Crystal Cruises is back!
The cruise brand has officially relaunched under a reimagined name and vision: Crystal – Exceptional at Sea. A new website is up under the ownership of A&K Travel Group.
Crystal has also announced its 2023 and 2024 voyages aboard the newly refurbished Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, which will feature larger updated suites, new onboard wellness offerings, and over nine dining options each.
Because of the enlarging of some accommodations, the capacity will be reduced on Crystal Serenity from 980 to 740. Crystal Symphony‘s capacity is going from 848 to 606.
Sailings will include itineraries throughout the Mediterranean, northern Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
Suites and cabins are now more spacious, with new details including modern furnishings and cotton linens. Suites feature marble quarried from Italy.
Both the spa and gym will be revamped, and the Wimbledon courts will host both paddle tennis and pickleball. A new approach to entertainment and on board events has also been developed with additional details to be announced in the future.
A new food and beverage program has been designed, which will include a series of guest chefs connected to the destinations the ships visit — adding diversity and local flavors to the offerings.
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“I am delighted to announce that Crystal is reborn, with Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony reimagined and enhancements made to every part of our guests’ journey,” said Crystal president Jack Anderson. “Palatial suites, spacious verandas and guest rooms have been rolled out on both ships, reducing overall guest capacity. Personalized service – long a Crystal signature – has been elevated further. Dining is a journey through culinary specialties, with authentic food from around the globe. Local experts at Abercrombie & Kent have planned memorable experiences in each destination to guarantee beyond-the-guidebook access.”
Travel advisors and guests with Open Deposits have exclusive access to an early booking window starting today. Bookings will open to the public later this month.
The first sailings will be a Mediterranean cruise on Crystal Serenity on July 31st from Marseille, and a September 1st sailing from Athens on Crystal Symphony.
Crystal Cruises was previously owned by Genting Hong Kong, which went bankrupt at the start of 2022. Its newest ship and first expedition vessel was purchased by Silversea Cruises. In summer 2022, it was announced that A&K Travel Group had acquired Crystal Serenity and Symphony as well as rights to the Crystal Cruises name and were planning to revive the line.
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