Crystal is back, and the luxury brand, now owned by A&K Travel Group, plans to expand beyond its fleet of two ships — Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony — with three newbuilds, the first of which will be named Crystal Grace.
"The name Grace was chosen to reflect the ship’s refined aesthetic, seamless onboard experience and the graceful way in which Crystal ships navigate the world’s most breathtaking destinations,” according to the line.
During a summer 2023 briefing with media and travel advisors onboard Crystal Serenity’s preview cruise, Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, originally announced two additional ocean ships and two expedition ships to come through 2029. In November, the line announced that a third ocean ship has been ordered, as well. But plans for the expedition vessels will no longer materialize.
“We have ambitious growth plans for Crystal, and are proud of what we have accomplished with the relaunch of Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony in just under a year following the purchase of the brand,” Levis said. “We are now thrilled to formally announce that we will be growing our fleet and continue to offer the most exceptional cruising experiences in the industry.”
Crystal is next working with the brand’s advisers, lenders and export credit agents toward signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with a pair of European shipbuilders.
Following extensive refurbishments, Crystal Serenity set sail on July 31, 2023, on its inaugural public voyage leaving from Marseille, France. Crystal Symphony resumed sailing on Sept. 1, 2023, from Athens, Greece.
Naval Architects and Interior Designer
A&K has tapped Studio Gem of Genova, headed by Giacomo Mortola and his son Lorenzo Mortola, to design the new ocean ships for the Crystal brand. The two creatives have 70 years of collective experience in naval design. Roberto Fazi, senior vice president of marine operations with Crystal, will also lead an internal team of naval engineers and architects that will partner with both Studio Gem and Studio Ibsen, the latter of which, founded by architect and interior designer Adriana Granato, is also tackling designs for the group’s camps, lodges and riverboats.
"I have worked with Mortola father and son for many years, starting from the construction and refurbishment of other ships and finally on the refurbishment of Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity,” Levis said. "The sophisticated taste of Giacomo Mortola and his meticulous attention to details coupled with the pragmatic and fresh eye of his incredibly talented son Lorenzo are the perfect match for the ambitions for our ships and future projects."
Timeline
Now that an MOA has been signed with Italian shipyard Fincantieri, Crystal is setting a schedule for the two 650-passenger (based on double occupancy), 61,800-gross-ton ships, which will feature one of the highest crew-to-passenger ratios in the market. The first vessel is expected to arrive in May 2028, with the second to be determined later. Crystal is also proceeding with an option for a third sister ship that will arrive by 2032.
"Exercising this option and agreeing to build a third ship together showcases the trust and partnership between my family and Fincantieri, dating back to Sitmar Cruises and evolving through Silversea to our present vision with Crystal,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, executive chairman of A&K Travel Group.
The first ship is scheduled to have its initial steel cutting commence in May 2026 and its keel laying set for December 2026. Details regarding the new vessel's maiden voyages will arrive soon, and its first 2028 season will go on sale in April 2026.
“Behind the scenes, our teams have been working diligently on every element of this extraordinary project — from design and craftsmanship to technical innovation,” Levis said. "These milestones represent more than construction progress; they are a testament to our shared commitment with Fincantieri to deliver the most exceptional ship at sea, on schedule and with an unparalleled attention to detail.”
