In this episode, Rodney is joined by Glen Rothe, VP of Trade Sales for North America with Crystal Cruise Lines. Glen shares exciting news about Crystal's return to sailing, showcasing the impressive redesign of their ships. These updates include larger guest accommodations and a more intimate onboard experience with fewer passengers. Glen also highlights Crystal's partnership with Abercrombie & Kent Travel, offering guests the unique opportunity to disembark, explore luxurious land experiences, and rejoin the ship at the next port. Additionally, Crystal is expanding its fleet with new ships.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:25] Glen shares the exciting come-back story of Crystal Cruises, emphasizing the increased size of the suites
• [6:35] Approximately 85% of the original crew has come back to the company
• [9:52] Glen discusses the culinary experience and chefs on board and the entertainment provided on board
• [15:58] Glen talks about the partnership between Abercrombie Kent Travel, luxury land experience experts and discussion about the 123-night world cruise
• [20:17] Crystal is building three new ocean ships and adding the casinos back on board, and there is discussion about expedition ships on the horizon
• [25:30] Discussion about the level of proactive service on Crystal Cruise and Glen shares programming for kids

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Serenity and Symphony Crystal Ships were completely renovated, and the interior walls were removed to enlarge the cabins.
• When the ships were initially built, they were designed to have 1000 guests on board, but now there are roughly 30 percent fewer guests, so the space ratio is considerably larger.
• Crystal is building three new ocean ships. The first ship will be delivered in the spring of 2028, the second shortly after, and the third in 2032.

RESOURCES:

Luxury Travelers - Podcast

Luxe Travel - Website

Luxe Travel - Facebook

Luxe Travel - Instagram

Crystal Cruises - Website

Glen Rothe - LinkedIn

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:



Glen Rothe is the Vice President of Trade Sales for North America at Crystal. Glen has always worked in the travel industry, having been born and raised in Chicago, where his dad worked for United Airlines. The urge to make a living in the travel industry started in 1993 and led to jobs with Worldspan, Orbitz.com, and Travelport in Atlanta after finishing college. His first opportunity in the cruise industry was in 2010 with Norwegian Cruise Line, where he spent 13 years before coming to Crystal in October of last year.

Glen resides with his wife and son in Coconut Grove, Florida. When not working, he enjoys sports, reading, cooking, and traveling with his family to destinations chosen by following their stomachs. Good food, they travel.

In this episode, we embark on a journey through the azure waters of the South Pacific with a special guest who knows these islands intimately. Liz Coleman from Paul Gauguin Cruises joins us, specializing in exploring paradises like the Society, Marquesa, and Cook Islands. Together, we'll uncover the allure of these remote havens, from the breathtaking vistas of Bora Bora to the cultural tapestry woven across the islands. Stay tuned as we delve into what makes this region so enchanting, including a notable dining spot, Bloody Mary's, inspired by the classic film South Pacific.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:40] Liz explains where the French Polynesian Islands are and what a typical itinerary is like
• [5:07] Discussion of Bora Bora, beautiful species of fish to see when snorkeling and the famous restaurant, Bloody Marys
• [9:51] The ship was built to sail through these waters and into these ports, and a discussion of dolphins and whales
• [13:10] Beach days in Bora Bora and what sets apart a Paul Gauguin Cruise onboard experience from other cruise lines
• [16:19] How to get to the ship from Los Angeles, other activities available and the ratio of crew to staff
• [23:45] Family youth programs are offered during the last two sailings of the year, and discussion about making memories with your family

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Paul Gauguin Cruises has won awards for products that no one else delivers.
• The Cook, Society and Marquesas Islands are located in the South Pacific, an equal distance south of the equator as Hawaii is north.
• Paul Gauguin Cruises are all-inclusive and offer an authentic experience to the South Pacific islands.

RESOURCES:

Luxury Travelers - Podcast

Luxe Travel - Website

Luxe Travel - Facebook

Luxe Travel - Instagram

Paul Gauguin Cruises - Website

Liz Coleman - LinkedIn

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Liz Coleman, Vice President of Sales, has been with Paul Gauguin Cruises for over 16 years. She started as a Director of Sales, covering a quarter of North America. She is now responsible for growing the travel trade partnerships and charter and incentive business throughout the Americas. Before landing at Paul Gauguin Cruises, she spent 14 years with American Express, selling corporate payment solutions for businesses throughout the Northeast. Consistently, she was recognized for her business development and relationship management skills, creating win/win solutions for the business and her clients.

In this episode, Rodney is joined by a special guest, Joe Leon, from Silverseas Cruises. Together, they dive into the world of luxury cruising, sharing insider tips and stories that will inspire your next vacation. Joe shares Silverseas' commitment to taking customers deeper into destinations than they would travel with anyone else. This promise is evident in every aspect, from the design of their ships to the innovative programs on board, like the culinary program Sea and Land Tastes (SALT). With their new ships, Silver Ray and Silver Nova, dubbed "ships of light" by the U.S. media, guests can enjoy stunning views, with 93 percent of public areas offering vistas of the outside destinations.

Silverseas operates the world’s largest luxury fleet, featuring both Expedition and Classic ships, and boasts hundreds of destinations—more than any cruise line in any market. Joe’s message to listeners is clear: Silverseas can take you anywhere in the world you want to go, providing a higher value proposition than you might expect. Many people pay for luxury experiences but have yet to experience the true luxury that Silverseas offers.

Rodney has a special offer for our listeners: get free information on 25 secrets to a great vacation by texting "66866" with the message "25 secrets".

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:49] The much anticipated Silver Ray will depart from Lisbon on her first seafaring with passengers, and Joe describes the advantages of the Nova class ship
• [4:02] Joe discusses the importance of offering butler service to all suite levels, and he shares various services the butler provides
• [8:05] Silverseas travels to all seven continents, and Joe outlines sites and scenes and discusses door-to-door packages
• [14:00] Joe explains how the door-to-door service begins at your home with a private car service and describes the culinary experience on board
• [19:32] Joe encourages listeners to contact Rodney and make a price comparison to see the value of a Silversea Cruise
• [23:38] Text 25 secrets (no punctuation, no caps) to 66866 for a free booklet on 25 secrets to a great vacation

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Nova class ship is one of the most sustainable ships at sea today, featuring new architectural styles and designs for public spaces.
• Silversea Cruises promises six-star service throughout the cruise, and staying in a suite with butler service assures that level of service.
• Silversea Cruises offers an expedition product, an ocean-going product and a traditional classic product.

RESOURCES:

Luxury Travelers - Podcast

Luxe Travel - Website

Luxe Travel - Facebook

Luxe Travel - Instagram

Silverseas Cruises - Website

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Joe Leon currently serves as the Vice President of Sales for Silversea Cruises. He leads Silversea’s sales team, working with the National Account, Area Sales Directors, Inside Sales and Business Development teams to meet all travel partner needs and requests. He brings over 29 years of travel experience, working both on the travel agency and supplier sides. A...