What is Virtuoso Elevate and why does is include Crystal Cruises?
The Virtuoso Elevate program was created to help hand selected Virtuoso Travel Advisors amp up their awareness of one specific Luxury Cruise Partner. My partner in the program is Crystal Cruises. In order to elevate to a higher awareness, we have training opportunities and lots of webinars so we learn everything there is to possibly know about our partner. It is all designed to enhance the luxury cruise experience for you, our clients. I feel very lucky to have been chosen for this program and to have such an amazing partner in everything that is Crystal Cruises.
As a member of the Virtuoso Elevate team, I’m a cut above the rest when it comes to designing the best cruise experience for you. I was chosen to be a part of Elevate by Virtuoso and Crystal Cruises because of my existing expertise and my passion for the industry. With the support of these two esteemed companies behind me, I’ve gained the insider knowledge that allows me to create an experience that’s truly one-of-a-kind.
Crystal Cruises ~ Where Luxury Is Personal
What is it about Crystal Cruises that makes them so special? I began my 2nd career as a Travel Agent in the early 90’s as a Leisure Agent. Crystal Cruises had started their cruise legacy with one ship – Crystal Harmony – in 1988. In 1995, Crystal Symphony was added, Crystal Serenity was launched in 2003 and they retired Crystal Harmony from service in 2005. From day one, they established their cruise line as the leader in luxury travel. Personal butlers in their Penthouse Suites and impeccable service throughout their ships. Culinary masterpieces along with unlimited fine wines and premium spirits elevate your dining experiences. Amazing onboard entertainment, enrichment series including lectures and onboard classes and the excellent crew members, that over the years (many still with Crystal Cruises to this day) have become family. It is no wonder there are so many repeat clients with the wonderful onboard culture that Crystal Cruises exudes.
I had clients from the beginning that would ONLY sail with Crystal Cruises. Many times, they would book back-to-back cruises around the world, and they would ALWAYS request the same suite with their same butler. If they had to be flexible to make this happen, they would be. THAT is what Crystal Cruises has curated from the beginning. A cruise experience like no other, and one that builds the desire to sail with them over and over. It is the Crystal Family persona that enables Crystal Cruises to be so successful.
Crystal Ocean
Both of these beautiful ocean vessels have been recently reimagined. Crystal Symphony now has a guest capacity of 848. She has 28 new Penthouses and 12 new Penthouse Suites. With a Space to Guest ratio of 60.2, she is quite spacious. And for a super personal feel, she has a Staff to Guest ratio of 1:1.5.
Crystal Serenity now has a guest capacity of 980. She has 36 new Penthouses and 2 new Penthouse Suites. Her Space to Guest ratio is 70.3, so she is very spacious as well. She also has a Staff to Guest ratio of 1:1.5. One thing is very consistent with Crystal Cruises, their need to spoil their guests and give them as much attention as possible. That is why with Crystal Cruises, luxury is indeed personal.
Crystal River
Fun facts about Crystal River Cruise ships. Their Rhine Class vessels are the ONLY river ships with all-balcony, all-suite accommodations above the waterline. Crystal Mozart is the widest river ship in all of Europe with the only true full-service spa facility. They are the only river cruise line to include European Butler service for every room category. For Penthouse and above categories, guests receive a complimentary invitation to dine at world-renowned restaurants ashore. There are over 225 shore excursions in five different categories that five your clients a diverse array of choices so they can enjoy the intimacy of small groups when going ashore. And, did you know that Crystal River Cruises allows their guests to pre-select their shore excursions as early as nine months in advance, as long as their cruise is paid in full?
Crystal Yacht
Crystal Esprit has all the Signature Hallmarks that have earned Crystal Cruises prestigious awards year after year – like unlimited fine wines, champagnes, premium spirits and beers; all gratuities shipboard and shoreside; and free unlimited Wi-Fi. In addition, due to the very nature of this small-ship, luxury yacht, there are special ‘extras’ designated just for the Esprit. Choice of two complimentary Crystal Adventures in nearly every port – one being a cultural exploration and the other an active adventure; swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and jet skiing from the yacht’s marina platform; Michelin inspired farm-to-table cuisine AND an optional choice of using an Exclusive two-person submersible.
Crystal Expedition
Crystal Endeavor will be the world’s largest and most spacious luxury expedition yachts. She will have a sleek and stylish design built to PC6 polar class specifications, perfect for her to explore the far reaches of the Earth. From the Arctic to the Antarctic and far-away lands in between, you will experience a voyage of fantastic discovery. Endeavor is intimate and elegant, welcoming just 200 sophisticated travelers with all-suite, butler-serviced luxury. Her guests will experience immersive adventures, wilderness landings and extreme discovery. Crystal Endeavor Yacht Expeditions, where luxury roams freely.
Crystal Aircruises Crystal Luxury Air
There has never been a more luxurious aircraft than Crystal Skye. I had a chance to tour her shortly after her re-imagination at Virtuoso Travel Week. Three words come to mind. Oh. My. Gosh! She is amazing! Personal butler service throughout the flight, Michelin inspired, gourmet cuisine, Crystal SkyeCellar with 200 bottle of fine wine enclosed in glass at the perfect temperature, beautiful and elegant white leather seating in a 2x2x2 configuration, a dedicated social lounge for cocktails and small bites, and so much more, all enhanced by customized and adjustable lighting throughout the cabin. This aircraft is truly luxurious and opulent and must be a dream to fly on.
Crystal Diamond Class
Look for the first Diamond Class ship to debut in 2022. With all of the luxurious amenities of Crystal Ocean ships Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, and a few new experiences that will take luxury to the next level. We will learn more about these 800 max passenger vessels in the months ahead. But for now, we can only imagine what ‘luxury at the next level’ will be like. With Crystal Cruises at the helm, we can be assured of one thing. It will be amazing!
So in conclusion I want to share with everyone what a fantastic partner I have in Crystal Cruises. Eric and I can’t hardly wait until December 21, 2019 when our Virtuoso Voyages Hosting duties begin for 16 days aboard Crystal Symphony. This will be a wonderful way to end 2019 and ring in 2020. Come join us!