Tag Archives: Athens

Crystal to Build Four New Cruise Ships in Six Years

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While onboard Crystal Serenity’s preview voyage, Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, announced that the brand is working with its advisors, lenders and export credit agents in order to sign a memorandum of agreement with two European shipbuilders for four new ships.

This will include two classic ships and two expedition vessels, the company said.

During the presentation, Levis stated:” 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.”

In just a few short days on July 31, Crystal Serenity will set sail for its inaugural voyage departing from Marseille following an extensive refurbishment. The Crystal Serenity’s sister ship, the Crystal Symphony will depart from Athens on Sept. 1, for its inaugural sailing.

Virgin Voyages has delayed the launch of its third ship Resilient Lady

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The vessel had been scheduled to operate from Athens from mid-August

The vessel has been scheduled to operate from Athens from mid-August but will now not launch until the second quarter of 2023.

Virgin Voyages said the delay at the yard in Genoa “was not anticipated”, adding: “Resilient Lady will remain in Genoa getting onboard work completed, hitting the high seas next spring.”

It added: “Virgin Voyages did not land on this decision lightly, and despite making tremendous strides alongside the cruise industry as a whole, the brand is not immune to the global challenges the world is facing. 

“This includes supply chain obstacles, a level of regional uncertainty for international travellers in countries in Eastern Europe, crewing challenges based on government regulations and restrictive Covid entry requirements back into the US.” 

Passengers and agents are due to be informed of refunds and compensation advice in the next few days.

This includes a 200% Future Voyage Credit (FVC) or a full refund of the amount paid, plus 25% FVC.

Those that choose the 200% FVC and rebook in 2022 will get the option of another free voyage, excluding taxes and fees. There will also be assisted with travel changes and penalties.

Agents will have their commission protected on funds already paid. 

Virgin Voyages reveals the name of the fourth Lady Ship

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Virgin Voyages has welcomed its fourth Lady Ship to the fleet: Brilliant Lady. 

In naming the ship Brilliant Lady, Virgin Voyages aimed to ‘highlight the powerful intelligence of women across the globe. Brilliant Lady represents the smart, thoughtful, boundary-pushing minds of women around the world — unafraid of owning their intelligence, aware of their importance, and confidently in touch with their own sense of self-worth.’

Brilliant Lady’s mermaid, destinations and itineraries will be announced soon, but until then, Sailors can set sail on the Virgin way aboard Scarlet Lady from Miami (available now) on Valiant Lady starting May 15 from Barcelona, and on Resilient Lady starting August 14 from Athens.