Crystal Cruises' Tony Archbold Discusses Future Trends

In a recent exclusive interview, Tony Archbold, Asia’s Vice President of Sales for Crystal Cruises, discussed the evolving landscape of luxury cruising, revealing insights into industry trends and consumer expectations. The luxury cruise sector has seen substantial growth since the pandemic, with a report from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) indicating that 31.7 million passengers traveled on cruises in 2023, an increase of 1.7 million from the previous record of 30 million in 2019. This positive trend is expected to continue, with the CLIA forecasting a 10 percent growth for 2024, projecting 34.7 million passengers, although analysts believe the actual number could reach 35 million.

The outlook for the years 2025 through 2027 is equally promising, with expectations of 37.3 million passengers in 2025 and potentially reaching 40 million by 2027. Archbold noted that consumer expectations have significantly evolved over the past 15 years. What might have been considered a bonus in the past is now a standard requirement for luxury cruise guests. “Consumers today expect incredible food from named chefs, like Chef Nobu’s only restaurants at sea on Crystal Cruises, to a personal golf tutorial from a licensed PGA golf professional,” Archbold stated.

As competition intensifies, cruise lines are compelled to elevate their service offerings, which has led to an increase in the variety of options available to consumers. Archbold emphasized that the number of ships and itineraries has expanded dramatically, forcing brands to clearly identify their target markets and tailor their offerings accordingly. “The major difference has been the number of options available as the number of ships, and therefore itineraries, has increased dramatically,” he explained.

With over three decades of experience, Crystal Cruises has established itself as a leader in luxury cruising, and Archbold attributes much of this success to their legendary service. Many crew members have been with the company for decades, allowing them to build strong relationships with guests and deliver exceptional service. “Our success has been based on our legendary service. Many of our crew have been with us for over 15 or 20 or even 30 years, so they know our guests well, and their ability to deliver amazing service has been honed over the years,” he said.

Beyond superior service, Archbold believes that a holistic cruising experience encompasses various elements, including dining, entertainment, and land experiences. “From our live shows and our piano bar to our brand-new Casino de Monte Carlo or a lesson with our PGA golf professional, there are options to entertain,” he noted.

As sustainability becomes a pressing issue, the luxury cruising industry is responding to rising concerns about climate change. Archbold highlighted that cruise lines are investing billions in new ships and technologies aimed at reducing emissions. “CLIA cruise lines globally have committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 and have been making significant progress towards this for some time,” he stated, aligning with both the Paris Agreement and the International Maritime Organization's goals.

He continued, “Each new ship launch brings greater efficiencies, new technologies, and new environmental advances.” Cruise lines are also engaging in pilot projects and joint ventures with fuel producers and engine manufacturers to develop next-generation fuels and propulsion systems. Archbold expressed optimism for a greener future, mentioning that the industry is exploring sustainable energy sources such as biofuels, methanol, hydrogen fuel cells, and electric batteries.

Interestingly, the profile of cruise guests is changing. The average age of a cruise guest is now just 46, with more than a third (36 percent) of cruise guests being under the age of 40. Furthermore, 27 percent of cruise guests are first-time cruisers, and multi-generational travel is on the rise, with 28 percent of cruise travelers sailing in groups spanning three to five generations.

Archbold emphasized the importance of personalized service, stating that Crystal Cruises aims to genuinely engage with each guest to understand their preferences. “Whether it’s what brand of gin they prefer or their preferred pillow type, it comes down to genuinely engaging with each guest. That’s a part of delivering exceptional service,” he explained.

Europe remains the most desirable cruising destination, with extensive itinerary options across the Mediterranean, the Baltic, and the United Kingdom. However, there is also a growing interest in cruising within Asia, reflecting the region's expanding luxury goods market. Archbold revealed that in 2026, Crystal Cruises will offer extended cruising periods around Japan and Korea before heading to Alaska, a move that is already generating excitement among potential travelers.

As the luxury cruise industry continues to evolve, it is clear that the combination of exceptional service, sustainability efforts, and a focus on consumer preferences will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of cruising.