Crystal says second luxury air plane to be Boeing Business Jet B777-200 LR

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 19 November 2015 19 November 2015

Crystal Cruises, the Los Angeles based luxury cruise company in the Genting Hong Kong group, says it has acquired a Boeing Business Jet B777-200LR, to offer an array of global itineraries for its expanded brand extension Crystal Luxury Air.

Company officials have said that the expansion into air travel plus sea and river yachts transform Crystal from a cruise line to a lifestyle company. It announced the decision to add another plane to the Crystal Luxury Air operation in August, but it did not specify what kind of plane would be in question at that time

“The announcement comes on the heels of Crystal’s groundbreaking news in July of an extensive brand expansion, which will include extravagant air vacations around the world aboard a luxurious Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner,” the company said in a statement

“In addition to doubling the initial air projections with the expanded aircraft fleet, Crystal will work with the Registry of Aruba in developing and securing an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC). This will pave the way for Crystal Luxury Air to launch international operations. The twin-aisle BBJ B777-200LR will be redesigned to accommodate just 88 guests with flat-bed first class seats; a beautifully appointed lounge and bar; and offer 14- and 28-day around-the-world and international itineraries, beginning in 2017,” the company said.

“Our mission is to make Crystal the core of what will become the world’s premier luxury hospitality and lifestyle brand collection, not only for the immediate future, but for years to come,” said Crystal Chairman Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay. “The acquisition of our second luxury aircraft is another profound step toward establishing our goal.”

The twin-aisle Boeing 777-200LR, and the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, which typically seats up to 300 passengers and will be redesigned to accommodate just 52 guests, will boast the premium luxury that discerning global travelers have come to expect from Crystal, including copious amounts of guest space, plush amenities and Crystal’s world-class service and crew.

“Trips will include accommodations at the world’s most luxurious hotels, the finest Michelin star-level cuisine prepared by celebrated chefs and fabulous local cultural entertainment. Additionally, the aircrafts can be arranged for special charters,” the company said.

“Following our expansion announcement, travelers and travel agents expressed a strong interest in all-inclusive luxury air travel with a wider range of itineraries,” says Crystal’s President and CEO Edie Rodriguez. “Based on this enthusiastic feedback, we are growing our fleet to meet the demand from our guests and travel partners in luxury air options.”

Genting to launch premium cruise brand to be called Dream Cruises

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Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 11 November 2015 11 November 2015

Genting Hong Kong, the holding company of Star Cruises and Crystal Cruises, has launched its third, premium cruise brand, namely Dream Cruises, to target mainly the fast maturing Asia market.

“The major target market for Dream Cruises will be Asia,” said Michael Goh, Senior VP – Sales, Star Cruises. “40-50% would be domestic clientele and the rest would be international, comprising of Indian, European, American markets, among others,”

The planned first sailing date has been set for November 2016. The announcement was made during a recent Chairman’s Cruise event held on board SuperStar Virgo, which was sailing from Nansha (Guangzhou) to Hong Kong and back during 6-8 November.

“Dream Cruises will be Asia’s premium cruise brand,” said Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Chairman & CEO of Genting Hong Kong. “The ship will be bigger than SuperStar Virgo and the price point will be higher as well. We will finalise the price point in January next year.”

The proposed itineraries for Dream Cruises will include two-night Pearl River Delta cruise, five-night Vietnam-Sanya voyage, and a seven-night itinerary departing Nansha.

The new brand will employ Genting Dream, the first newbuilding of Genting has on order from Meyer Werft in Germany. It will have 1,700 staterooms, with a capacity of 3,400 lower berths; it will have 35 restaurant and bars, a theatre, sectional meeting spaces, and a bowling alley, etc. As well as outdoor adventures, relaxing and rejuvenating facilities, the ship will boast a Genting Club, which is a boutique hotel within a hotel, containing 142 suites where guests will enjoy exclusive privileges, including priority access and European butler service.

Genting has so far invested US$1 billion for this venture.

The company has sharpened its focus on Guangzhou. It has recently signed a cooperation agreement with Guangzhou Port Group to launch the first regular cruise service from Port of Nansha, using SuperStar Virgo, from January 2016. A new cruise terminal is being built in Nansha; meanwhile the port has upgraded its deep water berth at the container terminal to receive large cruise vessels