Crystal Cruises is poised to reveal a further wave of expansion, saying its recent announcement of growth plans was “just the beginning”.
Earlier this month, the line surprised the cruise industry when it revealed it would add three ocean ships, a yacht, two river ships and a 60-seat Boeing 787 Dreamliner to its fleet.
But president and chief executive Edie Rodriguez admitted further expansion was on the cards.
Speaking to Travel Weekly at the luxury line’s trade achievement awards, she said: “This is only the beginning of our expansion. We have lots more to come and this is just one of many announcements that will follow.
“We’re about to build ships like you’ve never seen before – and
our new ships are going to sell
like hot cakes.
“When I joined this company, I said it had to grow. We have definitely found the right owner to take that on. Genting Hong Kong [which bought Crystal Cruises earlier this year] and our chairman are keen to build more.”
Rodriguez hinted at adding more yachts to the fleet and said: “If we launch more yachts, they will be new builds.
“The one launching in December is getting a complete refit and we’re spending a substantial amount of money on it.”
Rodriguez was guarded on her plans for the line’s new river cruise brand and wouldn’t divulge where the two ships would sail, except for confirming it would be in Europe.
She said the combination of new products would help the trade.
“This is empowering the trade to customise the Crystal Cruises portfolio for each individual client to create something bespoke and original,” added Rodriguez.
“They can combine so many elements and make a lot of commission doing so.”