Do you have a client asking about the specifics of Crystal Cruises’ onboard amenities? Or a customer concerned that the cruise line’s restaurants won’t meet their dietary requirements? Or are you just keen to wrap your head around Crystal’s breadth of itineraries?

Good news, all the answers to the above plus more can now be found via a portal dedicated to travel agents across the Middle East. 

Crystalcruises.ae launched this week in collaboration with Century Travel Group with resources ranging from fleet details to itineraries, onboard experiences, dining, and wellness offerings. 

According to Dan Essex, Century Travel Group Chief Executive, the dedicated website has been a long time coming. He said it’s designed to “empower” travel agents by providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to assist (and entice) their clients.  

“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,” Mr Essex said. “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.”

So, what exactly will you find on the dedicated site? 

Crystal Cruises describes the website as a “research-driven resource” acting as a library of easily accessible information. 

Much of the information found on Crystal’s main global website can be found on the dedicated travel agent portal along with the ability to submit inquiries and booking requests. All incoming questions will be routed to Crystal’s team at Luxury Cruise Portfolio (part of Century Travel Group) who will review and answer promptly. 

As expected, the website doesn’t facilitate direct consumer bookings, keeping the sale with the consultant. 

Why launch the dedicated portal for Middle Eastern travel agents now? 

Cruise around the Middle East is on the rise with cruise lines expanding their local itineraries, new cruise ships sailing the region, an entirely local cruise line coming online next month.

The industry is truly setting sail and competition between cruise lines is heating up. Cruise lines want a share of the market and Crystal Cruises is among them. 

Matias Lira, Crystal Cruises’ Senior Vice President Trade Sales Americas, UK & EMEA, said the Middle East is a key growth area for luxury travel, and the dedicated travel agent website emphasises the line’s commitment to the region. 

“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,” said Mr Lira.

Where can Crystal Cruises take travellers?

Crystal Cruises had cancelled its Middle Eastern itineraries for the 2024/25 season, citing security concerns in the Red Sea region. However, for 2025 and beyond, agents can book clients on journeys such as:

• An 11-night Jeddah-Dubai cruise onboard Crystal Symphony. The itinerary takes in Saudi Arabia’s largest city of Jeddah before cruising to Salalah, Muscat and the Musandam Peninsula in Oman as well as Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the Emirates.
  
• A six-night Doha-Dubai cruise onboard Crystal Symphony. The itinerary starts in Qatar’s capital of Doha before heading out to sea for a visit to Muscat in Oman and then Khor Al Fakkan and Dubai in the Emirates.
  
• One of the Grand Journeys around Asia over 47 nights, or the Baltics and Northern Europe over 40 nights.
  
• An epic World Cruise onboard Crystal Serenity spanning 123 nights, visiting 75 destinations across 24 countries.

However, agents should note as per their FAQ on the website: “All voyages with availability are listed on our website. Voyages which are chartered or in periods reserved for maintenance, refurbishment, dry dock and refits will not appear on the website.”