Genting Hong Kong Expands Crystal Cruises' Luxury
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PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GENTING HONG KONG EXPANDS CRYSTAL CRUISES’ LUXURY TRAVEL CAPABILITIES Crystal Cruises to Become First and Only Hospitality Brand to Offer Luxurious Explorations and Adventures for Ocean, Expedition, River, Yacht and Air HONG KONG, July 21, 2015 – Genting Hong Kong, a leading corporation engaged in the business of cruise and cruise related operations along with leisure, entertainment and hospitality activities, announced a significant expansion to newly acquired Crystal Cruises, the world’s most awarded luxury cruise line. Coinciding with Crystal Cruises 25th anniversary, Genting Hong Kong’s announcement includes a planned six new ships over the next three years – effectively establishing three brand new classes of cruising for Crystal Cruises – as well as a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. In their special address to guests aboard the line’s annual Chairman’s Cruise on Crystal Symphony and President’s Cruise on Crystal Serenity respectively, Genting Hong Kong Chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay and Edie Rodriguez, Crystal’s president and CEO, made clear of new parent company Genting Hong Kong’s investment in maintaining Crystal’s award-winning reputation and writing a new chapter in the continuing story of Crystal Cruises. The Chairman stated, “Our intent is to make Crystal Cruises the core of what will become the world’s premier luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand portfolio, not only for the immediate future but for years to come.” In her announcement on Crystal Serenity, Rodriguez shared her enthusiasm about the expansion of Crystal Cruises, saying, “We continue to think bigger, aiming to create unparalleled luxury experiences and adventures for our loyal and new guests, who – like Crystal – continue to seek broader horizons and new perspectives on the world.” She added, “We are ecstatic to continue pioneering new areas of luxury travel. Crystal’s newly expanded fleet will truly be travelers’ passport to virtually the entire world.” The stunningly ambitious timeline of new Crystal products begins at the end of 2015. Crystal Yacht Cruises – December 23, 2015 1 Late this year, Crystal Esprit will embark on its maiden voyage as the first expansion of the Crystal Cruises fleet. The vessel is an extravagantly appointed yacht, delivered to Crystal Cruises by Genting Hong Kong (GHK), and extensively redesigned to reflect the stylish elegance for which Crystal is renowned. The 62-guest, 3,000-tonnage yacht will offer intimate, exclusive, and immersive experiences with boutique ambiance. The all-suite yacht will feature posh, high-end finishes and modern technology, and is outfitted with some decidedly extreme features, like a two-passenger submarine, two 10-passenger zodiacs for special excursions and a 12-passenger Wider 32-foot super yacht tender for special boating adventures. Additionally, at their guests’ fingertips are water skis, wake boards, kayaks, jet skis, fishing/scuba/snorkel equipment and even a water trampoline. Set for delivery in November 2015, Crystal Esprit marks the debut of the new all-inclusive Crystal Yacht Cruises program, which will sail regional, warm-water itineraries of seven days and offer thrilling experiences on water and ashore. For 2016 and 2017, and early 2018, Crystal Esprit routes will include the Seychelles Islands, Dubai and Adriatic Coast. Crystal River Cruises – 2017 The spring of 2017 brings more growth with Crystal River Cruises. Featuring expertly curated itineraries, Crystal River Cruises will offer the hallmarks of the all-inclusive Crystal experience – six-star service, world-class dining, and enriching shore-side adventures. Spacious suites with exquisitely designed interiors and elegant public rooms will punctuate Crystal’s entry into worldwide river cruising. Crystal Luxury Air – 2017 Also in 2017, Crystal’s brand of Six-Star luxury will soar to new heights with the launch of Crystal Luxury Air, becoming the first in the luxury travel industry to offer extravagant around-the-world trips on the world’s most advanced twin-aisle Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The plush aircraft, which typically seats 300, will fly 60 guests in fully reclining business class seats to coveted destinations to which major airlines do not offer nonstop service. Each approximately 28-day itinerary will visit 10-12 remote and/or sought-after locales, with accommodations at some of the world’s finest hotels and resorts; cuisine prepared by celebrity chefs inspired by the destination; and world-class cultural entertainment. 2 Ocean Vessels: “Crystal Exclusive Class” – Late 2018 Genting Hong Kong has signed a letter of intent with Lloyd Werft in Germany to build three new “Crystal Exclusive Class” cruise ships with the first of these polar ice class vessels expected for delivery in late 2018. Lloyd Werft is widely recognized in the shipping industry for its excellent reputation and success with world-class new builds, constructing and lengthening six Norwegian Cruise Line vessels, including the “Pride of America”, the only ocean cruise ship flying the American Flag, sailing in Hawaii. “Our vision and revolutionary plans for Crystal’s ocean vessels requires us to partner with a premium shipyard that has the expertise and resources to deliver the ‘Crystal Exclusive Class’,” said Tan Sri Lim. “Lloyd Werft is synonymous with successful world-class new builds and luxury mega yachts, including Luna, the second largest expedition private yacht in the world, measuring at 337 feet long.” With the introduction of these new vessels, Crystal will be the first-ever cruise line to deliver expedition- capable ships with all the signature features and amenities of a luxury ship or private yacht. The all- suite, all balcony ship will accommodate 1,000 guests, similar to the capacity on Crystal Symphony (922) and Crystal Serenity (1,070), and weigh more than 100,000 gross tons. “With an impressive 100 tons of space per guest, the average space ratio for luxury cruise ships being 60 tons per person, our new ships’ guest-to-space ratios will be vast in comparison to past, current and under-construction luxury ships,” said Rodriguez. “Our guests will reach all corners of the world safely, smoothly and in the utmost style and comfort.” Additionally, for the first time ever, guests will have the opportunity to call a Crystal ship “home,” with innovative Crystal Residences. Situated on the top deck of the new ships will be 48 unique homes, boasting their own private restaurant, reception and facilities, and much higher ceilings (8.9 feet) than residences on any other cruise ships or yachts; and even some land properties. Residences will start at 600 square feet and go to more than 4000 square feet of interior living area, which will be the largest on the high seas. 3 Other revolutionary features being introduced on Crystal’s new vessels are: a whopping 400 square feet minimum for the suites - nearly doubling the size on other luxury vessels; increased ceiling heights to 8 feet 2 inches in all suites and decks; raising the bar on personal attention and service with 1,000 crew members on the ships to provide an unheard of one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio; an abundance of mouthwatering options centered on the art and expertise of Michelin-starred and celebrity chefs; and intrepid yacht-like amenities including submarines, helicopters and zodiacs. For more information on Genting Hong Kong, please visit www.gentinghk.com. For more information on Crystal Cruises, please visit www.crystalcruises.com. # # # About Genting Hong Kong Limited (“Genting Hong Kong”) Genting Hong Kong is a leading corporation principally engaged in the business of cruise and cruise related operations along with leisure, entertainment and hospitality activities. Taking on a bold initiative to grow the Asia-Pacific as an international cruise destination, Star Cruises has built its reputation on offering first-rate Asian hospitality servicing an international clientele and travelling to various ports of call throughout the region. Newly acquired Crystal Cruises is the world’s leading luxury cruise provider, having earned more “World’s Best” awards than any other cruise line, hotel, or resort in history. Genting Hong Kong also has a certain equity stake in Norwegian Cruise Line, a diversified cruise operator of global cruise lines that operates a combined fleet of 21 ships. Genting Hong Kong’s first foray in a land-based attraction, Resorts World Manila opened its doors in the Philippines to the public in August 2009. Resorts World Manila is one of the premier leisure brands under the Genting Group and the Philippines’ first one-stop, nonstop vacation spot for topnotch entertainment and world-class leisure alternatives, featuring three hotels including a six star all-suite Maxims Hotel, an iconic shopping mall, four high-end cinemas and a multi-purpose performing arts theatre. About Crystal Cruises Crystal Cruises was created in 1988 with a vision to set a completely new standard in luxury travel and world exploration. Exceptionally designed ships would incorporate the best design concepts of legendary ocean liners and world‐class hotels, styled with all the latest advancements of modernity. Destination‐rich itineraries would span the globe, offering savvy travelers unprecedented opportunity for intimate and authentic shoreside discovery. Today, Crystal Cruises operates the two top‐rated luxury ships in the world: the 922‐guest Crystal Symphony (launched in 1995) and the 1,070‐guest Crystal Serenity (launched in 2003). With signature commitment to service and innovation, Crystal Cruises continues to define the luxury travel experience. Beyond the beautifully designed ships, Crystal Cruises continue to create enriching onboard programs that tap the curiosities and passions of world travelers. Looking ahead, Crystal will continue to define the luxury travel experience among other leading luxury lines as well as renowned hotels and resorts around the world. Its record‐breaking 19 years as the 4 World’s Best is unmatched among cruise lines, hotels and resorts, putting Crystal Cruises in a class by itself.