Crystal Cruises introduced plans to double the scale of its fleet with the order of two new ocean vessels from Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard. The preliminary settlement, revealed on June 27, 2024, requires supply of the primary ship within the spring of 2028, whereas the launch plans for the second ship are anticipated in a number of months.
The order additionally contains an choice for a 3rd new-build. The announcement didn’t reveal the names of the new-builds nor did it present any hints as to their future deployments.
Each of the newly ordered ships will accommodate 690 visitors in all-suite staterooms and have the luxurious facilities and high-end finishes that Crystal’s upmarket visitors count on.
The cruise line is partnering with two Italy-based inside design and architectural companies, Studio Ibsen and Gem Cruise Ships Design, which spearheaded the refurbishments of Crystal’s two present ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, in 2023.
“The inside design will characteristic essentially the most valuable marbles, Italian materials and pure supplies, providing a degree of analysis and class sometimes reserved for high-end non-public residential properties,” stated Cristina Levis, CEO of Abercrombie & Kent Journey Group.
“Wellness and leisure can be on the coronary heart of the brand new ships, with a complete Spa and state-of-the-art health middle accessible to all visitors. Households touring with kids will recognize a devoted space, designed to supply participating actions and a protected area for youthful visitors,” Levis added.
Eating choices on the brand new ships will characteristic Umi Uma, the cruise trade’s solely Nobu venue, and lodging will embody a single occupancy choice for solo vacationers. Leisure will embody Crystal’s newly introduced On line casino de Monte-Carlo at Sea, which is able to quickly be added to each of the road’s present ships.
The partnership with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer to function a glamorous on line casino onboard its ships was revealed simply days in the past. With a wide range of gaming choices, together with slot machines, blackjack, and roulette, the on line casino will debut onboard the Crystal Symphony throughout its Chairmen’s Cruise, which departs from Venice on November 14, 2024. It should open onboard Crystal Serenity in December 2024.
Abercrombie & Kent purchased the Crystal model and two of its three blue-water ships in 2022, following the chapter of the road’s former proprietor, Genting Hong Kong. The third ship, Crystal Endeavor, was offered to luxe line Silversea Cruises and renamed Silversea Endeavour. Crystal had additionally operated a number of river cruise ships, however they weren’t included within the acquisition.
The Silversea connection continues within the ships’ new possession, since Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Silversea’s former proprietor, is co-chairman of Abercrombie and Kent.
The worth of the development contract, which is topic to financing and different circumstances, was not disclosed however was categorized as “important” by Fincantieri.
Crystal Model Was Formally Relaunched in 2023
Following the acquisition of Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, Abercrombie and Kent invested in a considerable refurbishment of each ships, together with lowering visitor capability to make their cabins and suites extra spacious.
The 68,870-gross ton Crystal Serenity now has a most visitor capability of 740, down from 1,040 passengers, and the 51,044-gross ton Crystal Symphony now has a visitor capability of 606, down from 960 passengers.
Learn Additionally: Prime 10 Smallest Cruise Ships within the World
The cruise line was rebranded in 2023 below the tagline “Crystal – Distinctive at Sea.” Each present ships supply 9 eating venues and 6 bars, and eight stateroom classes — Crystal Penthouse Suite, Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite, Sapphire Veranda Suite, Sapphire Ocean View Suite, Aquamarine Veranda Suite, Double Visitor Room with Veranda, Double Visitor Room with Ocean View, and Single Visitor Room with Ocean View.
Crystal Serenity is at the moment working in Alaska, crusing 7-day cruises roundtrip from Vancouver, British Columbia, and between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska. In late August 2024 she is going to reposition to New York and function a collection of Canada/New England cruises within the autumn season.
Crystal Symphony is crusing Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruises throughout summer time 2024 and can stay within the area by way of winter 2024/25, providing a wide range of sailings with embarkation choices in Barcelona, Lisbon, Rome, Venice, and Athens.
