Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises is a cruise line owned by Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG). In 2022, AKTG acquired the brand, along with Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. After extensive refurbishments, both ships returned to service in 2023: Serenity set sail from Marseille on July 31, and Symphony from Athens on September 1.

Crystal ships and newbuild

On December 2, 2024, Crystal announced voyages aboard the two ships across five continents in the second half of 2026. From July to December, Crystal Serenity was scheduled to offer 18 cruises visiting 36 countries and 108 ports. Crystal Symphony’s program included 32 countries and 79 ports; the ship was also set to return to North America for the first time since 2019. Serenity’s September itinerary was to sail from Fusina near Venice via Trieste, Dubrovnik, Corfu and Kefalonia to Athens. In July, Symphony was scheduled to operate seven consecutive Alaska voyages, including a passage by Hubbard Glacier. Selected voyages were to feature shore excursions curated by Abercrombie & Kent. The announced destinations spanned Europe, North America, South America, Asia and Africa, taking the itineraries across five continents.

The ships, refurbished in 2023, differ in capacity and cabin count: Serenity accommodates 740 guests in 402 ocean-view rooms and suites, while Symphony accommodates 606 guests in 330 ocean-view rooms and suites. Crystal says butler service is provided for every guest room and suite. Serenity has ten dining venues, while Symphony has nine. Culinary partners include Nobu Matsuhisa and Beefbar. Wellness, live entertainment and guest-speaker talks are also part of the onboard offering.

Newbuild Crystal Grace

Steel cutting for the newbuild Crystal Grace began at Fincantieri in Marghera in May 2026. Delivery is scheduled for May 2028. The ship is designed to accommodate 650 guests at double occupancy in 330 rooms and to offer nine restaurants. A new feature for the fleet will be an Owner’s Suite. The inaugural voyage, an eight-night trip from Civitavecchia near Rome to Fusina near Venice, is announced for June 11, 2028.