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.
In another big year for start-up brands, at least five new cruise lines are set to launch service in 2023. With new builds and also secondhand vessels, the companies are set to offer different products, including luxury cruises, expedition voyages and more.
Explora Journeys First ship: Explora I Built: 2023 Capacity: 922 guests Inaugural Cruise: July 17, 2023 Maiden Voyage Region: Northern Europe
After years of anticipation, Explora Journeys is making its debut in July. Marking MSC’s entry into the luxury market, the new brand is set to offer what it calls the “ocean state of mind.”
Adora Cruises First ship: Unnamed Vista-Class Newbuild Built: 2023 Capacity: 5,000 guests Inaugural Cruise: TBA Maiden Voyage Region: East Asia
Set to launch service later in the year, the startup cruise line has two new builds under construction in China and also acquired two former Costa Cruises vessels. Combining an international vision with local tastes, Adora plans to create the ideal cruise experience for Chinese guests, with year-round cruises departing from multiple homeports throughout China.
CFC First ship: Renaissance Built: 1993 Capacity: 1,258 guests Inaugural Cruise: May 14, 2023 Maiden Voyage Region: Northern Europe
With all guest-facing staff fluent in French, the new cruise line intends to offer “a quality product” that focuses on the country’s identity and needs. Sailing from two different homeports in France, the Renaissance will debut in May, with a program of longer roundtrip cruises that visit destinations in Northern Europe, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
Exploris First ship: Exploris One
Built: 1989 Capacity: 132 guests Inaugural Cruise: December 23, 2023 Maiden Voyage Region: Antarctica
Acquired from Silversea Cruises, the brand’s first vessel is set to enter service in December, offering exploration French-speaking exploration cruises in South America and Antarctica. Renamed Exploris One, the former Silver Explorer is set to sail in the Amazon, the Atlantic Islands, Western Europe and the Arctic during its inaugural season, including 30 departures and 26 unique itineraries.
Crystal Cruises First ships: Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity Built: 1995 and 2003 Capacity: 606 and 740 guests Inaugural Cruise: July 31, 2023 Maiden Voyage Region: Mediterranean
After being acquired by the A&K Travel Group in 2022, the Crystal Cruises brand name is returning later this year under new management. The new luxury operator plans to launch service in July by using two of Crystal’s former oceangoing vessels, the Crystal Serenity and the Crystal Symphony.
A&K Travel Group and Crystal Cruises are inviting past guests to join its Open Deposits program, offering first-priority bookings on itineraries, stateroom and suite selections, and experiences for our inaugural season launching in early 2023, according to an email sent to past guests.
The email said the Serenity and Symphony will offer itineraries to memorable destinations throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
“In addition, we will be announcing our curated Grand Journeys, which have been designed to inspire the most seasoned world travellers, along with Crystals’ World Cruise, departing in 2024,” said the email. “As part of the Open Deposits program, you will receive a $250 per guest As You Wish shipboard credit, which can be used to book shore excursions, shop in our onboard boutiques, or eat at our speciality dining venues.”
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