By
Laura Hyde |
Luxury cruise brand Crystal has returned to service with Crystal Serenity. The ship set sail from Marseille, France, on 31 July following a multimillion-dollar refurbishment by new owner, A&K Travel Group, which saved the brand from liquidation in June 2022.
“Crystal has been recognised for decades for exceptional experiences and we are excited to welcome guests back onboard for its new gilded era,” said Cristina Levis, A&K Travel Group CEO. “In just one year, we’ve been able to revitalise the ships, a feat nearly unheard of in our industry. It is an honour to be signalling this new chapter better than ever and right on schedule, all while retaining 80 per cent of Crystal’s beloved crew onboard.”
The largest vessel in Crystal’s fleet accommodating 740 guests, Crystal Serenity boasts bigger suites, speciality dining restaurants and redesigned public spaces following its refurbishment, which was designed by cruise ship architectural firm, GEM. The ship now offers two new guest room categories – the Jr. Crystal Penthouse Suite and Single Guest Room with Ocean View – which serve as options for solo travellers without the additional single supplement charge. Onboard guests will also be able to experience Crystal’s new spa concept, Aurōra.
Crystal Serenity will sail from Marseille to Lisbon, Portugal, before sailing voyages in Northern Europe, visiting the UK, Ireland, and Iceland. The ship will then sail to the Americas travelling as far north as Canada and as far south as Cartagena in Colombia, before beginning the brand’s 125-night 2024 World Cruise.
Crystal Serenity’s sister ship, Crystal Symphony is currently undergoing renovations but will re-enter service when it departs on its inaugural sailing from Athens in Greece on 1 September.
Crystal also plans to expand its fleet over the next six years.