The new 61,800-ton ships will be able to carry up to 690 passengers and will feature suites with private verandas. Some accommodation will be aimed at solo travellers, Fincantieri said.

The first vessel is slated to be delivered in spring 2028, while the delivery timeline of the second ship will be confirmed “in due course”. 

Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, executive chairman of A&K Travel Group which owns Crystal, said: “This order is another milestone in the 40 years of productive collaboration between Fincantieri and my family that started with Sitmar Cruises, continued with Silversea and now is flourishing again with Crystal. 

“Our aim is to continue setting a new standard in cruising, offering our guests an unmatched level of service and sophistication.” 

Pierroberto Folgiero, Fincantieri chief executive, said: “This order not only highlights the robust recovery of the cruise sector, in line with our industrial plan, but also reaffirms Fincantieri’s leadership, thanks to the operational excellence of our shipyards and the execution quality of our world-class supply chain. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Crystal in our pursuit of innovation and excellence, under the guidance of a shipowner who has always been close to our group, like Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio."

This month, during an interview with TTG, Matias Lira, Crystal’s senior vice-president of trade sales, hinted the line could start operating expedition vessels. 

"We’re planning to expand. We’re looking to get into the expedition side of things which is near and dear to Manfredi’s heart," he said, adding: "We want keep that classic cruise ship feel. The ships coming in now are a little bit innovative."