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AUSTRALIA is the second largest source market for Crystal Cruises after the USA in 2011 for the second year running, according to the cruise line’s vice president of international sales & marketing, Philip Ordever. Ordever, who is currently in Australia to visit key partners in the lead-up to this year’s wave season, yesterday highlighted innovations for 2012 including a new “all-inclusive” pricing policy. From next year’s European seasons for Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity cruise fares will include all onboard beverages and gratuities – in addition to premium dining in all of the onboard restaurants (TD 23 Mar). He said the change was being introduced to make it easier for travel agents to compare luxury cruise products, with most of Crystal’s competitors also offering all-inclusive onboard pricing. The policy is already proving popular, with the first fully inclusive cruise from Miami to Lisbon in Mar next year already 78% full, Ordever said. Other changes include a new “book now” pricing policy aiming at encouraging cruisers to book early, under which fares are reviewed every 60 days and discounts reduced on popular sailings. Ordever said the next review date is 01 Nov, and 21 voyages are expected to increase in price as a result of demand. But the big news for Crystal in Australia is a Crystal Serenity itinerary at the end of next year which will see the ship spend two nights in Sydney and take in the city’s iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacular. The 13-night Auckland-Melbourne voyage will see all guests onboard enjoy the 31 Dec celebrations from two specially chartered catamarans on Sydney Harbour – all included as part of the cruise fare. Diane Patrick, md of Crystal’s gsa Wiltrans International, said it was particularly exciting to see a turnaround in Melbourne, and the voyage was already proving popular with local cruisers. She emphasised the importance of the travel trade for Crystal, with more than 97% of its bookings made via the industry. Patrick and Ordever are pictured above at the event in Sydney yesterday – along with images of the fabulous new onboard appointments on the recently refurbished Crystal Serenity. |
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