Tag Archives: crew

Crystal Grace to Feature Dedicated Crew Recreation Area

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Crystal Grace to Feature Dedicated Crew Recreation Area

Crystal Cruises has unveiled a dedicated crew recreation area aboard the Crystal Grace, its newest ship coming in 2028.

Set on deck 12, the crew recreation area will include a crew gym featuring Technogym equipment, a sundries shop, bar, table seating area and lounge with a 98-inch television indoors. 

This will be complemented with sun loungers, a jacuzzi and shower area outside, according to a statement. 

“Our crew consistently delivers an exceptional level of service and care, and it was important to us that Crystal Grace reflects that same standard in return,” said Cristina Levis, CEO of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG). 

“This dedicated recreation space was created with real intention, a place for our team to unwind, recharge and feel supported after bringing the Crystal experience to life each day.” 

Measuring 1,582 square feet (147 square meters), the area can accommodate up to 100 crew members, with 74 dedicated seats in the indoor social spaces. 

In addition to this, two crew dining areas will be located on deck 3. 

The 650-passenger Crystal Grace is scheduled for delivery in May 2028.  

Her official debut on June 11, 2028, in Civitavecchia (Rome), will visit Sorrento, Igoumenitsa, Kotor, Split, Zadar and Trieste before continuing to Venice, after which a Mediterranean season will be launched.

Royal Caribbean International Trimming Housekeeping Services

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Royal Caribbean International is adjusting the housekeeping services onboard its fleet. According to different passenger forums on the internet, several ships have seen a reduction in how many times a cabin is serviced per day.

“In an effort to be more sustainable and to align with global hospitality trends, we will be adjusting our stateroom services to one per day,” the company said in a daily cruise program onboard one of the ships that saw the change.

According to the document, passengers are welcome to work with their housekeeping staff to ensure their needs are met. It’s understood that guests are able to select whether they prefer morning or evening service in their staterooms.

While most cabin categories are set to move to the new service schedule, Junior Suites and above will maintain two services per day, the message added.

The change has been spotted in different ships, including the Quantum of the Seas, the Spectrum of the Seas, the Independence of the Seas, the Ovation of the Seas and the Harmony of the Seas.

It’s unknown whether the service reduction will be applied to Royal Caribbean’s 26-ship fleet.

In 2022, Norwegian Cruise Line also moved its stateroom cleaning services to a once-a-day basis for select cabin categories. According to a letter sent to the crew at the time, the change aimed at consolidating crew roles while saving energy and water.

Other cruise lines that have moved to a once-a-day cabin service include Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises and more.

China Cruise Line Staffs Up, Anticipating Restart

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The Chinese cruise industry may be ready to start sooner than later, as CSSC Carnival China Cruise Shipping, which will operate as Adora Cruises, is staffing up in the sales department.

The company is a joint venture between China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and Carnival Corporation.The company announced the appointment of Chen Yinglan as the sales director of the East China region, Lin Binbin as the sales director of the South China region, and Sun Wen as the sales director of the North China region.

Chen Ranfeng, CEO of CSSC Carnival, said in a translated statement: “The three are ‘senior cruise people’ who have been deeply involved in the industry for many years. They are also leaders in the cruise sales field. They have rich experience in marketing and a solid industry foundation in their respective regions. Maintain long-term and good cooperative relations with partners in the same industry. I believe they will play an important role in the market expansion of CSSC Carnival.”

The company said it will use a multi-vessel multi-homeport operation strategy and operate international routes in East Asia and Southeast Asia throughout the year. The company will focus on homeporting ships in China but is also committed to selling international departures as well, according to a statement.

As far as ships, the Costa Atlantica and Mediterranea previously transferred to Carnival’s joint venture in China prior. A new building is scheduled to be delivered from a shipyard in Shanghai this year.