Tidal wave of Crystal Cruise bookings
Crystal Cruises reports that soaring sales for its 2010 cruises continued through the end of January. Bookings for the month were 205 percent greater than for the same month in 2009.
Additionally, to date, new-to-Crystal guests booked for 2010 are 89 percent of totals for all of 2009. The update comes shortly after announcing record bookings for its week ending Jan. 11 and its highest January sales in more than five years for same year bookings.
Crystal’s European cruises are generating some of the strongest sales farthest out, and Crystal Symphony’s new holiday cruise in Hawaii is expected to sell out soon.
The cruise line’s fall Canada/New England season is booking at impressive 2007 and 2008 levels and approximately 30 percent ahead of last year at this time.
Crystal reports that while the booking window is increasing, there continues to be substantial close-in reservations – even for very exotic two-week cruises. In other Crystal news:
—The cruise line is expanding its fine dining options in 2011 with Perfect Choice Dining. Offered complimentary in the Crystal Dining Room, Perfect Choice Dining maintains the cruise line’s classic dining experience, while adding greater flexibility and choices.
—The Pierre New York and the King George Palace in Athens are among the plush properties added to Crystal Cruises’ roster of 2010 “Classic” and “Classic Plus” Hotel Programs ashore. From Venice’s venerable Hotel Cipriani to the long-established Dorchester in London, Crystal is inviting guests to extend their cruise vacations with pre- and post-cruise stays at some the world’s most exclusive hotels and resorts.
—-Crystal Cruises has introduced a new online tool to simplify check-in and pre-cruise operations for its worldwide itineraries. Effective this July, the Priority Check-in & Planning Center will allow guests expanded options to complete tasks prior to sailing, from submitting guest immigration information and airport/ship transfer requests to booking spa treatments and shore excursions. Immigration and flight details can be submitted upon initial deposit via the new “Priority Check-in” portion of the system. It also allows guests to request bed configurations and register their credit card for onboard charges, and has other features.
By David Wilkening
David
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