Crystal increases connecting rooms to serve family market

On June 4, in advance of the summer season, Crystal Symphony will debut nine new adjoining staterooms, suitable for use as family suites. Several of the connecting rooms offer sofas as third berths to accommodate parents with more than two children. 

Crystal is refitting 18 verandah and deluxe outside staterooms to enable connections, when desired. Passengers will have a choice of verandah and non-verandah accommodations in several stateroom categories, in addition to two existing Penthouse Suite/Penthouse and Verandah combinations.

In 2012, Crystal handled 20% more family groups than in 2011. Underscoring the increasing trend, as of March, the line has more family groups booked to date for 2013 than were booked for all of 2012. 

The Crystal Family Memories program offers free berths, shore excursion credits and other amenities for family groups. 

Both Crystal ships have a purpose-built playroom and video game room for junior cruises, although it is primarily summer and holiday cruises that generate the most junior cruisers. On cruises with more than 10 children, junior activities directors supervise an array of games, crafts and behind-the-scenes learning programs. Teens can learn to make sushi from Nobu-trained chefs.

Connecting rooms aren’t limited to just families with children; they can also be requested by adults traveling together who prefer their own rooms.    

‘Today, there are many combinations of families—adults and their in-laws, grandparents with grandchildren, same-age cousins and even four generations traveling together,’ said Jack Anderson, svp marketing and sales.