48 INTERVIEW Crystal clear rationale for expansion Rebecca Barnes asks Crystal Cruises’ Matias Lira about the luxury line’s plans to expand its fleet and improve the guest experience For many cruise passengers, access to off-the-beaten-track destinations and marquee ports is paramount, and it’s all about being in the right place at the right time, says Matias Lira, Crystal Cruises’ senior vice president of trade sales for the Americas, UK and EMEA. That’s why the luxury line is planning a fleet expansion – it has two newbuilds on the horizon – and why it has carried out multimillion-dollar refurbishments on its two existing flagships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. “Crystal guests have long been asking for new ocean-going vessels but it wasn’t a priority for Crystal’s former owners, as they were focused on other expansions such as river, yacht, expedition and air,” says Lira. “We are firm believers that the brand must be paired with more ships as guests want to cruise with us time and time again, but we may not always have a ship in the destination or time frame in which they are looking to sail.” The brand secured financing for the new vessels in 2025 and the first is set to join the fleet in the second quarter of 2028. According to Lira, the ships will lead the market in terms of efficiency. Systems have been designed with the most advanced technologies and a high focus on reducing consumption. The hull form, propellers and bulbous twisted rudders have been designed for the highest efficiency and low propagation of noise in water, while the hull will be coated with ultra-low-friction paint. The air conditioning system will use multistage HVAC compressors with variable frequency drivers, fan coils and frequency drive control, and the vessels will also be equipped with shore power connectivity. While plans for the newbuilds are progressing well, it has not all been “ Crystal guests have long been asking for new ocean-going vessels” Guests will find multiple spaces to relax in luxury onboard Crystal Cruises’ ocean-going vessels
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