Ultra-luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises will be back in business this summer under new ownership—and with a new name and vision.
Listen to this articleBeleaguered ultra-luxury cruise line Crystal, which shut down in early 2022 amidst the bankruptcy of its parent company Genting, is relaunching. The company’s two remaining ships—Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, will begin sailing on itineraries around the globe starting in the summer of 2023.
Crystal Cruises’ relaunch
The cruise line has officially relaunched with a slightly different name: Crystal — Exceptional at Sea. The reimagined company also has a new parent company, Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group.
The A&K Travel Group acquired the Crystal brand and its two most beloved vessels in 2022, and it plans to usher in what it calls a new era of Exceptional Suites, Exceptional Service, Exceptional Dining, and Exceptional Experiences.
“I am delighted to announce that Crystal is reborn, with Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity 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,” Anderson continued.
What’s new for Crystal’s ships
Both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony have been newly refurbished, with larger updated suites, new onboard wellness programs, and world-class dining and entertainment options. Each ship will feature nine restaurants, six bars, a spa, fitness facilities, and a large pool.
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Suites and guest rooms on board are now more spacious, with elevated detailing and contemporary craftsmanship. Suites feature marble quarried from Italy, with modern furnishings and fine cotton linens.
With the larger stateroom and suite sizes, Guest capacity on Serenity is now 740, and capacity aboard Symphony is 606. Crystal confirms that ships will carry nearly one staff member per guest.
Both the spa and fitness center will be revamped, and the Wimbledon courts will host both paddle tennis and pickleball.
Crystal announced in a press release that a “refreshed approach” to entertainment and events programming is in development for the return to service.
Crystal’s new cruise itineraries
The first Crystal 2023 sailing will be a Mediterranean cruise on Crystal Serenity, embarking on July 31 from Marseille. Crystal Symphony will depart on September 1 from Athens.
Upcoming voyages for the two Crystal ships will include itineraries in Northern Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
In port, parent company Abercrombie & Kent will take over ground arrangements and shore excursions. This leading luxury travel company has been operating tours for 60 years and is well-known for meticulous organization and exclusive access.
Guest rooms and suites aboard Crystal’s reimagined ships
Both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity will feature eight newly-refurbished guest suite and stateroom types, ranging from the luxurious 850-square-foot Crystal Penthouse Suite to the cozy Single Guest Room with Ocean View.
Crystal Penthouse Suite: Crystal’s largest suite, with expansive living areas, a private veranda, and sumptuous finishings. Includes butler service. Suite Size: up to 850 sq. ft. Veranda: up to 107 sq. ft.
Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite: Large suite with spacious rooms including separate dining and living areas looking onto a private veranda. Includes butler service. Suite Size: up to 646 sq. ft. Veranda: up to 161 sq. ft.
Sapphire Veranda Suite: Spacious suite with living area, lavish finishings, and private veranda. Includes butler service. Suite Size: up to 430 sq. ft. Veranda: up to 107 sq. ft.
Sapphire Ocean View Suite: Spacious suite with living area, lavish finishings, and expansive ocean views. Includes butler service. Suite Size: up to 430 sq. ft.
Aquamarine Veranda Suite: Suite with a comfortable living area and private veranda. Includes butler service. Suite Size: up to 323 sq. ft. Veranda Size: up to 86 sq. ft.
Double Guest Room with Veranda: Contemporary classic bedroom and comfortable seating opening onto a private veranda. Includes junior butler service. Room Size: up to 215 sq. ft. Veranda: up to 54 sq. ft.
Double Guest Room with Ocean View: Contemporary classic bedroom with large windows onto ocean views. Includes junior butler service. Room size: up to 215 sq. ft.
Single Guest Room with Ocean View: Cozy single-occupancy bedroom with ocean views. Includes junior butler service. Room size: up to 215 sq. ft.
Related: Which Cruise Lines Have All-Inclusive Cruises?
What happened to Crystal Cruises’ other ships?
Before Crystal Cruises shut down in 2022, the cruise line had a fleet of nine ships. With just two of those vessels remaining for the company’s relaunch, you might wonder what happened to the rest of Crystal’s fleet.
Both of Crystal Cruises’ expedition yachts have found new homes. Crystal Endeavor was sold to Silversea Cruises and renamed Silver Endeavour. Lindblad Expeditions purchased Crystal Esprit, renaming her National Geographic Islander II.
Crystal’s five river cruise ships have been purchased by German company Seaside Collection as part of its new Riverside Luxury Cruises brand. Crystal Mozart has been renamed Riverside Mozart and is currently sailing itineraries on the Danube.
The other four river cruise ships—Crystal Bach, Crystal Mahler, Crystal Debussy, and Crystal Ravel—have been renamed as Mozart‘s sister ships but aren’t yet sailing for their new cruise line.
Have you sailed with Crystal Cruises? Do you plan to try the new, relaunched Crystal brand? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
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