Crystal Ceases Operations, Scenic Offers to Help

Scenic Issues Offer to Assist Crystal Cruises Guests and Travel Advisors

“Our hearts go out to all the employees and crew members of Crystal Cruises as they have been a long-standing member of the cruise industry family and, although they are competitors, we have always been impressed with their outstanding brand and professionalism,” stated Ann Chamberlin, vp of sales for Scenic Group USA, in a recent email to travel advisors.

The sudden cessation of operations by such a well-established and respected contemporary in the luxury river and ocean yacht cruise segment can have a strong impact on the cruise industry – whether it is felt by the line’s guests, its employees and by other cruise lines. In response, Scenic has crafted an offer to support the affected Crystal guests and travel advisor partners.

In addressing travel advisors directly, Chamberlin continued in last week’s email to travel advisors, “We understand that those of you who have booked clients on these canceled cruises are experiencing distress of your own by not being able to deliver on the promises of someone’s dream vacation for reasons of which you have no control. All of us at Scenic would like to propose a solution that we feel can mitigate the impact this news has had on you and your clients.”

Crystal guests who are dealing with impacted travel plans can get up to $750 per person off a Scenic river cruise or up to $1,000 per person off an ocean cruise. Scenic also is offering a reduced deposit of $250 per person on river cruises. Scenic will also pay travel advisors a 2% bonus commission on bookings coming from existing Crystal guests. This offer is valid through March 31, 2022. Travel advisors can reach a dedicated Reservation Specialist at (844) 921-4818, contact their Scenic Regional Sales Director at sales.support@scenicusa.com or visit scenicusa.com/offers/crystal-cruises-guest-offer.

The response from the travel advisors has been very positive. “The whole Scenic booking process was great and the booking agents who helped me were amazing,” offered travel advisor Bob Papkin of Bobs Ultimate Travel LLC. “The air department found a better deal for my clients than my usual air sources, and they were extremely knowledgeable. Scenic had the whole rebooking done in 30 minutes, and my clients saved an additional 2000.00 and they are thrilled.”

In other news, Scenic has included a full day for exploring the once-a-decade 2022 Floriade Horticulture Expo on five of its cruise itineraries for 2022. One of Europe’s largest horticulture events, this year’s expo theme is on a sustainable future, a focus that Scenic has shared for many years – from the innovative designs of its ships to minimizing any use of non-degradable products. Guests booking one of these special cruises can also enjoy either free roundtrip economy airfare, free premium economy on most of the 17-day sailings or an upgrade to premium economy for just $995 per person. An additional $250 per guest savings is being offered if the cruise is paid in full at the time of booking.

Running from April 14 to October 9, 2022, the 7th International Horticultural Exhibition Floriade Expo takes place in Almere, about 30 minutes from Amsterdam. Scenic guests will have a full day to explore the many attractions, gardens and exhibitions – where a celebration of green and sustainable technology will be the focus. New technologies for greenery, food, energy and health will be shown off at this living laboratory and will contribute to Floriade’s four sub-themes: Greening the City, Feeding the City, Healthying the City and Energizing the City. Inspiring lectures will be mixed with an impressive array of attractions. Green bridges and a cable car will provide some of the modes of transport while live music and a range of dining options will tickle multiple senses.

The five itineraries that include Floriade are (fares are per person, double occupancy):
8-day Windmills, Tulips & Belgian Delights with Floriade – fares starting at $3,995
10-day Rhine Highlights with Flourishing Floriade – fares starting at $4,945
14-day Windmills Tulips & Belgian Delights with Floriade, Bruges & London – priced from $7,015
17-day Romantic Rhine & Moselle with Flourishing Floriade – fares starting at $6,645
17-day Jewels of Europe with Flourishing Floriade – prices starting at $7,345

Feature Photo by Reynier Carl on Unsplash