18 Months After Bankruptcy, This Luxury Cruise Line Is Back in Action

Following its bankruptcy declaration in 2022, the former Crystal Cruises has returned to the seas with a fresh identity, a shorter name, and ambitious growth plans. The cruise line is now owned by the luxury small-group travel company Abercrombie & Kent (A&K), which has rebranded it as simply “Crystal.”

As part of its restructuring, Crystal sold five river vessels—which have been revitalized by the new river cruise line Riverside Luxury Cruises—along with an expedition ship. Currently, it operates two of its original vessels: the 740-passenger Crystal Serenity and the 606-passenger Crystal Symphony. However, Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, announced that Crystal intends to order two new classic ships and two expedition vessels within the next six years.

“We have ambitious growth objectives for Crystal and are proud of our achievements with the relaunch of Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony in less than a year after acquiring the brand,” Levis stated. “We are excited to officially announce plans to expand our fleet and continue delivering unparalleled cruising experiences in the industry.”

Currently, Crystal Serenity is on its inaugural voyage under new ownership: a 12-night Mediterranean cruise beginning in Marseille, France, and concluding in Lisbon, Portugal. The ship will primarily operate in the UK and Iceland in August before sailing to Canada and New England in September, then heading to the Caribbean for winter. In spring, it will embark on a 141-day world cruise, starting and ending in Miami, visiting 69 ports across 29 countries, including Colombia, New Zealand, Egypt, and Italy.

Crystal Symphony is set to resume operations on September 1, with a journey from Athens to Istanbul. Following that, it will travel to Asia, Australia, and New Zealand for the remainder of 2023 and into early 2024.

Both ships have seen significant upgrades since the former line's closure, notably in the expansion of staterooms and suites. By combining smaller guest rooms into larger suites with distinct living and sleeping areas, Crystal has reduced the capacity of Serenity from 1,080 guests to 740. The renovations introduced two new room types: Junior Crystal Penthouse Suites measuring 806 square feet with separate living, dining, and sleeping areas, 1.5 baths, a walk-in closet, and a balcony; and the Single Guest Room with Ocean View, featuring a single bed and a compact living area within 215 square feet, providing an ideal option for solo travelers without the need for a single supplement on double rooms.

Levis mentioned that these new categories have expanded the availability of the sought-after Sapphire Suite, which spans 537 square feet and features distinct sitting and sleeping areas, a walk-in closet, a balcony, and a bathroom equipped with a rainfall shower and dual marble vanities.

Alongside room enhancements, Crystal has updated several public areas, the spa, and the fitness center, now featuring popular pickleball courts. Guests will also notice a refreshed ambiance in the onboard dining venues, including the northern Italian fine-dining restaurant Osteria D’Ovidio and Umi Uma, the exclusive at-sea concept by Nobu chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa.

It’s important to note that A&K also charters ships from Ponant, a luxury French cruise line, for voyages to the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Levis stated, “In terms of cruising, the companies will continue to function as distinct entities, with Crystal as part of the A&K Travel Group family. Abercrombie & Kent will keep chartering Ponant vessels for their expedition voyages.”

Crystal will reveal its 2025 itineraries in the upcoming months (which, according to a Crystal representative, will include additional A&K land expeditions). However, there are still bookings available for 2023 and 2024 on crystalcruises.com. Prices start at $3,800 per person, based on double occupancy.