Top news this week is that Crystal is back in the water sailing with luxury guests! Under the brand’s new ownership by A&K Travel Group, headed by Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio and Geoffrey Kent, the ultra-luxury brand has relaunched in the Mediterranean. Sporting new accommodations categories and interior design updates, the revitalized, 740-passenger Crystal Serenity set sail on a preview cruise for trade and media guests last week. Today, it begins its first revenue cruise from Marseille, France.
In our sister publication Luxury Travel Advisor, we shared our first impressions of the new Crystal after spending the weekend onboard before its proper inaugural sailing. Of note, while the ship has a fresh, contemporary feel, loyal Crystal guests will also love discovering some familiar touches. In addition, with room capacity lowered, there are several new suite categories on board, with others receiving refreshes from their previous look.
On that sailing, we also learned about the line's plan to build two more classic ships and two new expedition ships. Shipyard negotiations are in progress but construction on one classic ship and one expedition ship could start in the second quarter of 2024.
Also on the revitalization front, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Joy will receive sizable enhancements in January 2024; they’re designed to elevate the onboard guest experience. For instance, the ship will receive a new Thermal Suite in the Mandara Spa and Salon, an expanded Vibe Beach Club, 24 new staterooms, and redesigned three-bedroom Premier Owner’s Suites in The Haven.
In response to burgeoning demand for cruising on Portugal’s Douro River, Riviera River Cruises will add a new ship, Porto Mirante, there. That’s the line’s third ship on the Douro. In 2024, Porto Mirante will sail 10 departures of the new “Highlights of the Douro Valley and Salamanca River Cruise” itinerary, with departures July through October.
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As expected, Royal Caribbean Group (RCL) reported positive second quarter 2023 earnings thanks to stronger pricing for close-in consumer demand and greater onboard revenue. “Our brands continue to fire on all cylinders, resulting in record yields and second quarter earnings significantly exceeding our expectations," said Jason Liberty, RCL’s president and CEO. The company expects double-digit net yield growth for the full year, plus 2024 advance bookings are up significantly versus all prior years and at record prices.
Scenic Group USA unveiled a new Groups+ travel advisor program, which offers travel advisors a complimentary hosted suite on certain 2024 Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II sailings; this will allow the advisor to accompany their group. The offer is available on many sailings including a new 11-day "Discover the Kimberly Coastline" itinerary along Australia’s northwestern coast.
Cuisine continues to be a big draw for guests. Scenic will also welcome "Top Chef" alumnus and James Beard Award semi-finalist Chef Bryan Voltaggio onboard for two specialty culinary cruises, while Celebrity Cruises has unveiled culinary experiences for the new Celebrity Ascent, which debuts later this year.
Sister publication Luxury Travel Advisor also looked at European Christmas Markets cruises and what's ahead for the holiday season on European rivers in 2023 or 2024. Clients who like those kinds of voyages also might be interested in a new offering on the Mississippi River from American Queen Voyages. In partnership with the City of Natchez, MS, the line will introduce an extended port call and a new Christmas Market experience for select voyages that call at Natchez during the upcoming holiday season.
On the cruise executive front, Ponant has promoted Ellen McIlvaine to VP of sales, replacing longtime industry veteran Theresa Gatta, who has announced her retirement.
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