Crystal cruises plans casino business to tap Asian market
Crystal Cruises is turning to Asia for its new luxury offerings, with casino operations expected to play a pivotal role in its expansion as the region’s cruise market continues its post-pandemic recovery.
While global passenger numbers have already surpassed pre-Covid levels, demand in Asia is only now starting to pick up. According to Tony Archbold, Vice President of Sales for Asia at Crystal Cruises, awareness of cruising is increasing across the region. He believes that key hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong are well-positioned to drive further industry growth.
“Asia has not reached its full potential yet,” Archbold said. “Passengers are becoming more knowledgeable about cruising, and this is fuelling demand.”
The cruise line, now owned by Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, has been focusing on creating more exclusive and high-end experiences to attract Asian travellers. A major part of this strategy includes a renewed emphasis on casino entertainment.
Crystal Cruises partners with Monaco SBM
The company recently partnered with Monaco’s Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) to introduce the Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea. This new venue, available onboard Crystal Symphony and soon on Crystal Serenity, offers a luxurious gambling experience with slot machines and classic table games such as roulette and blackjack. Designed to replicate the grandeur of the original casino in Monaco, the venue aims to appeal to high-net-worth individuals from Asia and beyond.
Casino entertainment is becoming an increasingly important draw for Asian travellers, who often associate luxury travel with high-end gaming experiences. The addition of these casino facilities positions Crystal Cruises to compete more aggressively with other high-end cruise operators in the region.
Beyond gaming, Crystal Cruises has implemented several changes to cater to the evolving preferences of its passengers. The company has reduced onboard capacity by 30 percent on both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity to provide more space and enhance comfort. New entertainment options, including piano bars, nightclubs, and live showrooms, have also been introduced.
Asia: an untapped market
Despite the global cruise industry surpassing pre-pandemic passenger levels—with 31.7 million travellers in 2023 compared to 29.7 million in 2019—Asia has yet to fully catch up. However, projections from Cruise Line International Association suggest that global cruise passengers will rise to 37.1 million by 2025, with Asia expected to play a bigger role in that expansion.
Crystal Cruises has also noticed a shift in travel behaviour among its Asian customers. While shorter cruises of seven to ten days were once the norm, more travellers are now opting for extended journeys lasting 14 to 18 days.
With its focus on luxury gaming, exclusive entertainment, and premium wellness experiences, the firm is positioning itself to capture Asia’s growing interest in high-end cruising. As the region’s travel market recovers, casino offerings are set to become a key differentiator in attracting affluent Asian travellers back to the seas.
