After 27 years of owning the seas, Crystal Cruises is preparing to pioneer the luxury travel industry with the purchase of a Boeing Business Jet B777-200LR. Yes, you read correctly. Your favorite luxury cruise line will soon own the skies.
“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 company is working closely with Registry of Aruba in developing and securing an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to launch international operations.
The twin-aisle BBJ B777-200LR will be redesigned to accommodate just 88 guests with flat-bed first class seats and a lounge and bar. Crystal Cruises other Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner will also be transformed to boast premium luxury. The Dreamliner, which typically seats up to 300 passengers, will be revamped to accommodate just 52 guests. It will feature an abundant amount of guest space, plush amenities and Crystal’s world-class service and crew.
As for trips, the cruise line hopes to offer 14- and 28-day around-the-world and international itineraries. Expect plush 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.
“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.”
The cruise line first announced the brand’s newest addition, Crystal Luxury Air, in July. The brand is slated to begin taking flight in 2017.
Photo courtesy of Crystal Cruises
