My history with Crystal Cruises runs deep.
After having been onboard the line’s very first sailing on its original Crystal Harmony back in 1990 as a child, my family and I continued to cruise with the luxury line into my adult years, and until its eventual demise.
But a sad story took a turn toward a happy ending today with the announcement that Crystal Cruises — and its two larger ocean ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony — will be resurrected.
After the company went bankrupt under failed parent company Genting Hong Kong earlier this year, the line’s assets were seized and auctioned off. A&K Travel Group Ltd., owned by Geoffrey Kent and Heritage (the holding company chaired by Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio), won the bid to acquire the Crystal brand and the pair of vessels, both of which will resume operations in 2023 following an extensive refurbishment.
“I am thrilled to start this new chapter and to be back in an industry that has always had, and always will have a special place in my heart,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, co-chairman of A&K Travel Group Ltd., Crystal Cruises and Abercrombie & Kent.
“Thirty-five years ago, my family acquired control of Sitmar Cruises, building three of the first purpose-built cruise ships, and 30 years ago, my family pioneered a new way of cruising (with Silversea Cruises),” he added. “Our goal was to deliver the best experience, pampering guests from all over the world with around-the-clock butler service and extraordinary culinary experiences. Selling the cruise business that belonged to my family for a quarter of a century was a difficult decision, as I knew I would miss this industry immensely. Therefore, when the opportunity arose to acquire Crystal Cruises, I did not think about it twice. Having next to me my incredible friend and inspiring leader Geoffrey Kent makes this venture even more enjoyable.”
The acquisition of Crystal has been extremely challenging, but the satisfaction of having this jewel in our family is the best payoff for all the hard work and efforts of the A&K team.
Before being sold off to Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea Cruises was owned by Lefebvre d’Ovidio. The acquisition of Crystal now marks his return to the luxury cruise segment.
"Even though it seems like yesterday, 30 years have passed since the Lefebvre family and I had our first ship together ... Manfredi and I have been best friends and business associates ever since,” said Geoffrey Kent, co-chairman of A&K Travel Group Ltd. and Crystal Cruises, and founder, co-chairman and CEO of Abercrombie & Kent. “The idea of combining the unparalleled onboard service that Crystal Cruises is known for, with the extraordinary tailor-made experiences Abercrombie & Kent has been successfully providing for our guests for the past 60 years, fills me with excitement, enthusiasm and pride.”
Although Abercrombie & Kent regularly charters Ponant’s expedition vessels, the line’s newly introduced Crystal Endeavor expedition ship was not a part of the acquisition, nor were its five riverboats, which are being sold separately.
"My return to luxury cruising after five years brings back so many emotions,” said Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group Ltd., who will oversee Crystal Cruises. “It is an immense privilege to serve these two incredible brands that in the past decades have disrupted the travel industry numerous times. Manfredi, Geoffrey and I look forward to welcoming past Crystal and Abercrombie & Kent guests onboard, as well as those seeking rewarding luxury experiences.”
“The acquisition of Crystal has been extremely challenging, but the satisfaction of having this jewel in our family is the best payoff for all the hard work and efforts of the A&K team. 'Ad maiora' [toward greater things], Crystal Cruises!” she added.
