Travel News February 2018


CRUISE SPECIAL 23


Crystal charts new course Re-focus on ocean cruising and ties with agents C


RYSTAL Cruises is to downsize its next generation of oceangoing ships. The size of the three newbuilds had been announced in 2015 as 100,000 gross tons, with a passenger capacity of 1,000 at double occupancy. They will now be in the 60,000- to 65,000-ton range with a maximum passenger count of 800. In an interview recently Chief Executive Thomas Wolber said he thought the announced size was "slightly aggressive," in terms of luxury service.


"The delivery of the service is what Crystal is known for," he said. "To be able to continue that, I think we need to take a step back and focus on the size of the ship." He added that the previously announced plan to carve out 48 private apartments on the top deck of each ship "will not materialize," and said that the first said the first of the three new ocean vessels is still scheduled for delivery in 2022. When they were announced in 2015, the trio of ships marked the first new tonnage in decades for Crystal, which under Japan's NYK Cruises was content to refine the service and amenities on two luxury ships, rather than expand.


After Genting Hong Kong acquired the line from NYK for $550 million, it rapidly unveiled a number of new ventures, including expansion into river cruising, luxury yacht cruises and air tours/charters. Thomas Wolber said his priority for 2018 will be to stabilize Crystal and refocus it on blue- water cruising.


"I think this year we need to put our eyes back on what made us Crystal in the first place, and that's the ocean product," he said.


The addition of new products, computer systems, global offices and technical platforms unfolded rapidly under previous CEO Edie Rodriguez,


who left last August to accept a job at Ponant. Wolber said the rapid growth had created a lot of disruption. "As you do so many new things with a relatively small team," he said, "it's easy to take your eyes off the ball and focus on all these little new things that we're rolling out, and you start diverting your attention a little bit from what is your core product and what really is the bread and butter of the business."


Wolber also said he would like to use 2018 to renew Crystal's ties with the travel agent community.


"Crystal, as many luxury brands, is highly dependent on the travel trade. And, again, with the disruption, the rollout of so many new things, we need to focus again on our travel trade partners as well and listen to them and their concerns."


The refocus on the ocean experience started with the September refurbishment of the Crystal Symphony, which was in the works well before Wolber arrived. The ship's capacity was cut to 848 and some cabins were enlarged, while extra room was used to allow for open dining.


CEO Wolber said the changes have been well received. "Obviously, we're in the first three months of rolling this out," he said. "So we're still refining the way that we deliver [the product] and where we can learn things." Wolber said he thought the announced size was "slightly aggressive," in terms of luxury service. "The delivery of the service is what Crystal is known for," Wolber said. "To be able to continue that, I think we need to take a step back and focus on the size of the ship."


Wolber also said the previously announced plan to carve out 48 private apartments on the top deck of each ship "will not materialize."


Chance to take and edit cruise pics like professional


LUXURY expedition cruise specialist Silversea has introduced its new My Photo Academy on sailings to Antarctica onboard Silver Cloud, utilising the ship's new Photo Studio as a hub for the multifaceted enrichment programme.


With a mesmerising landscape and amazing wildlife as the backdrop, guests will have the chance to elevate their photographic prowess by learning how to take and edit pictures like a professional.


"Our new photography programme is a perfect fit for the immersive expeditions we offer in Antarctica," said Conrad Combrink, SVP Strategic Development Expeditions and Experiences. "Voyaging to the bottom of the Earth is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, full of magical moments that we hope to help our guests capture in beautiful images they would be proud to display in their home or office."


With both private and group lessons, guests can learn to master the art of digital photography through the Academy, which provides an array of speciality workshops for both beginners and pros. Among the topics covered is an introduction to photography, social media, and the use of Adobe® Lightroom® and Photoshop® software tools to edit images to get just the right


look.


Unique to Silver Cloud, the Photo Studio - designed and implemented in collaboration with Galardi Media Network, a swiss company specialising in new technologies and multimedia - is a vibrant space of creativity featuring state-of-the-art equipment for both MAC and PC users, including high- quality printers available for use on a fee basis for guests wishing to create postcards or take home frame-ready pictures, including panorama- and A2- size prints. A user-friendly, touch-screen interface makes it easy for guests to print their own photos.


With the guidance of a professional photo manager, guests can learn and practice their photo-editing skills on high-grade professional equipment. Additionally, guests can schedule a 20- minute, one-on-one appointment with a photo-editing expert to receive guidance on a host of topics, including: The intimate Silver Cloud accommodates just 200 guests in polar waters.


A fleet of 16 Zodiacs provides unprecedented opportunity for up-close exploration, while 10 kayaks offer a truly personalised experience of nature in the polar realms. 20 or more passionate and dedicated Expedition Team members are always at hand to share their considerable knowledge and insights.


Fleet of culture offers....


AWARD-winning cruise line Voyages to Antiquity has unveiled a fleet of offers across its 2018 programme of culture-rich itineraries. The deals apply to seven of the small-ship operator’s European sailings departing in May, June and September 2018. Designed for time- pressed travellers keen to enjoy Voyages to Antiquity’s trademark guest speaker programme, holidaymakers can now take advantage of fares as low as £995 per person on select sailings.


All prices include flights, guided shore excursions, all meals on board, drinks with onboard dinners, gratuities and expert onboard guest speakers.


To add an extra dimension of appreciation to the destinations visited, each departure boasts a programme of carefully chosen guest speakers.


Crystal Serenity - the cruise line’s new CEO plans to re-focus on strength of Crystal


The SailAway deals apply to bookings made by January 31, 2018.


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