Crystal is officially back on the water with Serenity’s inaugural sailing from Marseille, France to Lisbon, Portugal on 31 July 2023 followed by Symphony on 1 September 2023, departing from Athens to Istanbul.
Acquired by A&K Travel Group in June 2022, including the purchase of the two ocean ships, Crystal (formerly Crystal Cruises) has also announced plans to expand its fleet with four new ships by 2029, which includes two expedition vessels.
A&K Travel Group CEO Cristina Levis told travel and trade media at a preview sailing for Serenity that the company aims to start construction on a 650-passenger ocean ship and 220-person expedition vessel in 2024.
The 740-guest Crystal Serenity recently completed sea trials at Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy.
Both Serenity and Symphony have been fully refurbished ahead of the relaunch, sailing the Mediterranean and Northern Europe for the Northern Hemisphere summer season.
Crystal Symphony will then head to Asia, Africa and Australia, while Serenity will sail the Caribbean.
The refreshed ships have updated and larger suites, refurbed specialty dining venues and onboard wellness, including the renamed Aurōra Spa and a new pickleball court.
Onshore experiences will tap into Abercrombie & Kent’s ground arrangements with plans to add A&K land tours into Crystal’s 2025 world cruise.
To find out more, visit crystalcruises.com
