Travel And Tour World: What does the new and improved Crystal have in store for passengers?

Jacqueline Barney: For more than 30 years, Crystal Cruises has been synonymous with the exceptional. From service to dining, suites to experiences, our commitment to delivering the best in travel has set the standard for excellence in the cruise industry. Through the years, our focus on innovation, attention to detail and personalized service has underpinned everything we do. Now we have taken this commitment to the next level, merging with Abercrombie & Kent, bringing together two of the most respected names in high-end travel to create a truly unparalleled experience for our guests.

Being part of A&K Travel Group is an enormous benefit for Crystal as we return to service, and our guests will see the immediate impact of this partnership. We will be working together to curate shore excursions that will be unmatched as well as pre-and post-cruise, land-based opportunities.

Travel And Tour World: Crystal Cruise has been improvising a lot on its hospitality after it is relaunched. Tell us something about your onboard dining offerings?

Jacqueline Barney: Crystal’s award-winning cuisine is created and influenced by pioneers in the global food scene, with up to 11 distinct venues to choose from. Open seating with extensive dining options is tailored around the personal preferences of our guests, allowing them to choose exactly what they want at a time that works for them. Be it is a late breakfast, six-course wine pairing lunch, or dinner in our exclusive Osteria d’Ovidio or Umi Uma, the Only Seagoing Specialty Dining Experience by the Michelin-Star Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa.

Travel And Tour World: What has been the passenger traffic in the 2022-2023 seasons? Give a detailed statistic of passengers during the cruising season.

Jacqueline Barney: 2023 sailings have been filling with an accelerated booking curve due to the unprecedented release of itineraries for two vessels returning to service in the same calendar year. The Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries have been the fastest-selling regions and are on pace to exceed forecasted figures in the coming weeks while other regions have seen a significant lift in momentum.

Additionally, Australia & New Zealand 2024 voyages are selling very well, along with the 2024 World Cruise Crystal Serenity.  We are also starting to see Alaska sailings generating more movement for our first sailings in the region.

Overall, we are seeing demand increasing as we near our return to service and anticipate an even greater spike once Crystal Serenity is back in the water.

Travel And Tour World: Tell us something about Crystal’s imminent voyages to give exclusive experiences to cruisers.

Jacqueline Barney: Our guests are very excited about the return of our World Cruise in 2024. Following the pandemic and the purchase of the brand by A&K Travel Group, it will be the first world cruise under new ownership. The itinerary covers a very eclectic group of ports from Israel and Turkey to Greece, Italy, Spain, France, and its world-famous French Riviera. It will also include a welcome reception, gala dinners along with especially themed onboard and shoreside events that will leave our guests thrilled.

Travel And Tour World: Crystal has made a mark in the industry for its holistic approach to wellness. Share with our readers about your offerings to guests.

Jacqueline Barney: When guests board Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony this summer, a newly redesigned spa. Inspired by the Goddess of Dawn, Aurōra will offer guests a destination for personal peace and overall well-being during their Crystal voyage. With a stunning new design and sunrise-inspired signature treatments led by expert therapists, Aurōra will be an oasis for guests to rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul.

Our 3,000+ square-foot Fitness Centre features an extensive line of professional weights and Technogym® exercise equipment. ​We also offer Wellness program with classes in yoga, mat pilates and spinning classes. Our ships’ full-time Fitness Director offers fitness advice and a variety of stretch and aerobic instruction.

Guests will also find a new pickleball court and for those who enjoy golf, we offer a putting green and driving cage.

Travel And Tour World: Where do you wish to see Crystal Cruise in the next five years?

Jacqueline Barney: Our first achievement will be re-launching a brand in under a year, and we are very excited about that.

During the next five years, we will continue to deliver the exceptional to our guests both at sea and on land. We will achieve this by offering Exceptional Service, Exceptional Dining, Exceptional Suites, and Exceptional Experiences.What the next five years will actually look like is hard to predict but we will continue to evolve listening to our guests and travel partners and offer the first-class service that made the previous company award-winning for nearly 30 years.