TONY Archbold has been confirmed as the new Vice President of Sales for the reborn Crystal Cruises, with his role covering Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
He commenced with the business on 01 January 2023 – six months to the day since his shock redundancy from more than 11 years heading up Holland America Line and Seabourn in the local market.
Crystal Cruises ceased trading about 12 months ago amid the fallout from the collapse of its then parent company, Genting Hong Kong, which declared bankruptcy leading to the demise of Dream Cruises and Star Cruises alongside Crystal. After much speculation about the fate of the business, Abercrombie & Kent owners Geoffrey Kent and Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio confirmed their acquisition of the line’s two ocean-going ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony along with the Crystal brand name, customer lists and other intellectual property.
They didn’t, however, purchase the Crystal Cruises European river cruise fleet of five vessels, which have gone to German-based startup line Riverside Luxury Cruises.
Archbold has taken his new role as the reborn Crystal Cruises ramps up activity, with the imminent launch of itineraries for 2023 and 2024. Past passengers have already been invited to pay a nominal deposit to be first in line for the debut of the program in the coming weeks, with a pre-release scheduled for 13 February.
He said the position gives him “the envious task of leading the relaunch and success of this much-loved and highly awarded brand to our trade partners and guests in the APAC region”. Archbold’s appointment for APAC comes alongside that of new colleagued, UK-based Andrew McGowan, who will lead Crystal’s sales in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
