Media Coverage of the new Crystal release - Feb 2023

[Stickman1990]

I know we’ll end up with multiple threads but let’s try to keep it all in one maybe?

 

Starting off with SeaTrade

 

https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/ship-operations/new-crystal-cruises-launch-bigger-staterooms-familiar-faces?

 

and Travel Weekly

 

https://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Crystal-unveils-launch-dates-for-refurbished-ships?

Edited January 31, 2023 by Stickman1990

[History&Wine]

62 square feet rooms???  That is very small! 

[hypercafe]

Funny, with the ships size and new passenger numbers they are the same as the Silver Nova, a new class for SS.

[TER777]

34 minutes ago, History&Wine said:

62 square feet rooms???  That is very small! 

19 square meters is 204 square feet.

[History&Wine]

55 minutes ago, TER777 said:

19 square meters is 204 square feet.

Thanks.  The article quoted both 19 square meters and 62 square feet.  I didn't check the math, and neither did the author. 

[Embowaf]

Yeah the singles appear to just be the same ocean view rooms, just in a specific place. One would assume that they can just sell them interchangeably if one sells out.

[Stickman1990]

Cruise Passenger Australia coverage

 

https://cruisepassenger.com.au/news/crystal-cruises-returns-larger-staterooms-and-australia-bound-itineraries

[Stickman1990]

Cruise Industry News 

 

https://cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/2023/02/crystal-cruises-announces-summer-2023-return/

 

 

[Stickman1990]

Crystal’s press release on the announcement 

 

MIAMI, 02 FEBRUARY 2023

Crystal: Exceptional at Sea

Crystal relaunches, with Serenity and Symphony returning this summer with Exclusive Access to 2023 and 2024 Voyages

 

Crystal Cruises has officially relaunched under a reimagined name and vision: Crystal – Exceptional at Sea. This new era for Crystal begins with an innovative website and branding under the guardianship of the A&K Travel Group.

 

Crystal has also announced its 2023 and 2024 voyages aboard the newly refurbished Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, reimagined with larger updated suites that include artisanal finishes, cutting-edge-onboard wellness, and world-class dining and entertainment.With over nine dining options onboard each ship, a leading spa, fitness facilities and large pool, there is ample choice for all.

New Itineraries

The award-winning ships will soon embark on itineraries around the globe, immersing guests in incredible locations. Voyages will travel throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. See the collection of voyages here.

 

Exceptional Suites

The suites and guest rooms are more spacious, with elevated detail and contemporary craftsmanship. Suites feature marble quarried from Italy, with modern furnishings and fine cotton linens.

Exceptional Service

Personalized, friendly service gives a home away from home sense of relaxation, with a ‘what you want when you want it’ ethos. This is delivered via industry-leading staff training synonymous with Crystal.

Exceptional Dining

An award-winning complimentary food and beverage program has been designed to bring authentic dining experiences with efficient and personalized service no matter where and when you eat. There will be a series of guest chefs connected to the destinations visited, adding diversity and local flavors.

Exceptional Experiences

Both the spa and the gym will be revamped, and the Wimbledon courts will host both paddle tennis and pickleball. A refreshed approach to entertainment and events programming has been developed with more information to follow.

On shore, a seamless experience with unparalleled levels of service continues with Abercrombie & Kent’s ground arrangements. A&K is well known for their ability to open doors closed to most, with exclusive access, the world’s leading guides and meticulous organization. Operating on every continent, they have been regarded as the gold standard for even the most discerning traveler for more than 60 years.

“I am delighted to announce that Crystal is reborn, with Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony reimagined and enhancements made to every part of our guests’ journey,” said Crystal president Jack Anderson. “Palatial suites, spacious verandas and guest rooms have beenrolled out on both ships, reducing overall guest capacity. Personalized service – long a Crystal signature – has been elevated further. Dining is a journey through culinary specialties, with authentic food from around the globe. Local experts at Abercrombie & Kent have planned memorable experiences in each destination to guarantee beyond-the-guidebook access.”

Travel Advisors and guests with Open Deposits have exclusive access to an early booking window beginning Wednesday, February 1 - before bookings open to the public later this month.

The first sailings will be a Mediterranean cruise of Crystal Serenity on July 31 from Marseille and Crystal Symphony, scheduled to depart September 1 from Athens.

Preview the new Crystal experience and just announced voyages at crystalcruises.com. Register online to receive the latest updates.

Crystal Facts

 

Refurbished: 2023

Rooms by Type | Both Ships

 

Crystal Penthouse Suite: Our largest suite, with expansive living areas, a private veranda, sumptuous finishings and attentive butler service.

Suite Size: up to 850 sq. ft.
Veranda: up to 107 sq. ft.

Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite: Large suite with spacious rooms with separate dining and living areas, looking onto a private veranda, and accompanied by attentive butler service.

Suite Size: up to 646 sq. ft.
Veranda: up to 161 sq. ft.

Sapphire Veranda Suite: Spacious suite, with living area, lavish finishings and private veranda, accompanied by attentive butler service.

Suite Size: up to 430 sq. ft.
Veranda: up to 107 sq. ft.

Sapphire Ocean View Suite: Spacious suite, with living area, lavish finishings and expansive ocean views, accompanied by attentive butler service.

Suite Size: up to 430 sq. ft.

Aquamarine Veranda Suite: Suite offering comfortable living area, private veranda and is perfect for grand yet intimate moments, accompanied by attentive butler service.

Suite Size: up to 323 sq. ft.
Veranda Size: up to 86 sq. ft.

Double Guest Room with Veranda:Contemporary classic bedroom with junior butler service and comfortable seating constellations opening onto a private veranda.

Room Size: up to 215 sq. ft.
Veranda: up to 54 sq. ft.

Double Guest Room with Ocean View: Contemporary classic bedroom with junior butler service and large windows onto ocean views.

Room size: up to 215 sq. ft.

Single Guest Room with Ocean View: Cozy bedroom with welcoming and comfortable detailing, junior butler service and ocean views. (Single occupancy only).

Room size: up to 215 sq. ft.

 

Food & Beverage

Nine restaurants and six bars on each ship

 

Awards

1. Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards winner for 27 years in a row
2. Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards Winner 24 years in a row

 

Crystal Serenity

Guest Capacity: 740

Per Guest Space Ratio: 1 to 93.1 cu. ft.

Nearly one staff member per guest

Refurbished In: 2023

 

Crystal Symphony

Guest Capacity: 606

Per Guest Space Ratio: 1 to 84.2 cu. ft.

Nearly one staff member per guest

Refurbished In: 2023

 

About Crystal

Exceptional at Sea

 

For over three decades Crystal has been synonymous with exceptional, award-winning voyages.

Last year, the A&K Travel Group acquired the Crystal brand and its two most beloved vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, ushering in a new era of Exceptional Suites, Exceptional Service, Exceptional Dining, and Exceptional Experiences.

For media enquiries, please contact

The Americas

Pamela Lassers | PLassers@abercrombiekent.com

Jean Fawcett | JFawcett@abercrombiekent.com

UK/EMEA

James Treacy | JTreacy@abercrombiekent.co.uk

Australasia

Michelle Mickan | mmickan@abercrombiekent.com.au

 

https://www.crystalcruises.com/press/crystal-exceptional-at-sea

Edited February 2, 2023 by Stickman1990

[seaknots]

some say that only a name & 2 ships were purchased not a cruise line

but the press release says that crystal cruises has relaunched & references 3 decades of award winning voyages

same name, same ships, same president, same database, same influencers

if it looks like a duck ...........

 

[Stickman1990]

An article from an Australian site for TAs 

 

https://latteluxurynews.com/2023/02/03/crystal-relaunch-program-unveiling/?

[Stickman1990]

Seatrade on the guest rooms and suites today 

 

https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/refurb-interiors/inside-crystal-serenity-and-crystal-symphonys-new-guest-rooms-and-suites?

[Mr Luxury]

3 hours ago, Stickman1990 said:

Seatrade on the guest rooms and suites today 

 

https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/refurb-interiors/inside-crystal-serenity-and-crystal-symphonys-new-guest-rooms-and-suites?

I wouldn't have thought that a picture of a small room would be the best thing to have as your main photo in an article.

They do seem to be promising a lot by having Butlers for every category of suite and then having a never seen anywhere in the World before Junior butler looking after the smaller rooms.

Perhaps the Junior butlers are smaller than the proper butler.

Judging by the size of the rooms you might have to go on the balcony while the junior butler services your needs in the room.

Imagine if you have no balcony,do you leave the room,hide in the toilet or press yourself up against the window until the junior butler leaves.

These rooms with no balcony are surely better for guest entertainers or crew who probably will not have the butler service.

[lincslady]

I am always amused by these 'up to' descriptions in advertising.  This actually means anything from nothing 'up to' whatever it is.

[skybluewaters]

14 hours ago, Mr Luxury said:

...you might have to go on the balcony while the junior butler services your needs

 

Please, there are children reading this!

[KenzSailing]

10 minutes ago, skybluewaters said:

 

Please, there are children reading this!

 

I do not know your origin story skybluewaters, but every time I see your screen name something I haven't seen since I was a kid pops into my head:

 

 

 

[skybluewaters]

24 minutes ago, KenzSailing said:

I do not know your origin story skybluewaters, but every time I see your screen name something I haven't seen since I was a kid pops into my head:

 

You, sir, are correct, this is the shameful backstory of skybluewaters. 

I have no recollection of ever drinking this beer, but the commercial (not only the theme song, but also the voice over) instantly transports me back to my early childhood, watching TV during a much simpler time.  Very soothing to me (and cheaper than therapy). 

[Mr Luxury]

1 hour ago, skybluewaters said:

 

Please, there are children reading this!

There's always one 😀

[travelberlin]

On 2/2/2023 at 5:39 PM, seaknots said:

some say that only a name & 2 ships were purchased not a cruise line

but the press release says that crystal cruises has relaunched & references 3 decades of award winning voyages

same name, same ships, same president, same database, same influencers

if it looks like a duck ...........

 

Good Catch

Ivi

[hypercafe]

Things like these statements really turn me off to the new Crystal.

 

1. Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards winner for 27 years in a row
2. Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards Winner 24 years in a row.
3. They haven't sailed one trip, in a different part of the same PR they talk about not being part of the old Crystal when it comes to money but then want to talk about 27 years of awards they had nothing to do with.

[travelberlin]

20 minutes ago, hypercafe said:

Things like these statements really turn me off to the new Crystal.

 

1. Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards winner for 27 years in a row
2. Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards Winner 24 years in a row.
3. They haven't sailed one trip, in a different part of the same PR they talk about not being part of the old Crystal when it comes to money but then want to talk about 27 years of awards they had nothing to do with.

In German this is called Doppelmoral 🧐 but if we mention it, very soon someone will post how tiring this is to hear, how people shall move on, how those posts shall stop, how for sure we might find another cruise line to please us, etc, etc, etc. 

Ivi

[PaulMCO]

Love the double talk ---

 

The vast majority of feedback we've received from travel advisors and past guests has been positive,' according to Anderson. 'We're sympathetic for what may have occurred to individuals in the past and remain optimistic that through the legal process with the assignee that those will be resolved ...

'We will have extraordinarily welcoming offers and coordination with travel advisors and our past guests to thank them and welcome them back. Those announcements will be coming soon.'

 

 

This is pure GARBAGE   "remain optimistic that through the legal process with the assignee that those will be resolved .."

 

Everyone knows -

 

1. The pot of money is now less than $13M
2. Under Florida law the most anyone can receive is $2225 as a Priority 1 claim
3. The Priority 1 claims will likely eat up all of the balance, including $1m for back pay to employees
4. The remainder of claims get thrown in with the unsecured group including TA, suppliers which will be pennies on the dollar (if at all)

 

With these comments it really shows the stripes of the current and past President.

 

 

 

Edited February 6, 2023 by PaulMCO

[travelberlin]

39 minutes ago, PaulMCO said:

Love the double talk ---

 

The vast majority of feedback we've received from travel advisors and past guests has been positive,' according to Anderson. 'We're sympathetic for what may have occurred to individuals in the past and remain optimistic that through the legal process with the assignee that those will be resolved ...

'We will have extraordinarily welcoming offers and coordination with travel advisors and our past guests to thank them and welcome them back. Those announcements will be coming soon.'

 

 

This is pure GARBAGE   "remain optimistic that through the legal process with the assignee that those will be resolved .."

 

Everyone knows -

 

1. The pot of money is now less than $13M
2. Under Florida law the most anyone can receive is $2225 as a Priority 1 claim
3. The Priority 1 claims will likely eat up all of the balance, including $1m for back pay to employees
4. The remainder of claims get thrown in with the unsecured group including TA, suppliers which will be pennies on the dollar (if at all)

 

With these comments it really shows the stripes of the current and past President.

 

 

 

“Individuals” what is that? Is he saying we are few? What does he mean by “individuals “? Well the individual Anderson remains clueless…😡

Ivi

 

[hypercafe]

1 hour ago, PaulMCO said:

Love the double talk ---

 

The vast majority of feedback we've received from travel advisors and past guests has been positive,' according to Anderson. 'We're sympathetic for what may have occurred to individuals in the past and remain optimistic that through the legal process with the assignee that those will be resolved ...

'We will have extraordinarily welcoming offers and coordination with travel advisors and our past guests to thank them and welcome them back. Those announcements will be coming soon.'

 

 

This is pure GARBAGE   "remain optimistic that through the legal process with the assignee that those will be resolved .."

 

Everyone knows -

 

1. The pot of money is now less than $13M
2. Under Florida law the most anyone can receive is $2225 as a Priority 1 claim
3. The Priority 1 claims will likely eat up all of the balance, including $1m for back pay to employees
4. The remainder of claims get thrown in with the unsecured group including TA, suppliers which will be pennies on the dollar (if at all)

 

With these comments it really shows the stripes of the current and past President.

 

 

 

In the same talk he talked about how great Crystal was as it won all these awards however these awards were from the Crystal he just disemboweled from. Double talk.