Crystal has sold Crystal Esprit. The single, small yacht concept no longer fits into future plans for the company. The luxury cruise line will now concentrate on the successful deployment of its ocean, river and expedition fleets.
In 2015 Crystal began its brand expansion with the launch of Crystal Esprit, effectively establishing the Crystal Yacht Cruises brand extension. The all-suite, butler-serviced, 62-guest yacht was perfectly suited for guests seeking active experiences in remote locales that are often only accessible by smaller ships. Throughout Crystal Esprit, travelers were treated to Crystal’s signature personal service and abundant space in a casually elegant atmosphere that reflects the adventurous and relaxed ways of life on the warm-weather itineraries she sailed.
In 2019, before the pandemic, Crystal Esprit sailed week-long routes round-trip from Marigot in the early spring, visiting coveted harbors in the West Indies & British Virgin Islands. In the early summer, the yacht returned to the Adriatic, where she explored the Dalmatian Coast with in-depth focus on Croatia. She cruised ports both beloved and less visited in Spain, France, Italy, Monaco and Greece, with combinable sailings from Venice to Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik to Venice, before offering Holiday voyages along the Arabian Coast.
Life on board Crystal Esprit
While the Crystal Yachting Lifestyle was driven by the spirit of adventure surrounding the luxury yacht, life on board was driven by the authentically warm hospitality of a home away from home. Guests enjoyed spacious public spaces to gather for lively camaraderie shared with fellow adventurists, or quiet cocktails for two. The open-air Sunset Bar (located on the Sunset Deck, aft) was perfect for sunset viewing and champagne toasts. The Cove Lounge (located on Deck 4) was a favorite meetings spot for evening entertainment around the baby grand.
Each suite aboard the yacht is designed as a personal haven for guests, attended to by a personal butler. Yacht Suites boast 280 square feet of spacious luxury, with either king- or queen-sized beds and a comfortable sitting area ideal for taking in sea views. Caudalie bathroom amenities, and ETRO robes and slippers are all included, as well as 42-inch, flat-screen HD TVs, free unlimited Wi-Fi and a personal iPad for each suite allowing guests to navigate the daily cruise and activity report and other convenient info.
The yacht also features an exclusively outfitted private marina, equipped with virtually everything guests could want for any manner of water sports and exploration. On board Crystal Esprit travelers enjoyed complimentary use of water skis, wake and paddle boards, kayaks, jet skis and snorkel gear. For an additional charge, Esprit also offered deep-water adventures up to 1,000 feet in its own private submersible.
Michelin-Inspired Cuisine
Fresh, farm-to-table fare is the focus of Crystal Cruises, with an Open Dining system offered aboard Crystal Esprit. With each dining experience, the philosophy of culinary creativity remaines
rooted in Crystal’s commitment to using the freshest ingredients sourced from local suppliers and bold flavors that reflect the destinations. Offering an array of creative cuisine served in elegant eateries and alfresco spaces, the dining venues on board included:
- The Yacht Club restaurant featuring made-to-order pastas and risottos, seafood and meat antipasti, and a raw and salad bar – all served in a bright and immaculate setting;
- Patio Café serving made-to-order omelets, waffles and pancakes and a health bar with fresh fruit and vegetable juices for breakfast and a selection of Crystal’s modern and classic specialties for lunch;
- Sunset Bar & Grill menu featuring burgers, wraps and locally inspired “global street food,” served tapas style and reflecting the destinations visited;
- The Pantry, the 24-hour “go-to” spot for freshly baked light snacks and pastries, coffee and a self-service wine bar;
- Crystal Esprit Guest Suites also allowed travelers to indulge in the plush privacy of their own staterooms, with available 24-hour dining.