Crystal adapts world cruise to fill spare capacity

Crystal symphony 2001 itineraries

Crystal adapts world cruise to fill spare capacity

Report by TANYAJEFFERIES

CRYSTAL Cruises is trying to fill spare capacity on Crystal Symphony’s 2001 world cruise by introducing shorter segments starting from 11 nights.

It has built eight short cruises into the 104-night cruise from Los Angeles to Southampton, which has been on the market since January, and published a brochure insert to promote them.

An 11-night segment from Tenerife to Southampton starts at £2,410 per person, while a 12-night segment from Dubai to Mombasa costs from £3,290. The price of the whole cruise, which kicks off on January 12 and calls at 31 countries, leads in at £24,870.

Head of sales and marketing Joanne Phillips admitted there was still space available in cheaper, lower deck cabins but said the penthouses were sold out.

“Usually segments are a minimum of around 28 nights, which you can add together or take separately,” she said. “We have introduced shorter segments for those clients who don’t have months free to stay away from home.”

The world cruise includes complimentary shore excursions, flights and gratuities. Club-class upgrades are available starting at £475 per person one way.

Crystal is set to unveil special offers on its 2001 Panama Canal and Alaska cruises within the next few weeks.

Phillips said the timing of the offers had been brought forward by around three months.

“There is a lot of competition in the deluxe cruising market for next year. Crystal must be competitive,” she said.

The cruiseline has announced plans to build a third, larger ship for delivery in 2003. It is expected to carry 1,000 passengers, compared with the 940 passengers of the other two.

Round the world: the cruise on Crystal Symphony includes complimentary shore excursions