Crystal Cruises announced an expansion plan under new owners Genting Hong Kong that includes three 1,000-passenger vessels, its first new ships in decades. Plus, Crystal will expand into adventure, yacht and river cruising, and luxury jet trips.
The three Crystal Exclusive Class ships will be about the same size as the 20-year-old Crystal Symphony and the slightly larger 2003-built Crystal Serenity.
The line has signed a letter of intent with Lloyd Werft to build the ocean ships, which will have an unprecedented space ratio of 100 gross tons of space per guest, Crystal said. The minimum size of the cabins on the ships will be 400 square feet.
The first ship is due for delivery in late 2018. The ships will be built to sail in polar waters, Crystal said.
And to top it all, the company is launching a yacht cruising brand, with a 62-passenger vessel called Crystal Esprit.
“Our vision and revolutionary plans for Crystal’s ocean vessels require us to partner with a premium shipyard that has the expertise and resources to deliver the ‘Crystal Exclusive Class’,” said Tan Sri Lim, chairman. “Lloyd Werft is synonymous with successful world-class new builds and luxury mega yachts, including Luna, the second largest expedition private yacht in the world, measuring at 337 feet long (in length).”
“With an impressive 100 tons of space per guest, the average space ratio for luxury cruise ships being 60 tons per person, our new ships’ guest-to-space ratios will be vast in comparison to past, current and under- construction luxury ships, reaching all corners of the world safely, smoothly and in the utmost style and comfort,” said Edie Rodriguez, president and CEO, Crystal Cruises.
For the first time ever, guests will have the opportunity to call a Crystal ship “home,” with Crystal Residences. Situated on the top deck of the new ships will be 48 unique homes, with their own private restaurant, reception and facilities, and high ceilings (nine feet). Residences will start at 600 square feet and go to more than 4,000 square feet of interior living area, which will be the largest on the high seas.
