Come September 21, you’ll be witness to a change from Crystal Cruises. That’s because the line is revamping its 2010 pricing and promotions and Travel Agent has the scoop after a meeting in New York with Crystal senior vice president Bill Smith.
The luxury line is introducing the following: two-for-one fares for all destinations; up to $2,000 per couple spending credits for all destinations; free air (business-class air for Penthouse guests in Europe); and a price guarantee.
This new structure will make Crystal’s 2010 cruises as much as 15 to 20 percent lower than comparable 2009 cruises. Rest assured: if you booked a 2010 cruise before this new structure was implemented, you’ll be compensated for the difference.
For Crystal, it’s a remarkable change. “The scope of changes we’ve made is unprecedented as we literally have to reproduce every piece of collateral we’ve had in the marketplace,” said Smith.
Crystal conducted extensive research and surveying to reach this revamped structure. “Our research validated that consumers respond to the value of the two-for-one more than any other discount messages,” Smith said. He compared it to offers such as Seabourn’s 65 percent discounts on European cruises, which, he said, didn’t connect with consumers or agents as much as two-for-one pricing.
Smith also noted that two-for-one pricing is also available for Crystal’s 2010 world cruise.
All 2010 cruises will offer All Inclusive-As You Wish shipboard spending credits of either $500 or $1,000 per person, including every segment of the world cruise.
With air, Crystal is offering free economy seating on all destinations, and, for Penthouse guests in Europe, free business-class air. If guests would rather book their own air, Crystal will give a spending credit for air purchase.
For 2010, Crystal will retain its Crystal Assurance Plan, meaning guests are assured they will get Crystal’s lowest published fares, even if the line reduces the price.
Crystal's Nordic Walking Program
Crystal Cruises is introducing Nordic Walking aboard its ships. Through an exclusive new partnership with LEKI USA, a leading manufacturer of skiing, trekking and Nordic Walking Poles, the fitness walking with lightweight poles programs are specifically designed to promote wellness while vacationing at sea. The Nordic Walking poles will be available complimentarily to guests aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity this October.
Featuring rubber tips to assist in push-off from various surfaces, like Crystal's wide decks, Nordic Walking poles help to evenly distribute stress while walking, increase stability, and improve balance, and alleviate the steady impact of running and jogging, while offering similar benefits. Using the poles exercises the upper and lower body while walking, adding to the cardiovascular benefit and burning up to 46 percent more calories than walking without them.
Nordic Walking Poles specialist Rick Deutsch will be on board Crystal Serenity's October 8 cruise from Athens to Venice, and Crystal Symphony's October 19 cruise from New York to Montreal to teach the opening classes and train the ships' fitness instructors, who will lead demonstrations on following voyages.
Guests wishing to order a set of Nordic Walking Poles may do so through the fitness directors on board.
Visit www.crystalcruises.com.