Crystal launches dedicated Middle East website

Crystalcruises.ae has been created in collaboration with Century Travel Group

Leading luxury cruise line Crystal has launched a dedicated Middle East website design to inspire bookings and support travel advisors.

Crystalcruises.ae has been created in collaboration with Century Travel Group, Crystal's exclusive General Sales Agent (GSA) for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. 

The creators say that the new platform has been designed to "bring the essence of Crystal closer to its customers and partners in the Middle East, empowering them with easier access to comprehensive information about Crystal’s cruises and unparalleled service from a locally based team".

Unlike a standard white-label website, crystalcruises.ae represents a strategic partnership between Crystal and Century Travel Group. This collaboration has been specifically tailored to cater to the needs and expectations of the GCC market.

“Creating a website that is perfectly adapted to the needs of our customers and travel partners in the Middle East has been a top priority for us,” said Dan Essex CEO of Century Travel Group. “Through this partnership, we have developed a platform that not only delivers comprehensive cruise information but also ensures that local travel advisors are protected and valued. We recognise the importance of the agent community and are committed to providing them with the resources and support they need."

The new site is a research-driven resource that allows potential guests to explore Crystal’s fleet, itineraries, onboard experiences, dining and wellness offerings. The site’s purpose is to inspire travellers and provide them with everything they need to make informed decisions about their future voyages.

While crystalcruises.ae offers the same depth of information as Crystal’s main global site, crystalcruises.com, it does not facilitate direct consumer bookings.

All call-to-action features on the site, including inquiries and booking requests, are seamlessly routed to the dedicated Crystal team at Luxury Cruise Portfolio, part of the Century Travel Group. 

By managing these inquiries locally, it ensures faster response times and a personalised service, benefiting from a shared time zone and a deep understanding of the regional market.

“The focus of crystalcruises.ae is to empower our guests with information and facilitate personalised, high-quality service,” continued Essex. “Our team is here to offer support that’s both knowledgeable and responsive, reflecting our commitment to excellence and the luxury ethos that Crystal represents.

The new website also reinforces Crystal and Century Travel Groups commitment to the travel advisor community. By design, the site does not provide online booking for consumers, preserving the critical role of travel agents in the booking process.

This measure ensures that agents continue to receive the recognition and protection they deserve. Empowering agents further, they can access the ‘Travel Partner Portal’ from crystalcruises.ae.

“Our travel agent partners are essential to our success, especially in the Middle East, where relationships and personalised service are paramount,” added Essex. “By collaborating on crystalcruises.ae, we have created a platform that not only enhances consumer experiences but also preserves and strengthens our relationships with the travel community.”

The launch of crystalcruises.ae marks a significant milestone in Crystal’s ongoing commitment to the Middle Eastern market. 

As the region continues to be a key growth area for luxury travel, this new website reflects the brand’s dedication to providing top-tier service and unparalleled luxury experiences tailored to local expectations and needs.

“We are excited to expand our presence in the Middle East and bring the essence of Crystal closer to our guests in the GCC,” said Matias Lira, SVP Trade Sales Americas, UK & EMEA at Crystal.  

“Our collaboration with Century Travel Group is a testament to our commitment to this market, and we look forward to welcoming more guests from the region aboard our ships.”