Prevue March-April 2018 - 16

seashores

A Design for Your Time
Groups customize their incentive experience with Crystal Cruises
"Signature Events on every voyage is
a planner's dream because we've curated
beautiful offshore experiences at unique,
sought-after venues," says Giacone.
"Outside of cruising, this scale of event
would cost thousands of dollars for a
planner to create and produce." Giacone
also suggests a full charter buyout that
"allows companies to 'own' the ship and
fully customize it for the company's needs
and branding."

What's New

Crystal Endeavor

P

ersonalizing the experience for
attendees is key to Crystal Cruises'
incentives strategy, providing groups
with customization options for shore
excursions, as well as food and wine pairing
events and receptions. The all-inclusive
cruise line takes pride in having redefined
the way the world views luxury travel with
an offering that has significantly impacted
the meetings and incentives market,
explains the brand's Director of Corporate
Meetings, Incentives & Strategic Alliances,
Jerilyn Giacone.
"Our incentive programs are easily
tailored to individual wishes and desires.
They tend to be more social in nature to
show appreciation toward planners and
attendees. Our team delivers the elevated
level of personal attention and service that
groups recognize and enjoy; a simple goal
is always front and center: ensuring every
attendee always feels at home."

Customized Cruising
As the only river cruise line to include
European butler service for every room
category, Crystal River Cruises offers
attendees a VIP experience start-to-finish.
Michelin-inspired dining and nearly 200
complimentary excursions broken down into
five themes-building personal connections,
gastronomy, culture, adventure and
customization-are the main focus.

16 | prevuemeetings.com

The "Personal Connections" tour is
conducted by local residents, artisans
and experts, "Tantalizing Gastronomy"
features a variety of dining and handson cooking opportunities, "Cultural
Discoveries" explores landmarks, museums
and architectural marvels, "Exhilarating
Adventures" caters to thrill-seeking
attendees, and "Design Your Time" includes
concierge service that assists attendees in
customizing their tours.
Groups can experience an opera
performance in a historic cathedral in
Belgium, a horse show and carriage ride
in Hungary's Lazar Equestrian Park,
owner-hosted tastings at Germany's
Schlagkamp Winery, or a behind-thescenes tour of Amsterdam's greenhouses,
where the famous tulips are cultivated.
Each river itinerary also features Signature
Events that offer rare access and musical
performances in iconic landmarks such
as Austria's Belvedere Palace and St.
Florian Monastery. These excursions are
for 15 attendees or less and include expert
guides and transportation.

The Crystal Symphony was redesigned
last year and now features expanded
specialty dining options, an open-seat
dining concept, cutting-edge tech
upgrades and additional butler-serviced
Penthouse accommodations. The Crystal
Serenity will undergo a similar redesign
this fall. Crystal River Cruises will also be
expanding its fleet with the debut of the
Crystal Debussy and Crystal Ravel
this spring.
Crystal has also announced plans
for Crystal Endeavor, which will launch
in 2020 as the first purpose-built polar
class megayacht. The ship will be able to
navigate "first year ice" and will cruise the
Arctic during the summer before following
the route of migrating whales along the
coast of America towards Antarctica for the
winter. The ship will include submarines,
helicopters, fishing boats, snorkel and
scuba equipment, as well as penthouses,
villas, a full-service spa and specialty dining
venues. Two additional expedition mega
yachts will follow in 2020 and 2021.
-Steve Grasso
crystalcruises.com

"Our team delivers the elevated level of personal
attention and service that groups recognize and
enjoy; a simple goal is always front and center:
ensuring every attendee always feels at home."
http://www.crystalcruises.com http://www.prevuemeetings.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Prevue March-April 2018
