Cruise: Swanky Sailings

CRYSTAL SERENITYSwanky Sailings By Paloma Villaverde de RicoIntimate settings. Smaller vessels. Enchanting excursions ashore. Today’s cruise brands are reinventing the way travelers experience a journey on the oceans, offering slow, immersive swanky sailings that speak to new-to-cruise and experienced passengers alike. Crystal Cruises“Commitment to personalized service, intimate atmosphere and some of the finest culinary menus and offerings at sea.” That’s what Glen Rothe, v.p., North America, trade sales for Crystal Cruises, tells Recommend makes the cruise line stand out from the crowd. “In addition to offering some of the most unique dining experiences, Crystal also puts an emphasis on unique experiences and voyages, offering passengers once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities. Crystal is also committed to maintaining a sense of tradition while enhancing the guest experience with modern amenities and partnerships,” he adds. CRYSTAL QUOTE He notes that travel advisors can best sell Crystal Cruises by highlighting the “exceptional and intimate experiences that are available both on and off Crystal ships,” pointing to a dedicated butler for every guestroom, dining options such as Umi Uma, chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s only restaurant at sea, the extensive refurbishments across both ships—Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony—that include larger, updated suites with artisanal finishes, and the new Aurora Spa, which offers an entire medical spa menu, featuring services like Restylane dermal fillers, Dysport wrinkle treatments and microneedling. He also comments that it goes without saying that its world-class shore excursions should be top of mind as they immerse guests in cultural experiences. When it comes to which client to focus on, Rothe says that aside from enjoying upscale experiences, the ideal Crystal client “often has an affinity for cultural experiences, are gourmands at heart and love the opportunity to enrich their minds by attending lectures or seeing an exciting show by a famed playwright.” He adds, too, that they are “someone who enjoys a sense of community and tradition.”What’s New: The Grand Journeys for 2025 will offer extended voyage plans with prolonged port visits, overnight stops and optional overland experiences designed by Abercrombie & Kent. These include the 70-night Roundtrip Mumbai, sailing through 15 countries and 32 destinations in Asia; the 47-night Roundtrip Singapore, with visits to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Tokyo, among others; the 44-night Rio de Janeiro to Mumbai, which includes a stop in remote St. Helena en-route to Namibia; the 51-night Cape Town to Barcelona, with an itinerary that includes a stop in the Maldives; and the 40-night Stockholm to Liverpool, with a focus on Northern Europe during the long white nights. Explora JourneysExplora Journeys, says Chris Austin, CSO for the cruise brand, was “inspired by the owners’ own personal holidays on their private yacht.” That’s one of many selling points, he tells Recommend, pointing as well to the highest guest per host ratio in their category (a whopping 1.25:1), the onboard cosmopolitan vibe, the many private, intimate spaces throughout the ship, and the immersive nature of their journeys. During a recent tour of EXPLORA I, we also went gaga over the design of the whirlpools, set in such a way to lend ultimate privacy; the sumptuous cuisine; the elegant, contemporary decor throughout; and the exceedingly spacious suites. Austin says, “Travelers told us that they wanted to feel exhilarated, not exhausted, and we delivered.”EXPLORA QUOTE He tells Recommend that he “thinks the ship design is an attraction to the new-to-cruise, the new-to-ocean lover and the working affluent. I think the cosmopolitan boutique hotel vibe is appealing. They don’t necessarily want grandeur, glitz and glam. They don’t want it to be stuffy. There’s no black-tie formal night. We’re not traditional.” One way to sell Explora Journeys, says Austin, is to let potential clients know that when they step on board one of the vessels, it’s “their home. In fact, we call our suites ‘Homes at Sea.’” Speaking of which, EXPLORA I has 461 oceanfront suites, penthouses and residences (the latter ranging from the 3,014-sq.-ft. Owner’s Residence to the 753-1,604-sq.-ft. Ocean Residences, of which there are 22). He also says that advisors do ask if they are “adults-only,” noting that “actually, there are really no adults-only brands in luxury. We’re owned by a family, so, of course, families are welcome. In fact, we’ve got over 70 connecting suites. You can take two suites, combining one with a king-sized bed with one with twin beds. You keep the door open, and you’ve got a family suite.” There’s also a kids’ area, the Nautilus Club, with fully trained hosts. That said, there are separate areas for adults such as the Helios Pool & Bar, allowing each member of the family, says Austin, “to be in their own sanctuary.”What’s New: EXPLORA II will debut this August, with EXPLORA III following in 2026, EXPLORA IV and V in 2027, and EXPLORA VI in 2028. More immediate, though, is that the brand released its sailings through April 2026 for both EXPLORA I and II, featuring shorter journeys between six to eight nights as well as longer 19- to 21-night journeys. EXPLORA I will start the winter 2024-2025 season with a Grand Journey from Barcelona to the Caribbean featuring Bridgetown, Pointe-a-Pitre, St John’s and San Juan. From April to November 2025, she’ll sail in the Mediterranean, and in winter 2025-2026, she’ll set her sights on the Red Sea and Arabian Peninsula. Meanwhile, EXPLORA II will sail her maiden journey from Barcelona to Rome, including a stop in Port Santo Stefano in Italy, one of Italy’s best-kept secrets fringed with hidden coves and lighthouses. She will then continue to sail in the West Mediterranean until November 2024 when she will cross the Atlantic to offer Caribbean journeys during the winter months. In May 2025, EXPLORA II will spend the summer sailing a collection of journeys filled with stops in culturally rich locales with convenient embarkation in Barcelona or Rome, and in winter 2025-2026 she'll spend it in the Eastern Caribbean.BUTLER SEVEN SEASRegent Seven Seas CruisesShawn Tubman, sr. v.p., sales and trade marketing for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, reminds travel advisors that the “Regent experience is truly all-inclusive, covering a myriad of services including roundtrip airfare, ground transportation, land excursions, specialty dining, premium beverages and so much more. Travelers will find that Regent’s all-inclusive pricing genuinely promises no hidden fees or even expected gratuities. “If you couple the all-inclusive portion with the best service at sea, you’ll promise an experience on board vessels that guarantee space so it never feels crowded, yet it will feel intimate when crew are able to recognize your name and face and anticipate your every need and preference,” he adds. REGENT 7 SEAS QUOTE Regent is known for catering to the experienced cruise passenger, typically individuals aged 55 and over. Says Tubman, “[Our] guests are well-traveled but still have a desire for more discoveries and new experiences. They are sociable and friendly, accustomed to enjoying exquisite meals in beautifully designed restaurants and savoring the finest wines in lavish bars and lounges. Our guests are not only knowledgeable but also have a thirst for continuous learning. The cruise line caters to a diverse range of interests, attracting culture vultures, history buffs, true foodies and individuals with various other passions.”What’s New: All eyes are on the Seven Seas Grandeur, which debuted this past December, making it the sixth ship in the cruise line’s fleet. The ship is home to the only Fabergé Egg that permanently resides at sea—it’s located in the ship’s atrium—part of its 1,600-piece art collection (there are also works by Picasso). The 746-passenger Seven Seas Grandeur offers 15 accommodation categories ranging between 307 sq. ft. to over 4,443 sq. ft.; eight complimentary dining options including five specialty restaurants, with 130 new dishes created exclusively for Seven Seas Grandeur; a Culinary Arts Kitchen offering hands-on classes and special demonstrations; four new productions; and new treatments such as a Zero Gravity Wellness Massage at the Serene Spa & Wellness. Godmother to the ship, Sarah Fabergé, will host a Fabergé Spotlight Voyage on board the Grandeur, sailing July 1, 2024, enveloping luxury travelers into the world of Fabergé with small group master-class programs, exclusive access to unique and intimate shore-side tours, jeweled egg demonstrations as well as lectures and screenings. Other 2024 sailings include the Med during the summer and fall itineraries in Canada and New England in September and October. RITZ CARL TONThe Ritz-Carlton Yacht CollectionA true yachting experience—that’s what you’ll get when you travel with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Kristian Anderson, sr. v.p., global sales of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, tells Recommend. “[Our brand] stands uniquely apart in the luxury cruise landscape, offering a distinctive experience that transcends traditional categories,” he says. “[Our] holistic commitment prioritizes exclusive experiences over large-scale offerings, ensuring a bespoke atmosphere that caters to a diverse range of guests, from those new to cruising to existing top-tier Ritz-Carlton guests. The personalized service, bespoke craftsmanship and innovative experiences on board reflect our commitment to extending The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary hospitality to the open waters, ensuring a transformative and authentic journey for our guests.”RITZ CARLTON QUOTE He notes that due to the size of the yachts—the 298-passenger Evrima, the 448-passegner Ilma and the 452-passenger Luminara—“guests can expect an immersive voyage, exploring the world’s hidden gems and indulging in highly personalized journeys that foster deeper connections with diverse cultures. Guests indulge in the familiar comforts synonymous with The Ritz-Carlton brand, with a focus on personalized journeys enriched by local immersion.” Who’s the ideal passenger? Anderson points to “discerning travelers seeking an unparalleled yachting experience, catering to both seasoned cruisers and those new to the world of luxury cruising. Our voyages resonate with Marriott Bonvoy members, loyal brand enthusiasts and those seeking a transformative getaway. With an average guest age of 53, we attract a younger demographic than traditional luxury cruises, and over 50 percent of our guests are new to cruising, drawn to our highly curated yacht-style experience.” What’s New: Reservations for Luminara, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s third superyacht, debuting in July 2025 with inaugural Med voyages, are open. A couple of those itineraries include the 7-night Rome Round Trip, which features an overnight in Livorno, truffle hunting in Tuscany, climbing the Tower of Pisa, kayaking along the Ligurian coast from Portofino and taking in the Cote d’Azur via helicopter from Monte Carlo. There’s also a 7-night Barcelona Round Trip that features two days in Rome and exploring the scenic countryside around Collioure that inspired artists like Matisse and Picasso.SILVER ORIGINSilversea CruisesDid you know that Silversea Cruises travels to more ports than any other line? The reason, says Joe Leon, Silversea’s v.p., sales, Americas, is that the cruise line is “committed to exploring the world deeper. There are 12 ships in our fleet, which means we can take you anywhere in the world you want to sail to.” He adds, too, that the line offers an all-inclusive product. “This provides customers with the most complete experience, with the highest value proposition. And for our advisors, this means much higher commissions.” When it comes to its experiences ashore, Silversea, says Leon, is “committed to extending our promise of destination immersion beyond the hulls of our ships. We want to be a part of the experience even as you go ashore. Working with more local, authentic guides, trying to move away from the large tour operations and influencing the experiences delivered helps stay to our promise of destination leadership. Our expedition product and experience is unmatched in the industry. We have a 30-year expertise in luxury cruising, we’ve now sailed expedition for 15 years, making Silversea the only line to be able to offer your clients expertise in both ultra-luxury experience on board and expert, authentic expedition exploration ashore…no other line can deliver on both.”SILVER SEAS QUOTE He says travel advisors should focus on clients “who want to truly discover new lands, cultures, cuisines and wildlife—these desires transcend generations. The nature of our product does, however, have a wider appeal to the Boomer generation due to our average length of cruise. We do see a much more diverse mix of customers on our expedition products. “Industry-leading programs like our Antarctica Fly Bridge Program that flies you to the continent for a 6-night voyage and our Silver Origin sailing every seven days in the Galapagos opens up opportunities for the younger, working generation to enjoy our product more and more.”What’s New: Silversea has enhanced its groups program, introducing a new Super Advantage tier on group bookings, which allows the eighth guest to sail for free when seven guests pay the full fare on select sailings, and includes $300 shipboard credit per suite and a minimum of 15 percent commission. Moreover, Silversea’s price protection guarantee is extended to 120 days from group opening, and no deposits are required to open group shells. The group bookings offer is combinable with door-to-door, port-to-port, extended voyages savings and onboard savings programs. In terms of booking opportunities, Silversea will be offering its first-ever full summer season in French Polynesia, with 17 voyages between April and September 2026 aboard Silver Whisper. Contact InformationCrystal Cruises: crystalcruises.com/travel-advisorsExplora Journeys: explorajourneys.com/int/en/travel-advisors/loginPrincess Cruises: onesourcecruises.com/onesource/loginRegent Seven Seas Cruises: rssc.comThe Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com/travelprofessionalsSilversea Cruises: silversea.com/other-resources/travel-professional-center.htmlWindstar Cruises: windstarcruises.com

Dividing Rule
Sun Princess Delivers a Unique F&B Venue
Princess Cruises has partnered with artist Romero Britto, known for his colorful and joyful style, to create Love by Britto, an artistic-inspired dining experience celebrating the essence of “love” aboard Sun Princess. Located on deck 17 at the aft of the new ship, the Love by Britto restaurant serves as a showcase of the artist’s joyful designs against the backdrop of a boutique restaurant venue, with vivid colors and bold patterns. The dining venue’s menu is being curated by chef Rudi Sodamin. “It is so great to have Romero Brito as a part of the Princess family,” John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises, tells Recommend. “Princess is all about love…of everything. Love of food and beverage, entertainment, destinations,” and, he adds, Britto has always been a global advocate for happiness. “Love by Britto on the Sun Princess celebrates the universal language of love…and promises to be uplifting and transformative for our guests. It’s definitely a unique collaboration and we think it’s going to be pretty special.”

COVERHAL GATE 1HAL GATE 2 & 3HAL GATE 4Table of ContentsSANDALSSANDALS SPREADEditor's NotesAMERICAN CRUISE LINESAdvisor Speak: Passion for Cruises Led Her Here— A $3 Million Travel AgencyIndustry Insights: Tour Operators are ‘Highly Confident’ About 2024Cruise: Swanky SailingsCruise: Multimillion-dollar Revamp for Windstar Sailing YachtsATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES SCATLAS OCEAN VOYAGESPRINCESS CRUISES SCPRINCESS CRUISESSCENIC SCSCENIC LUXURY CRUISES & TOURSSEABOURN SCSEABOURNDISNEY SCAlaska Cruise Season—Booking Options for 2024 & 2025DISNEY CRUISE LINEHOLLAND AMERICA LINE SCRECOMMEND EDU HOUSE ADALASKA RAILROAD SC ADOnboard Review: Discovery Princess—10 Reasons to Book for an Alaska VoyageOnboard Review: Celebrity Ascent Offers Elevated Experience for TravelersOnboard Review: Norwegian Viva—Cruising in Comfort and StyleMexico/Caribbean: Elevating Romance Through LuxuryPALLADIUM HOTEL GROUP SPREADATLANTIS SCATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND BAHAMASINCLUSIVE COLLECTION SCINCLUSIVE COLLECTIONSANDALS SCOnsite Review: Impression Isla Mujeres by SecretsOnsite Review: Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & SpaOnsite Review: Sandals Dunn’s River—Sandals 2.0 Looks Mighty FineOnsite Review: 3 Melia Hotels & a Theme ParkPALLADIUM HOTEL GROUPCUNARD