The reinstallation of Crystal Cruises under the ownership of A&K Travel Group continues to progress, and now with a local focus, with highly respected Australian cruise industry veteran, Tony Archbold, to head sales in the Asia Pacific division of the brand.
Archbold revealed his new appointment as Vice President, Sales, Asia Pacific for ‘Crystal Cruises 2.0’ on social media last Friday.
The longtime Holland America Line/Seabourn boss said he was “extremely excited” about his recent appointment.
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“I have the envious task of leading the re-launch and success of this much-loved and highly awarded brand to our trade partners and guests in the APAC region,” Archbold said.
That work has already commenced with Archbold telling LATTE he’s currently on the road in NSW and interstate, re-establishing bonds with key partners.
“All who know me know that our incredible trade partners are always central in all I do. I’ll be speaking to as many of you as possible in the coming weeks,” he said on LinkedIn.
Archbold thanked Crystal Cruises’ reinstated President, Jack Anderson, for his confidence in him,
saying “Thank you…for having the faith inme to take on this critical role.”
The position within the umbrella brand of A&K Travel Group will also see Archbold “work closely” with the team at sister-brand, Abercrombie & Kent Australia, including Debra Fox, Graham Wood, Susan Haberle and Michelle Mickan.
At this stage, it is unclear as to how many boots on the ground Crystal Cruises will employ in the region, and whether or not the luxury cruise brand will either have a standalone office in Australia, or share office space of A&K in Melbourne.
A formal announcement of Archbold’s appointment is expected in coming days. In the meantime, travel advisors in Australia and New Zealand wishing to connect with Crystal Cruises can email Archbold at SalesAUNZ@crystalcruises.com.
Meanwhile, Crystal Cruises has informed guests from its database inherited from the former owner that it will open an early booking window for sailings aboard the renovated Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, effective 20 February 2023.
In the email from Crytsal’s President, Anderson confirmed voyages will open to the public by the end of February.
“Our voyages will travel throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, Caribbean, Panama Canal, Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, all with our signature, highly personalised service,” Anderson noted.