Crystal Cruises has named Matias Lira as Senior Vice President, Global Sales & Guest Services, based in Miami, Florida.
Lira was previously with Silversea Cruises for nearly 8.5 years, most recently serving as Vice President, Passenger Services & Consumer Sales. His cruise industry career also included a nearly five-year stint with Norwegian Cruise Line, which began with a role aboard MS Pride of America as a Room Service Supervisor/Assistant Restaurant Manager.
Commenting on the appointment, Jack Anderson, President of Crystal Cruises, said Lira is a “luxury cruise industry leader with expertise in developing relationships in global sales channels including trade, charters, and meeting and incentive groups.
“He appreciates the incredible value of travel advisors and will build strong relationships, working with reservations and sales support to keep the focus on guest satisfaction,” Anderson noted.
Lira remarked: “I have long admired the innovative leadership and vision of Geoffrey Kent and Manfredi Lefebvre. Under their ownership, Crystal Cruises is beginning a new and very exciting chapter. I am personally committed to rebuilding the travel partner relationships that made Crystal an industry leader and a favourite of guests and travel advisors alike with best in industry support.”
“On the operations side, my goal is to work with Bernie Leypold, SVP Hotel Operations, to bring back the personalised service that built the Crystal Cruises reputation in an even more elevated form,” Lira said.
“More spacious suites and public areas with fewer guests are designed to make it possible to deliver the very best cuisine and service at sea.”
On social media, and following feedback from his peers on the announcement, Lira said he was confident “the new Crystal Cruises will return stronger than ever with the incredible crew and refreshed atmosphere that will once again make the most award-winning luxury cruise line!”
Ship enhancements and new itineraries to be offered aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will be revealed in the near future.