Crystal Cruises is an ultra-luxury cruise line with a storied history, having relaunched in 2023 under the new ownership of the A&K Travel Group (a partnership between Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, former owner of Silversea, and Geoffrey Kent, founder of Abercrombie & Kent). The brand aims to combine its legendary service and luxury with Abercrombie & Kent's expertise in immersive land experiences. Crystal targets affluent, well-traveled, and culturally curious adults, traditionally aged 55 and over, but is also actively working to attract a younger demographic (mid-40s to 50s) and multi-generational travelers through shorter itineraries and more adventurous, A&K-designed excursions.
Current Status and Re-Launch:
Crystal Cruises experienced a period of uncertainty following the insolvency of its previous parent company, Genting Hong Kong, in 2022. Operations were suspended, and ships were sold. However, A&K Travel Group acquired the brand and its two ocean-going vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, in June 2022. Following extensive refurbishments, both ships re-entered service in 2023, marking a highly anticipated return to the luxury cruise market. There are also plans for new ship builds, including classic and expedition vessels, for delivery from 2028 onwards.
Fleet and Design:
Crystal's current fleet consists of two beautifully refurbished ocean-going ships:
- Crystal Serenity: The larger of the two, accommodating a reduced capacity of 740 guests (previously over 1,000), allowing for more space and an enhanced guest experience.
- Crystal Symphony: The slightly smaller sister ship, accommodating a reduced capacity of 606 guests (previously over 800), also benefitting from increased space per guest.
Both vessels have undergone extensive "bow-to-stern" refits, ensuring updated suites, reimagined public spaces, and enhanced spa and wellness facilities. The design ethos blends classic elegance with contemporary comfort and a focus on providing a sophisticated, residential feel at sea. All accommodations are spacious ocean-view suites, with most featuring private verandas.
Destinations (2025-2026):
Crystal Cruises offers a truly global range of itineraries, leveraging the ability of its ships to navigate diverse regions and provide longer stays in port. Their 2025-2026 programs include:
- World Cruises: Signature, epic voyages traversing multiple continents (e.g., Crystal Serenity's World Cruise from Los Angeles in 2026 visiting Asia, Indonesia, and Europe).
- Mediterranean: Extensive voyages in both the Eastern and Western Mediterranean, including the Greek Isles, Italy, France (including special events like the Monaco Grand Prix), Spain, and Croatia. These often feature overnights in iconic cities.
- Northern Europe: Sailings to the Norwegian Fjords, Baltic Sea (visiting capitals like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and St. Petersburg), Iceland, and the British Isles.
- Caribbean: Popular winter escapes with varied itineraries across the islands and often including Panama Canal transits.
- Alaska: Seasonal voyages to the Alaskan wilderness, with opportunities for unique excursions designed by A&K.
- Canada & New England: Fall foliage cruises and visits to charming coastal towns.
- Africa & Indian Ocean: Including voyages to destinations like Seychelles, Madagascar, and South Africa.
- Asia & South Pacific: Cultural immersion in Japan (including Cherry Blossom season), Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and French Polynesia.
- South America: Voyages exploring coastal cities and natural wonders.
- Transatlantic Crossings: Offering classic sea days between continents.
Crystal's itineraries are increasingly designed with "A&K-inspired" shore excursions and land programs, providing deeper cultural immersion and unique experiences (e.g., multi-day land trips integrated into a World Cruise).
Onboard Experience & Inclusions:
The Crystal Cruises experience is defined by highly personalized service (including butler service for every suite), exceptional cuisine, and a relaxed, elegant atmosphere. The dress code is "elegant casual," with no formal nights.
Comprehensive inclusions typically cover:
- Accommodation: All ocean-view suite accommodations, with every suite benefiting from personal butler service. Suites are spacious and well-appointed, often featuring private verandas, walk-in closets, and luxurious bathrooms.
- Dining: An extensive range of complimentary gourmet dining options across multiple venues, with flexible, open seating. This includes:
- Waterside Restaurant: The main dining room.
- Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa: The only Nobu restaurant at sea (complimentary for one reservation per cruise, with unlimited visits for penthouse guests).
- Osteria d'Ovidio: Fine Italian cuisine (complimentary for one reservation per cruise, unlimited for penthouse guests).
- Beefbar: A celebrated global restaurant concept.
- The Bistro: A Parisian-inspired café with light bites.
- Trident Grill & Scoops Ice Cream Bar: Casual poolside options.
- Marketplace: A sophisticated buffet concept for breakfast and lunch.
- 24-hour in-suite dining: Available for all guests.
- The Vintage Room offers exclusive, wine-paired dinners for an additional charge.
- Beverages: Complimentary fine wines, champagne, premium spirits, and all non-alcoholic beverages (including specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water) served throughout the ship and in-suite.
- Gratuities: All onboard gratuities for housekeeping, dining, and bar staff are included.
- Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi/Internet access throughout the ship.
- Entertainment & Enrichment: Dazzling entertainment including Broadway-style productions, live music in various lounges, cabaret shows, and classical recitals. Enrichment programs feature guest lecturers, renowned experts, and classes.
- Wellness & Fitness: Access to the Aurōra Spa (treatments are additional), state-of-the-art Technogym® Fitness Center with a full-time instructor, and various fitness classes.
- Shore Excursions: Crystal provides a selection of included excursions in each port, often curated with an A&K influence for deeper immersion. Optional "Crystal Exclusives" for a more bespoke experience are available at an additional cost.
- Self-Service Laundry: Available for all guests.
- Transfers: On select voyages, pre- and post-cruise hotel stays and private executive transfers from home to airport may be included as part of "Crystal Inclusive" fares.
Crystal Cruises, under its new ownership, is committed to upholding its legacy of ultra-luxury while integrating the deep destination expertise of Abercrombie & Kent to offer an enhanced and unforgettable cruise journey.
Exported from Firebase on 2025-08-02T14:17:19.895Z
