Crystal Cruises to take ultra luxury to the next level

I was reading through the cruise news articles the other day when I can across one on Crystal Cruises and their announcement on their new ships, new river cruises, a super yacht, a two person submarine and even their own aeroplanes.

Some of what is being talked about just seems so exclusive I do wonder about what sort price tags will be attached. I guess there is obviously a market and enough people with plenty of money.

I think that Crystal will definitely have a lot more clout in the luxury market once their additional three ships arrive to add to the two they already have.

I have sailed with Crystal cruises myself on the Crystal Serenity, you can read about my experiences here

http://www.cruise.co.uk/cruise-blogs/richardscruiseramble/2010/10/12/my-cruise-holiday-aboard-the-crystal-serenity/

Here is what Crystal have announced :-

Crystal Cruises will build three new luxury ships, their first new-builds in 12 years and add several new offerings to its portfolio. Among them are a river cruise line, a yacht cruises division, a private aeroplane and a mini-submarine.

The three new Crystal Exclusive Class cruise ships, debuting beginning in late 2018, will be 1,050 feet long, accommodate 1,000 passengers and have a one-to-one passenger-to-crew ratio.

The all-suite, all-balcony ships will feature cabins starting at a minimum of 400 square feet — nearly double the size of cabins found on other luxury lines’ vessels. In addition, ceiling heights will be raised by a foot to 8 feet in suites and on decks.

The ships will be built at Lloyd Werft shipyard, in Germany, and will be built to polar ice class standards, meaning Crystal Cruises will become the first cruise line to operate large luxury expedition ships.

The new ships will feature another first for the line: Crystal Residences, 48 onboard “homes” for sale. Situated on the top deck, this exclusive area will have its own private restaurant, reception and facilities. The residences will also have much higher ceilings than on other cruise ships, equal to most land apartments. Residences will start at 600 square feet and go to more than 4,000 square feet.

Rodriguez did not offer further details about the entertainment or dining options on the ships, except to confirm that the line’s longstanding partnership with Michelin-starred Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa will continue.

Crystal Cruises say there are no plans to sell or refurbish the line’s two current ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. But she added that the line’s long term plan is to operate a three-ship fleet.

Crystal Yacht Cruises

Crystal Cruises
Crystal Yacht Cruises will debut December 23, 2015, with Crystal Esprit, accommodating 62 passengers. It’s most unique attribute will be a two-person submarine. The yacht is part of Star Cruises and currently sails as The Taurus. It will be extensively refurbished and christened ahead of its maiden cruise.

The all-suite yacht will feature high-end finishes and state-of-the art technology. In addition to the sub, the yacht will include four 10-passenger Zodiacs and a 12-passenger, 32-foot super yacht tender.

Additionally, it will carry water skis, wakeboards, kayaks, jet skis, fishing equipment, and scuba and snorkeling equipment.

Reservations will be open exclusively to Crystal Society members, beginning August 2015.

Crystal River Cruises
Crystal River Cruises will debut in 2017 with two sister boats operating European river itineraries. It’s the first time a luxury cruise line has entered the river arena with its own ships; most, such as Disney, charter existing riverboats.

The vessels will be all-suite and feature the same Crystal touches as the line’s oceangoing vessels. No further details are available at this stage.

Crystal Air
Crystal Luxury Air also launches in 2017 with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner whisking passengers to exotic parts of the globe. The 300-passenger aircraft will be reconfigured with just 60 fully reclining business seats and will operate 28-day high-end worldwide itineraries, stopping at 12 to 15 destinations before returning to the original departure city.