Crystal makes triumphant return to sea with Crystal Serenity

MIAMI — Crystal has made its official return to sea, relaunching under the new guardianship of A&K Travel Group.

Following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment, Crystal Serenity, which was bought by A&K along with sister ship Crystal Symphony in June 2022, departed on its inaugural voyage on July 31, from Marseille.

Crystal Symphony is currently undergoing renovations and will resume service for its inaugural voyage in Athens on Sept. 1.

“Crystal has been recognized for decades for exceptional experiences and we are excited to welcome guests back onboard for its new gilded era,” said A&K Travel Group CEO, Cristina Levis. “In just one year, we’ve been able to revitalize the ships, a feat nearly unheard of in our industry. It is an honor to be signaling this new chapter better than ever and right on schedule, all while retaining 80% of Crystal’s beloved crew on board.”

Under its former owners, Genting Hong Kong, Crystal Cruises ran into financial difficulties, leaving both ocean-going ships stranded in The

Bahamas in early 2022. A&K Travel Group announced in June 2022 that it not only purchased the two ships for US$128 million via auction, but also the company too.

Following its inaugural voyage, Crystal Serenity will sail towards Northern Europe to destinations like the UK, Ireland and Iceland before travelling to the Americas to offer experiences as north as Canada and as south as Colombia. It will then embark on its 2024 World Cruise from San Diego or Miami, which will visit 29 countries over 125 nights.

Accommodating 740 guests, Crystal Serenity now offers two new guestroom categories that cater to solo travellers : the JR. Crystal Penthouse Suite and Single Guest Room with Ocean View. Other new enhancements include the return of Umi Uma by Master Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, a newly designed Aurōra spa, and a new Head Nutritionist, Dalila Roglieri.