Ep 13 - Crystal is Back and Better Than Ever - Exceptional at Sea with Glen Rothe

In this episode, Rodney is joined by Glen Rothe, VP of Trade Sales for North America with Crystal Cruise Lines. Glen shares exciting news about Crystal's return to sailing, showcasing the impressive redesign of their ships. These updates include larger guest accommodations and a more intimate onboard experience with fewer passengers. Glen also highlights Crystal's partnership with Abercrombie & Kent Travel, offering guests the unique opportunity to disembark, explore luxurious land experiences, and rejoin the ship at the next port. Additionally, Crystal is expanding its fleet with new ships.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:25] Glen shares the exciting come-back story of Crystal Cruises, emphasizing the increased size of the suites
• [6:35] Approximately 85% of the original crew has come back to the company
• [9:52] Glen discusses the culinary experience and chefs on board and the entertainment provided on board
• [15:58] Glen talks about the partnership between Abercrombie Kent Travel, luxury land experience experts and discussion about the 123-night world cruise
• [20:17] Crystal is building three new ocean ships and adding the casinos back on board, and there is discussion about expedition ships on the horizon
• [25:30] Discussion about the level of proactive service on Crystal Cruise and Glen shares programming for kids

KEY TAKEAWAYS: 

• The Serenity and Symphony Crystal Ships were completely renovated, and the interior walls were removed to enlarge the cabins. 
• When the ships were initially built, they were designed to have 1000 guests on board, but now there are roughly 30 percent fewer guests, so the space ratio is considerably larger. 
• Crystal is building three new ocean ships. The first ship will be delivered in the spring of 2028, the second shortly after, and the third in 2032. 

RESOURCES:

Luxury Travelers - Podcast

Luxe Travel - Website

Luxe Travel - Facebook

Luxe Travel - Instagram

Crystal Cruises - Website

Glen Rothe - LinkedIn

GUEST BIOGRAPHY: 



Glen Rothe is the Vice President of Trade Sales for North America at Crystal. Glen has always worked in the travel industry, having been born and raised in Chicago, where his dad worked for United Airlines. The urge to make a living in the travel industry started in 1993 and led to jobs with Worldspan, Orbitz.com, and Travelport in Atlanta after finishing college. His first opportunity in the cruise industry was in 2010 with Norwegian Cruise Line, where he spent 13 years before coming to Crystal in October of last year. 

Glen resides with his wife and son in Coconut Grove, Florida. When not working, he enjoys sports, reading, cooking, and traveling with his family to destinations chosen by following their stomachs. Good food, they travel.