Maybe you were client of Crystal Cruises, or maybe you just heard about their untimely demise in the news a few months ago.
Either way, when Crystal ceased operations, it became the poster child for the carnage of the pandemic.
Many other businesses failed due to the devastating economic effects of covid 19. The overwhelming majority of such businesses were small, mom & pop shoppes… and the most substantial economic damage was in other countries – those much more dependent on tourism, and far less able to absorb such economic shocks.
What can we learn from all of this?
Do it Now.
Before the pandemic, most people would express some realization of their own mortality – wanting to do some travel while they were still able to do so.
The pandemic taught us that it is not only our own fragility that potentially limits our options.
More recently, we’ve learned that you never know when a political event like the invasion of Ukraine will take away travel options.
The lesson: Do it now… you never know when opportunities will be taken away.
To illustrate exactly how quickly things change, Bob and I were invited on the Crystal Cruises private jet, Crystal Skye just weeks before the pandemic that led to Crystal’s demise. The world’s largest private jet – owned by a cruise company that we fully expected to be around forever. Here’s a link to our YouTube video on that unique plane ride: https://youtu.be/4YaJcEpBsSc. Apparently, we’ll never get to do that again!
Insure Your Trip
Vendor insolvency is a standard clause in most travel insurance policies. It’s also something people never think they’ll need. Many Crystal clients were paid in full at the time of the company’s demise, and there is very little chance of recovering any money without filing an insurance claim. Insurance is one of those things that some people never think they need… until they need it.
Tourism is an Important Economic Driver
Travel and tourism is responsible for about 1 out of every 10 American jobs. This puts it in the top 5 industries in the country by size and equates to tens of millions of jobs. Now think about some lower latitude countries, where travel and tourism counts for more than one in five jobs – and those countries were not able to offer any form of government assistance to those impacted by the pandemic. For those of us from western nations with the means to travel, the most effective way to help people in less fortunate countries is to visit there.
Is Crystal Really Dead?
In its current configuration – yes, it is dead. However, it is an incredibly strong brand with the most loyal clients in the business. There have been at least two attempts to buy the brand (or parts of it), but so far, those takeovers have not been successful.
Part of the complexity is a result of Crystal’s parent company being based in Hong Kong. The Chinese business culture is far less transparent than we are used to, so it’s difficult to make predictions. The other contributing factor is that the bankruptcy is taking place across several countries.
At the very least, someone will buy up the Crystal ships – and Crystal clients will at least be able to go back and visit their favorites – even if they might have a different name on them.
Today’s Travel Opportunities
Iceland with Hurtigruten: 20% off Select Departures + Air Credit
Iceland was one of the first countries to re-open last year after the pandemic, and those who visited came back raving about the scenery and the people.
Hurtigruten has 8 departures in 2022 and 2023 for Iceland. Here’s one example for each year:
- June 17, 2022. Prices starting at $4906 per person and includes a $500 air credit.
- May 13, 2023: Prices starting at $4406 per person and includes a $500 air credit.
You’ll travel round-trip Reykjavik for 9 days on board the Fridtjof Nansen:
- This revolutionary hybrid battery powered cruise ship was launched in 2020, just in time NOT to sail for 18 months. She holds 528 passengers and is the perfect combination of luxury and expedition offerings (especially in Iceland).
We were on the inaugural voyage of the Nansen’s identical sister ship, Roald Amundsen, and did a ship tour video if you want to see what it’s like: https://youtu.be/1L_ByDqhGR0
Vietnam & Cambodia River Cruise with Uniworld
This part of east Asia is open again, and ready to receive visitors. Both the Mekong River and Uniworld’s Super Ship Mekong Jewel are spectacular!
You’ll travel between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap for 13-days:
- 2-nights at Ho Chi Minh City, 7-nights aboard the ship, and 3-nights at Siem Reap.
- September and December 2022 departures starting at $4999 per person ($3000 off)
- The entry level room is 340 square feet with a private balcony.
- Includes all shipboard meals, gratuities, all shipboard beverages, transfers, and an excursion in each port.
As with all Uniworld cruises, our agency gets you an exclusive benefit of $200 per person onboard credit.
Are You Familiar with Azamara?
Azamara has four perfect vessels for those looking to avoid the mega-ships and prefer a bit of an upgraded offering. Their ships hold 680 guests and Azamara does some really interesting itineraries. Here are 2 examples:
Croatia & Italy
- 12-nights from Venice to Barcelona
- Visit Slovenia, 2 ports in Croatia, Montenegro, Amalfi, Sorrento, Rome, Florence, and Monte Carlo.
- Veranda rooms for $3499 per person for departure on July 18, 2022
Ireland Intensive Voyage
- 11-days from London to Dublin with stops in both Ireland and Northern Ireland.
- Visit Cork, Foynes, Galway, Donegal, Londonderry, Belfast, and Warrenpoint.
- There is an optional golf package available for this cruise.
- Veranda Room for $3999 per person for departure on July 27, 2022
- The Azamara fare includes all beverages, gratuities, and shuttle services into town in most ports.
If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
