Crystal appoints Luke Smith as VP of...

Former Carnival Cruise Line Director to oversee trade distribution in the UK and EMEA

Crystal has appointed former Carnival Cruise Line International Sales Director Luke Smith as Vice-President of Sales for UK and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

In the newly created role, Smith will oversee trade sales distribution and the performance of agency sales, as well as managing inside sales functions and liaison with the luxury line’s marketing team.

He will report to Matias Lira, Crystal Senior Vice-President for Trade Sales – Americas, UK and EMEA.

Smith worked for Carnival Cruise Line for more than 12 years, starting as Partnership Manager and becoming Senior Partnership Manager before taking on the Sales Director role in 2017.

He previously spent six years with Carnival UK in a range of sales roles.

Lira said: “I am delighted to welcome Luke to the team and am confident that his knowledge, experience and impressive track record will prove invaluable as we continue to expand our sales presence within these important markets.”

Smith added: “I am excited to be joining Crystal and working closely with the great team that we already have in place.

“Our trade partners are going to be pivotal to our success going forward and so my primary focus will be on them, how we can work together as a true partnership and what they need from us both commercially and in order to fully understand what makes Crystal exceptional compared with our competition.

“There is work to be done and I am open to feedback and honest conversation with trade partners across all markets to ensure that we build long-lasting and successful relationships.”

Crystal operates two ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, which were “reimagined” and reentered service in 2023 after the brand and vessels were acquired by A&K Travel Group in 2022.

Crystal turns 35 this year and has a number of celebratory sailings featuring exclusive guests, anniversary galas and reunions alongside their existing programme of onboard entertainment.

For more information, visit crystalcruises.ae and www.crystalcruises.ae/peace-of-mind-promise. For reservations, call 8000 6512079 (UAE) or +357 26 205 216 (outside of the UAE), or email crystal@luxurycruiseportfolio.com. For travel trade partnerships, contact Head of GCC Sales Daniel Essex on dan@luxurycruiseportfolio.com

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