In exciting news for the cruise industry, A&K Travel Group CEO Cristina Levis announced that two new ocean ships and two expedition ships will be built by two ship building companies by 2029.The special announcement was made onboard Crystal Serenity off the coast of Italy.
The new Expedition ships will each hold 220 guests and Crystal’s new classic ocean ships will hold 650 passengers each.
‘We are working closely with our lenders and with the export credit agencies and with very talented naval architects and with two ship building companies to build four ships by the end of 2029.’ said Levis.
Aimed at the luxury end of the market and building on Crystal’s reputation of ‘Exceptional at Sea’. Crystal’s reintroduction back into the competitive world of cruising has many new strings to its bow which was apparent during the shakedown cruise where MiNDFOOD’s Editor in Chief Michael McHugh has been a guest.
‘It has been great to be back on board Crystal, experiencing this new enhanced cruising experience. With over 80% of the original staff also back onboard in many ways it feels like being welcomed home.’ Says McHugh.
The standout moment was walking into the new Sapphire Veranda Suite with spacious living area, up to 430 sq ft with a double sized veranda he says. ‘The shower with four different water options is enormous, the bathroom with double basin vanity, the lounge complete with elegant designer furniture including a seperate dining table, 3 seater sofa and break out working office space with handpicked marble by Levi’s herself. This suite is vast with so much space. I have never experienced a suite quite like this at sea before.’
Other stands out are the newly rebuilt restaurants Uni Uma by Nobu and Italian restaurant Osteria D’Ovidio and the Aurora Spa all world class with exceptional service. Last year A&K Travel Group acquired the Crystal brand and it’s two beloved ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony ushering in a new era of luxury travel experience.
