By
Laura Hyde |
Luxury cruise brand Crystal plans to launch four new ships over the next six years. The brand, which was saved from liquidation by A&K Travel Group in June 2022, hopes to launch two classic ships and two expedition vessels.
Crystal will work with its advisors, lenders and export credit agents to sign an agreement with two European shipbuilders for four new ships.
“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,” said Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group. “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.”
The brand already operates two ocean cruise ships. Crystal Serenity set sail for its inaugural voyage from Marseille, France, on 31 July 2023, following extensive refurbishment at Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy. The ship will spend the summer in the Mediterranean before repositioning to North America in September for Canadian and Caribbean sailings for the remainder of 2023.
Crystal Serenity’s sister ship, Crystal Symphony, will depart from Athens, Greece, on 1 September 2023, for its inaugural sailing.