Luxury-line Crystal Cruises has been sold for US$550 million in cash to Asia’s largest cruise company, Genting Hong Kong.
The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2015, and will include a third ship for the line that will “set the highest standard in luxury cruise ships” according to Genting.
Genting is a major shareholder of Norwegian Cruise Line and wholly owns Asia’s Star Cruises.
“With the support of GHK’s financial strength and expertise in ship design, Crystal Cruises’ fleet size will expand with a new ship,” Crystal said in a statement.
Crystal’s fleet currently features Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity totalling 1992 berths and has been with parent company, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, for the past 25 years.
According to the line, the expansion will also usher in new business opportunities for travel agents.
“The proposed expansion of our fleet will present our loyal Crystal Society members and new luxury cruise guests with more itinerary options, accommodation choices and exceptional vacation experiences, as we continue to position Crystal as the innovative leader in global luxury cruising,” Crystal Cruises president and coo, Edie Rodriguez said.
“Crystal’s veteran leadership, management and crew will continue to focus on our award-winning guest service and our strong partnership with the travel agent community – which now has a greater opportunity to grow their business with a larger menu of Crystal product offerings.”
Photo courtesy of Crystal Cruises
