CRYSTAL CRUISES TAPS
THE PHELPS GROUP AS ITS ONLINE AGENCY
May 31, 2000 (Santa Monica,
Calif.) -- The Phelps Group, an integrated marketing communications
agency, has been named the online agency for Los Angeles-based Crystal
Cruises, the world's top-rated luxury cruise company.
Adam Leavitt, marketing
vice president at Crystal, said the agency is completing a redesign
of the cruise line's Web site that will more accurately reflect
the Crystal brand's elegance, friendliness and commitment to providing
highly personalized service. The redesigned site will feature simplified
navigation that will allow the viewer to access important information
more easily, and it will also offer special areas for Crystal Society
Members (past guests), travel agents and the media. The new site
is an extension of the Crystal Cruises brand focusing on the premier
luxury line's extensive worldwide itineraries and the experience
on board their two 940-guest ships, Crystal Harmony and Crystal
Symphony.
Leavitt noted The Phelps
Group will also handle development of an integrated online marketing
plan including online advertising and direct response programs.
"The Phelps Group brings all the marketing communications tools
to the table," added Leavitt, "and their considerable
online experience factored into our decision."
Joe Hartnett, agency
chief integrated marketing officer said, "The Phelps Group
has developed strategic online and ecommerce capabilities which
when fully integrated with traditional marcom disciplines, are powerful
brand and sales builders."
The Phelps Group, based
in Santa Monica, is a leading integrated marketing communications
agency with annual billings in excess of $45 million. Organized
in self managed, client-based teams, the agency provides advertising,
promotion marketing, PR, direct response, and interactive services
to a diverse client roster which includes Bushnell Sports Optics,
Countrywide, Dubai Tourism, Energy Star, EuroVacations.com, Imperial
Bank, Monrovia, Panasonic Pro Audio, Pepperdine University, PETCO,
Playa Vista, Roland, Switzerland Tourism, Tahiti Tourism, Teva,
and Western Dental.