Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, has announced details of its brand new Sell Three, Sail Free UK booking incentive which rewards travel advisors with a complimentary suite. To take advantage of this time-limited offer, all advisors need to do is book three Aquamarine Suites, or higher-value category, on qualifying departures before 31^st March 2025 to receive a complimentary suite which they can either use themselves or offer as a bonus to a member of the travelling party of one of the three bookings.   Matias Lira, Crystal’s SVP Trade Sales LATAM, UK & EMEA, comments: “We value our relationships with travel advisors and appreciate their loyalty, expertise and hard work. This new incentive will not only further strengthen these partnerships, but demonstrates how grateful we are to them for their ongoing support.”   The Sell Three, Sail Free offer is valid for new bookings only and applies to 18 sailings in Europe, the US and Canada, the Caribbean, South America and Asia with departures between October 2024 and March 2025. The complimentary suite can be used on any eligible voyage that departs during the offer period.   For further information log in/register as a TA and navigate to “Trade Offers”.

Luxury line Crystal has opened bookings for its Q1 and Q2 2026 itineraries. The season will see voyages to some of the world’s most iconic destinations, including Indonesia, Japan, East Africa, Baja, California and more. The 39 voyages will continue to offer travellers unmatched cultural immersion - both at sea and on land. Through Crystal’s partnership with sister brand Abercrombie & Kent, guests will be guided to the unseen side in some of the top destinations, with exclusive experiences by local experts. All remaining 2026 itineraries for both Crystal ships will open for booking in the first week of December 2024. After spending the first part of the year in Africa and Asia, including for the cherry blossom season in Japan, Crystal Symphony will return to the US for the first time since 2019. It offers an Alaska season followed by Canada and East Coast sailings, and ending the year with Caribbean cruises. Following her World Cruise, Crystal Serenity will remain in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe before embarking on a transatlantic voyage which will eventually cross the Panama Canal to explore countries along the Pacific Coast of Central and South America. Then she sails north to California for the holidays. Crystal Serenity will then kick off the 2027 World Cruise from San Diego. 

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- Innovative platform to revolutionise travel advisor booking experience with enhanced features & support –

  Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, announced today the launch of its state-of-the-art booking engine, designed to streamline and enhance the booking experience for travel advisors. This ground-breaking platform will go live on 1^st August 2024 offering unparalleled ease of use, advanced features and robust support tailored to meet the needs of today’s travel professionals.   With the launch of this sophisticated tool, Crystal aims to set a new standard in the cruise industry, making it simpler and more efficient for travel advisors to manage cruise bookings. The booking engine, seamlessly integrated into crystalcruises.com, offers a suite of resources designed to provide travel advisors with the flexibility, speed and reliability they need to serve their clients effectively.   Key Features:  

• Intuitive User Interface: The new booking engine boasts a clean, easy-to-navigate design that simplifies the search and booking process.
• Real-Time Availability: Advisors can access up-to-date information on cruise availability, suite categories and pricing.
• Personalized Recommendations: The platform leverages advanced algorithms to provide cruise recommendations based on clients' preferences and optional back-to-back voyage combinations.
• Enhanced Support: A dedicated support team and comprehensive training resources ensure travel advisors can make the most of the new system.
• Exclusive Promotions: Travel advisors can access special deals and promotions through the new booking engine.

  “Travel advisors are at the heart of our business, and we are committed to providing them with the best tools and resources available,” said Marett Taylor, Chief Sales Officer of A&K Travel Group. “Our new booking engine is a testament to our dedication to innovation and excellence. We believe it will significantly enhance the efficiency of our valued travel partners, enabling them to deliver exceptional service to their clients.”   Training and Support   To ensure a smooth transition, Crystal has developed comprehensive training resources, including webinars, video tutorials and step-by-step guides. Travel advisors will also have access to a dedicated support team ready to assist with any questions or issues that may arise.   "I am thrilled that Crystal has made the commitment to its travel advisor community by investing in this new booking engine,” said Melissa Araya, Vice President of Cruise at Virtuoso. “With everything we need now right at our fingertips, it will make it easier and more efficient for our travel advisors to deliver exceptional service to their clients."

Crystal has unveiled its new dedicated travel advisor booking engine. Going live on August 1, it has been designed to streamline the booking process for travel partners with various advanced features. The booking engine is seamlessly integrated into the customer facing website. The key features include up-to-date real-time cruise availability, suite categories and pricing, as well as personalized recommendations based on clients' preferences using advanced algorithms. The site also uses a more intuitive user interface. Travel advisors can access special deals and promotions through the new booking engine. It has a dedicated support team and comprehensive training resources. “We are committed to providing advisors with the best tools and resources available," said Marett Taylor, Chief Sales Officer of A&K Travel Group. "We believe it will significantly enhance the efficiency of our travel partners." To enable a smooth transition, Crystal has developed training resources, including webinars, video tutorials and step-by-step guides. Travel advisors will also have access to the support team. 

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Luxury line Crystal is adding two new ships to its fleet. It just signed a deal with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for two 690-passenger, 61,800-gross-ton ships The first ship is expected to be delivered by spring 2028. Crystal also has an option for a third vessel. Studio Ibsen and Studio Gem will be responsible for the design concept of the new ships. A major feature of the new ships will be a promenade covering the entire ships’ perimeter. The ships will house multiple culinary venues, spa and a fitness center. They will feature all-suite accommodation, with private verandas. There will also be some suites dedicated to solo cruisers. 

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Explore the Extraordinary with Five Grand Journeys Featuring Extended Itineraries

  Today, Crystal revealed its Grand Journeys itineraries for 2025.  Following their extensive multi-million dollar refurbishment, the reimagined Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will offer extended voyage plans with prolonged port visits, overnight stops and optional overland experiences designed by Abercrombie & Kent at well-known landmarks and lesser-explored destinations. From discovering northern Europe’s famous white summer nights to exploring Africa and Asia’s diverse cultures and countries, Crystal is continuing its commitment to fostering opportunities for inspiration and enrichment, complemented by exceptional service.   With an industry-leading space-to-guest ratio, reduced passenger capacity and nearly one staff member per guest, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony offer larger, redesigned suites, award-winning specialty dining restaurants and restorative public spaces that enhance passengers' experiences en route to the world's most sought-after destinations.   Crystal's pioneering collaboration with Abercrombie & Kent will provide guests traveling on 2025 Grand Journeys unique access to the hidden facets of some of the world's most coveted destinations, along with exclusive events curated by experts in the region, with like-minded friends and travelers.   “We’re thrilled to announce an impressive lineup of Grand Journeys for 2025,” said Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group. “These extended itineraries offer exclusive opportunities for immersion in some of the world’s most unique and sought-after destinations. We can’t wait for our guests to experience these unparalleled voyages along with the unique land experiences we are creating with our sister brand Abercrombie & Kent.”   2025 Grand Journeys include:   Roundtrip Mumbai Jan. 7, 2025, to March 18, 2025 (70 Nights, Crystal Symphony) This round-trip sailing from Mumbai weaves through the enchanting tapestry of Asia’s gems, sailing through 15 countries and 32 destinations. Revel in overnights in the vibrant cities of Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City; be captivated by the ethereal beauty of Ha Long Bay and delve into Japan's heart, starting with an overnight stay in Tokyo. Looping back, discover the cultural richness of South Korea and unveil the treasures of Brunei, promising a blend of diverse cultures, breathtaking rainforests and memorable Asian experiences.   Roundtrip Singapore Jan. 18, 2025, to March 6, 2025 (47 Nights, Crystal Symphony) Embark on this 47-night round trip sailing from Singapore and traverse a tapestry of extraordinary destinations. From the vibrant shores of Taiwan to Ko Samui's tropical beauty, Ha Long Bay's mystique, the dynamic energy of Hong Kong, and Tokyo's neon jungles, this trip captures Asia’s most mythic destinations. With overnights in Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Shanghai and Singapore complemented by days at sea, the experience offers both exploration and relaxation.   Rio de Janeiro to Mumbai March 5, 2025, to April 18, 2025 (44 Nights, Crystal Serenity) Enjoy a riot of color, charisma and happy cacophony on this cruise. Start by immersing in the vibrant rhythms of Rio’s famous Carnival during a private event before enjoying plenty of serene sea days. Stop in remote St. Helena en route to Namibia, where you’ll overnight in beautiful Walvis Bay and enjoy a captivating concert in the desert. Sail on to the captivating city of Cape Town before espousing the scenic coasts of South Africa, sailing east. Immerse yourself in the heady aromas of Zanzibar, aka the spice isle, then sail on to the white sandy beaches of Mombasa, the Seychelles and the Maldives. Continue the voyage to Sri Lanka, culminating in India's vibrant and diverse treasures.   Cape Town to Barcelona March 20, 2025, to May 10, 2025 (51 Nights, Crystal Serenity) This epic 51-night expedition from Cape Town to Barcelona is brimming with diverse wonders. Beginning with the savannah-strewn landscapes of South Africa, guests will sail on to relish overnights in the exotic paradises of Zanzibar and Mombasa. Dive into the turquoise allure of the Seychelles and the Maldives next, then experience the vibrant tapestry of India, including an overnight in Mumbai. Venture on through the Middle East, discovering the ancient wonders of Petra and the Pyramids. Embark upon the cultural riches of Athens, the scenic beauty of Sicily, and Italy's coastal allure, culminating in Barcelona's whimsical grandeur.   Stockholm to Liverpool July 29, 2025, to Sept. 7, 2025 (40 Nights, Crystal Serenity) Experience Northern Europe’s long white nights on this 40-night voyage. Begin with an overnight in Stockholm, then immerse in the medieval charm of Tallinn and the historical allure of Visby and Riga. Visit Copenhagen, the capital of the “World’s Happiest Country,” and then head to Kristiansand, the Shetland and Orkney Isles, and the landscapes of Iceland and Norway. Sail to the iconic North Cape, overnight in Amsterdam, and embrace the coastal charm of England, ending the journey in the Beatles' hometown, Liverpool.   In addition to offering one-of-a-kind experiences together with Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal is offering exceptional benefits for those who book 2025 Grand Journey voyages.   Grand Journeys Benefits (Terms & Conditions apply):

• Crystal Society members receive 5% early bird savings if booked before Jan. 12, 2024, or 2.5% savings for bookings thereafter
• Business Class airfare allowance or credit for the first two guests
• Two A&K One-day Experiences throughout the sailing
• Up to $1,500 'As You Wish' credit
• Private transfers
• Complimentary laundry service
• Complimentary first visit/medical consultation