Genting Hong Kong has announced it has completed the acquisition of Crystal Cruises from Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK).
The completion of the $550 million deal has sparked a number of executive changes at the cruise line.
Executive Chairman of the Genting Group and a former chairman of Norwegian Cruise Line, Lim Kok Thay becomes chairman of Crystal.
Current Crystal COO Edie Rodriguez becomes the line’s new CEO.
Rodriguez confirmed a third ship will be built but said it would be business as usual for the line.
Planned advertised itineraries through 2018 will not be affected in any way by the change of owners, said Rodriguez.
"Genting Hong Kong is delighted and honored to add Crystal to our global hospitality and leisure brands," added Lim Kok Thay.
"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 look forward to ushering in a new era of luxury cruising with Genting Hong Kong’s support."
Genting Hong Kong also owns Asia cruise line Star Cruises and holds a major shareholding in Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.
