The Commercial Director of the Cruise Line, Ian Buckeridge, recently spent a week with Crystal Cruises on a preview sailing to showcase the newly renovated Crystal Serenity. Towards the end of the trip, a press briefing was held by Christina Levis, the CEO of Crystal’s parent company, The A&K Travel Group.
During the briefing, Levis outlined Crystal’s vision for the future and stated that although a new Crystal cruise ship wouldn’t be officially announced, plans are underway to expand the operator’s fleet with four new build ships, all scheduled to enter service by 2029, with the first one set to be delivered in 2026.
New Crystal ships are on the way
While details are still being finalised and there is no contract between Crystal and a shipyard, two of the vessels will be purpose-built expedition ships boasting ice-class 6 certifications. However, the itineraries offered will not be limited to the polar regions, with a program of worldwide voyages also available.
The other new builds will be similar to Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, albeit smaller, with a maximum capacity of just 650 guests. Additionally, to the delight of previous Crystal guests, all new ships are proposed to feature the Nobu restaurant, headed up by Master Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
A vision for the future
The press briefing also introduced Crystal’s new Chief Marketing Officer, Peter Chipchase, who was appointed at the end of 2022. Chipchase, formerly the CMO for Stella McCartney and with eight years of experience at Soho House, will drive Crystal’s vision for the future.
During his introduction, Chipchase outlined his desire for the operator to have hallmarks similar to that of the famed Dorchester Hotel, promising guests an experience that is both immaculately classy and elegant, with a multigenerational appeal that caters to families, couples, and solo travellers. For instance, the 2025 World Cruise will allow guests the opportunity to step ashore and explore bucket-list destinations with A&K before rejoining the ship a few days later. Additionally, future itineraries will combine a cruise of 3-5 nights with immersive land experiences that are not just restricted to hotel stays.
Another change is a general relaxing of the onboard dress code, with just one formal night in ten and only elegant resort-style attire required after dark. The classic ocean ships will also now offer theme and event nights on all voyages.
The reimagined Crystal Cruises
In June 2022, Crystal Cruises’ ocean-ging vessels, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, were acquired by The A&K Travel Group. Led by Executive Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre, the group embarked on a multi-million-pound renovation program, bringing the capacities down by 1/3 and introducing new grades of suite, public spaces and revitalised spa facilities.
Crystal Serenity will sail its second inaugural voyage from Marseille on 31st July, with Crystal Symphony returning to service in September with a sailing from Athens. Reservations for both vessels are now open. In advance of the new expedition ships being delivered, 40 Crystal crew members and service staff will be seconded to A&K’s charter expedition voyages with Ponant.
Find out more
To learn more about the new Crystal Cruises or to receive a quotation for an upcoming sailing, please contact our Voyage Consultants at 0800 008 6677. You might also be interested in taking a look at our latest Crystal cruise deals, with exclusive fly-cruises available on selected sailings when you book by 31st August 2023.
