In business, there are few incentives as enticing as global travel, which promises the discovery of iconic landmarks, culinary adventures and new cultural experiences. Companies often position such breaks as the ultimate motivator for corporate teams or compelling perks for top clients.

As such, this niche of the travel industry has been expanding over the years. As the cruise industry continues to grow and more consumers experience the ease of a holiday at sea, corporate charters are becoming increasingly attractive to companies around the world.

Many organisations recognise the cost benefits of holding an event aboard a ship. Items that usually come at an extra cost – for example, entertainment, dining and equipment such as projectors, screens, TVs, microphones and podiums – are often included in the cost of the cruise.

With more ‘world’s best’ awards than any other cruise line, hotel or resort, Crystal has long been a favourite with elite businesses and incentive groups. A Crystal cruise is appealing to a company’s bottom line too, as almost all of a group’s needs are included in the fare. The no-fuss bookings process offers corporations the ability to work within their budget while planning an exciting, customised programme.

Ocean opulence
Crystal’s all-inclusive model of luxury at sea, in the sky and on Europe’s rivers features a comprehensive collection of travel experiences, available across the globe. Today’s corporate planners have access to an array of options to motivate, reward and entertain their clients, with expertly curated travel programmes available not only on-board the company’s ocean ships, but also on the Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises, Crystal River Cruises, Crystal Luxury Air and Crystal Air Cruises.

Many organisations recognise the cost benefits of holding an event aboard a ship. Items that usually come at an extra cost are often included in the cost of the cruise

Customers can also opt for the boutique, active yachting adventures aboard Crystal Esprit. For an immersive European cultural experience, the fleet of five state-of-the-art river ships is ideal. Air travel customers can charter the extravagant Crystal Skye jet, the world’s most spacious private luxury tour jet. Crystal’s portfolio of global experiences can be tailored to suit any group’s needs and wishes.

Crystal’s ocean ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, offer classic elegance and are equipped to cater to all aspects of business and incentive travel. An array of casual and fine dining options can accommodate intimate groups or parties as large as 80, while the ship’s clubs and lounges are fitted with the seating and technology for conferences and presentations. They also offer Broadway-style productions, Creative Learning Institute courses, an on-board casino and a range of other entertainment choices.

The ships also offer an abundance of options for leisure time, from the feng shui-inspired fitness centre and Crystal Spa and Salon, to engaging expert presentations on every voyage. Swimming pools and hot tubs, table tennis courts, golf driving ranges and putting greens, and the 360-degree teak promenade deck, which offers the best views and open sea air, will all keep guests entertained.

Staterooms, which boast comforts such as ETRO toiletries and Frette robes, Scandinavian down duvets and business amenities including complimentary, unlimited Wi-Fi, provide a plush remote office for the most discerning professionals.

Exclusive adventures
For smaller and charter groups, Crystal Yacht Expedition Cruises offer an exclusive escape. Welcoming just 62 guests, the all-suite, butler-serviced Crystal Esprit is the perfect reward for top incentive achievers. Alternatively, it can be used as a full-ship charter for an executive-level board meeting or exclusive group event.

Exploring remote destinations in the West Indies and the Adriatic, Crystal Esprit offers unrivalled all-inclusive services such as Crystal Adventures at every port of call, award-winning cuisine, a butler service for each suite, and exciting water sports from the yacht’s marina platform. Adventurers can enjoy undersea discovery in a two-passenger submersible or take an outing on the yacht’s speedboat.

Since its debut in 2016 and subsequent fleet expansion – with two additional river ships launching in 2018 – Crystal River Cruises has set a new standard of luxury on the grand waterways of Europe. Ideal for a full-ship charter or customised incentive programme, a journey aboard one of Crystal’s all-suite river yachts rewards guests or top performers with a front row seat overlooking the breathtaking landscapes, renowned capital cities, and villages lining the Danube, Rhine and Main rivers.

Studies show a luxury travel experience has an impact far greater than a cash reward

Expertly crafted itineraries boast overnight stays, bespoke events and complimentary Crystal Adventures. The exclusivity of river travel with Crystal allows guests to immerse themselves in the charm and history of each destination.

While Crystal Mozart remains the largest, most luxurious vessel on the European waterways, the four all-suite, all-balcony Rhine Class river ships offer plush facilities and spaces rarely seen in the river cruising industry. These ships feature panoramic balcony windows, walk-in closets, Frette robes and slippers, personal iPads, wall-mounted 42-inch flat-screen HD TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, and Nespresso machines. Each suite also offers Crystal’s celebrated butler service to attend to guests. Additional features include a luxurious spa and fitness centre and Crystal’s first-class cuisine in multiple eateries.

For truly elite corporate and incentive retreats, the Crystal experience takes to 
the skies: Crystal Luxury Air offers a 12-seat Bombardier Global Express XRS jet that can transport guests anywhere in the world. With leather executive seating, cabins configurable for conferencing with colleagues or relaxing, sleeping quarters, a full galley and the latest technologies for business and entertainment, the accommodation and on-board amenities are true to Crystal’s superior standards.

New heights
For extraordinary bespoke air experiences, companies can look to Crystal Air Cruise’s privately owned Boeing 777, Crystal Skye. The customised aircraft is the largest and most spacious private luxury tour jet in the industry, outfitted for just 88 guests and boasting amenities and experiences that are unmatched in the current charter landscape. Every facet of the Crystal Skye charter experience can be tailored to suit its guests’ preferences, from the itinerary, destinations and land experiences, to the on-board menu.

Studies show that a luxury travel experience has an impact far greater than a cash or merchandise reward. Regardless of which manner of travel best suits a programme or event – ocean, yacht, river or air – Crystal guarantees exceptional standards.