AirCruises charter focus

CRYSTAL has announced its inaugural AirCruises season has been shelved, with all passengers booked on departures in 2017 or 2018 being offered a full refund and a complimentary cruise.

The AirCruises program was revealed by Crystal in late 2015 ( TD 18 Nov 2015), and features a customised Boeing 777 that transports 84 guests on a range of 14 to 28-day global itineraries.

The luxury air program is still going ahead, however it has now been made “available for charters and other special interest AirCruises”, with the inaugural itinerary, set to depart Hong Kong in late Sep chartered by Genting Hong Kong, Crystal’s parent firm.

The aircraft, Crystal Skye, will be handed over to the company and christened in Aug, prior to the 10- day Golden Week Holiday trip.

Seven previously scheduled AirCruises have been scrapped this and next year, including three departures that included stops in Cairns and Uluru next year.

Crystal says the move to offering exclusive charters in Asia “serves the vast luxury travel market in China and increases Crystal’s brand presence in the region.

“As Crystal expands its portfolio of global travel experiences, the shift of Crystal Skye to special interest charters provides a distinct luxury option that is in great demand and is unmatched by any hotel, resort or cruise line in the world,” the company said.

Genting Cruise Lines president Kent Zhu said China’s Golden Week Holiday is an opportune tie to launch Crystal AirCruises in Asia, with the itinerary well suited to multi-generation families who often travel together during the extended holiday period.

Crystal president and ceo Eddie Rodriguez said the luxury travel and cruise company’s experiences had long been extended to corporations & private charter groups “seeking the most enticing incentive experiences possible for chartered travel and events”.

The maiden China itinerary will be unveiled later this month.

Charter enquiries are now being taken via email request.