Crystal Cruises
Ultra-Luxury Cruising
Crystal's rebirth under A&K Travel Group has been remarkable. The $150 million refurbishment of both ships dramatically reduced guest counts — Serenity now carries just 740 guests, Symphony 606 — giving Crystal the highest space-to-guest ratio in ultra-luxury. The nearly 1:1 crew ratio means service is instinctive rather than scripted. Umi Uma by Nobu is genuinely special, and the Abercrombie & Kent shore excursions bring a level of destination expertise no other line can match. For guests who find smaller ultra-luxury ships too quiet, Crystal's mid-size format delivers more dining variety, more entertainment, and more social energy without sacrificing refinement.
Crystal Cruises has been synonymous with ultra-luxury ocean travel since its founding by Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) in 1988, earning the #1 spot in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards for nearly three decades running. After a period of uncertainty following the collapse of parent company Genting Hong Kong in 2022, Crystal was acquired by A&K Travel Group — the partnership of Abercrombie & Kent founder Geoffrey Kent and Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, former owner of Silversea Cruises. The line relaunched in July 2023 with both ships extensively refurbished and repositioned as a more intimate, more luxurious experience than ever before.
The fleet of two — Crystal Serenity (740 guests) and Crystal Symphony (606 guests) — underwent a combined $150 million refurbishment that significantly reduced passenger capacity to create larger suites and more personal space. The result is the highest guest-to-space ratio in the ultra-luxury segment, with a near 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio ensuring service that anticipates rather than reacts. Butler service is provided across all suite categories, and the all-inclusive fare covers premium wines and spirits, all dining venues, Wi-Fi, and gratuities.
Crystal’s dining programme is among the most distinguished at sea. Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa is the only Nobu restaurant on the ocean, serving the chef’s signature Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. Osteria d’Ovidio, created in collaboration with the Michelin-rated Alajmo brothers, delivers refined Italian dining, while Beefbar offers a premium steakhouse experience. The enrichment programme includes the Crystal Visions lecture series, Creative Learning Institute, and partnerships with the Cleveland Clinic for wellness.
The Abercrombie & Kent connection elevates the shore experience, with curated excursions designed by the world’s leading luxury travel operator. Crystal sails worldwide — Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Asia, Alaska, the Caribbean, South America, and annual world cruises — with a newbuild, Crystal Grace (650 guests), expected in 2028 and two further ships planned through 2032. For travellers who want ultra-luxury with more space, more dining, and more variety than the smaller ships in the segment, Crystal sets the standard.
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