal Cruises holds a unique position in the cruise industry with an unprecedented number of awards and accolades for food, service, entertainment and activities. When agents sell a luxury product with an exceptionally high degree of guest satisfaction, they will enjoy repeat business for the future as well as make a lot of money in 2011.”
The Details
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