Speaking on board the shakedown cruise for Crystal Serenity – which is being relaunched under the new ownership of A&K Travel Group – the brand’s senior executives said there was enormous potential in the luxury cruise space.
While the “ship building contracts have not yet been signed”, group CEO of A&K Travel Group Cristina Levis said there had been a lot of work in recent months with advisors, lenders and export credit agents in order to sign a memorandum of agreement with two European shipbuilders for the four new ships.
“We are quite far advanced on the plans, with construction on one of each – expedition and classic – to start by Q2 of 2024,” Levis said during the briefing.
The expansion will bring an additional capacity of 1,740 passengers into the market across the four ships, with two expedition ships likely to carry up to 220 passengers each, and the classic ships bringing 650 passengers apiece.
In a further statement, Levis added: “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. 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 company and its two ships were acquired for $128 million by A&K Travel Group a year and a reported $170 million has been spent on the refit.
Around 80% of Crystal’s former crew have returned to work for the brand under the new ownership of A&K Travel Group, and its legendary service is seen as being a key differentiator in the ultra-luxury space.
“It’s clear to see from the way this market is growing, that this industry is in a phenomenal growth phase and Crystal will be well placed for that, and we will be continually enhancing what we do as the industry continues to mature,” said Peter Chipcase, A&K Travel Group’s chief marketing officer.
In addition to the unveiling of the new-look Crystal Serenity, which welcomes commercial guests on board from Monday, 31 July in Marseilles, refurbished sister ship Crystal Symphony will depart from Athens on 1 September for its inaugural sailing.
