Crystal Cruises looks to Asia for recovery, backed by casino offering
Monte Carlo Casino at sea aims to boost appeal as passengers book longer, more immersive trips.
Key Points:
– Crystal Cruises says Asia’s luxury cruise market still has untapped potential
– New Casino de Monte-Carlo opens aboard Crystal Symphony
– Singapore and Hong Kong seen as key regional hubs for future growth
Crystal Cruises believes there is still room for growth in Asia, as the region’s luxury cruise market continues its recovery. While global passenger numbers are already ahead of pre-Covid levels, Crystal’s Asia Sales Chief Tony Archbold says demand from the region is only now starting to pick up.
“Asia has not really caught up yet,” he said. “There is growing awareness of cruising, and places like Singapore and Hong Kong are well placed to support further growth.”
The cruise line, now under the Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, has been investing in making its ships more appealing to high-end travellers. Passenger numbers have been reduced to create more space, and there is a greater focus on health, wellness and destination-led experiences.
One of the bigger changes has been the launch of the Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea. The venue, located aboard Crystal Symphony and soon to arrive on Crystal Serenity, was created in partnership with Monaco’s famed casino operator. It features slot machines and table games like roulette and blackjack, and is designed to mirror the look of the original casino in Monaco.
Archbold said many of their Asian guests are now looking for longer trips. “Where cruises used to be seven or ten days, now people are doing 14, even 18 days,” he noted. He added that passengers are getting younger too, often still working while onboard, helped by the reliable satellite internet now available at sea.
Gambling Insider delivers the latest industry news, in-depth features, and operator reviews that you can trust. Our team combines rigorous editorial standards with decades of specialized expertise to ensure accuracy and fairness. We are committed to delivering clear, impartial, and dependable coverage across the global gambling sector.
