A 127-night journey across five continents featuring first-ever circumnavigation of Australia

  Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, has revealed details of its 2029 World Cruise with bookings opening to the public on 16^th March 2026. Marking several firsts for the brand, the 127-night voyage aboard Crystal Symphony will depart 7^th January 2029 from Melbourne and conclude 13^th May 2029, in New York City. Spanning 72 destinations in 22 countries, the sailing traces a global route including a first-ever circumnavigation of Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, South America, the Caribbean and North America, with a crossing of the International Date Line and extended time in several marquee destinations. The itinerary features 13 overnights, including Hanga Roa (Easter Island) and Ushuaia, and introduces new ports of call such as Exmouth for Ningaloo Reef, Australia; Robinson Crusoe Island; and Buzios, Brazil.   Mario Parodi, Crystal’s vice president of itinerary planning and port and fuel operations, comments: “Our 2029 World Cruise is designed to connect remarkable regions of the world in one seamless journey. From Australia and the South Pacific to the fjords of Chile to the Amazon River, this voyage reflects our commitment to crafting itineraries that are both far-reaching and thoughtfully paced.”   Crystal Chairman and Brand Ambassador Fernando Barroso de Oliveira will return for his sixth World Cruise since the brand’s relaunch, providing his insight and knowledge of the destinations visited. “The 2029 World Cruise charts a course unlike any we’ve sailed before — reimagining not only the destinations we visit, but the very route that connects them,” said Barroso de Oliveira. “By venturing beyond our traditional world cruise pathways, we’re able to unlock rarer ports, extended stays, and a deeper sense of place, all paired with the exceptional onboard and shore experiences Crystal guests expect.”   2029 World Cruise Highlights include:   January: Crystal Symphony departs Melbourne on 7^th January and calls at Portland, Kangaroo Island and Adelaide before sailing west to Albany, Fremantle (Perth), Geraldton, Exmouth/Ningaloo Reef and Broome. The voyage continues to Komodo and Bali in Indonesia, as well as Waingapu (Sumba) and Kupang (West Timor). The month concludes with calls to Darwin, Cairns, Airlie Beach, Brisbane and Sydney.   February: The ship will sail to New Zealand, including Wellington, Gisborne, Tauranga and Auckland, with an additional call in the Bay of Islands. The itinerary then crosses the South Pacific, calling at Suva, Apia and Pago Pago, and includes a crossing of the International Date Line, gaining a day. In French Polynesia, guests will enjoy visits to Raiatea, Huahine, Moorea and Papeete, as well as Bora Bora, Rangiroa and Fakarava.   March: The voyage continues with sailing past the sights of Adamstown, Pitcairn, then two days in Hanga Roa (Easter Island), Chile. Additional Chilean highlights include Robinson Crusoe Island, Valparaiso, Puerto Montt, Castro, Puerto Chacabuco, Laguna San Rafael and scenic cruising through the Chilean Fjords. The ship also visits Punta Arenas and Ushuaia, followed by Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Puerto Madryn and Punta del Este, and concludes the month with an overnight in Buenos Aires.   April: Crystal Symphony calls at Montevideo before sailing along Brazil’s coast, including Balneario Camboriu, Ilhabela, Rio de Janeiro and Buzios. The voyage continues to Salvador de Bahia, Maceió and Recife before navigating the Amazon River, including Santarém, Boca da Valeria, Manaus, Parintins and Alter do Chão.  This segment concludes with Iles du Salut (Devil’s Island) in French Guiana and Bridgetown, Barbados.   May: The final leg features Basseterre (St. Kitts), San Juan, Samana and Grand Turk, followed by Fort Lauderdale and Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda. Crystal Symphony then arrives in New York.   World Cruise benefits:   Travellers on the full 2029 Wordl Cruise can look forward to a range of perks including:  

• Seamless end-to-end travel experience, including business class flights and transfers
• 5% Crystal Society savings (offer valid through 31^st December 2026)
• $1,500 As You Wish credit per person
• Two hotel nights in Melbourne
• Complimentary  laundry and pressing 2^nd day service
• One complimentary medical visit per guest
• Luggage valet (up to two pieces per person)
• Special themed onboard events

  Prices for the 2029 World Cruise start from £53,000 per person, based on double occupancy. For more information or to reserve your place on this exceptional journey, contact your travel advisor, visit crystalcruises.com or call 0808 175 0350.

Luxury line Crystal has expanded its sales team with the appointment of Holly Glazer in a newly-created role of business development specialist, UK & EMEA. Glazer starts at Crystal later this month and brings years of experience to further support the line’s trade partners. She joins from Audley Travel where she was a senior trade sales executive, managing a large portfolio of agents, and supporting the function of the trade sales and partnerships team. She has also held positions at American Express and Four Season Whistler. Glazer will be responsible for driving new growth across UK and EMEA markets by unlocking new distribution opportunities, and developing new travel partner accounts. Based in the UK, she will report to Luke Smith, Crystal’s VP, Trade Sales UK & EMEA. “We are delighted that Holly will be joining the team in this newly-created role that will help support agents as they start their journey with Crystal and continue to grow their business,” Smith said. Glazer added: “With my background in luxury travel, I am genuinely thrilled to be joining the Crystal team. I’m looking forward to playing my part in contributing to the ongoing growth of the business.”

 

Three-Michelin-starred culinary visionaries join Crystal Serenity for an exclusive sailing showcasing a taste of Crystal’s world-class dining

  Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, is pleased to announce a very special themed voyage featuring three-time Michelin-starred chef Massimiliano Alajmo and his celebrated restaurateur brother and partner Raffaele aboard Crystal Serenity from Venice to Athens from 8^th to 15^th September.  The exclusive seven-night sailing will showcase the artistry, heritage and innovation that defines the Alajmo dining experience, while celebrating Crystal’s enduring legacy of culinary excellence at sea.   Throughout the cruise, guests will enjoy rare access to the brothers through intimate programming, including a Q&A session and book signing, as well as a guided wine tasting highlighting selections from their acclaimed cellars led by wine expert and next generation of the Alajmo family, Giovanni Alajmo. In addition, exclusive hosted dinners at Osteria d’Ovidio and The Vintage Room, personally led by Massimiliano and Raffaele, will be available for purchase via My Account beginning 12^th March, offering an unparalleled opportunity to experience the Alajmo philosophy first-hand in an ultra-luxury setting.   Gunter Lorenz, Crystal’s VP of food and beverage, comments: “The evolution of  Crystal’s culinary programme has always been rooted in authenticity, craftsmanship and meaningful partnerships with the world’s most respected chefs. Following the successful refresh of the Osteria d’Ovidio menus, this sailing was a natural next fit — bringing Massimiliano, Raffaele and Giovanni onboard to engage directly with our guests and elevate the experience even further through personal storytelling, wine and cuisine.”   The relationship with the Alajmo brothers is a cornerstone of Crystal’s culinary identity. In 2025, they collaborated with Crystal’s chefs and introduced newly reimagined menus in Osteria d’Ovidio aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, reflecting the modern elegance, seasonal sensibility and technical mastery that have defined their restaurants for decades. The updates further strengthened Crystal’s reputation for delivering Michelin-calibre dining experiences at sea, alongside collaborations with culinary icons including Chef Nobu Matsuhisa with the only Nobu restaurant at sea and renowned restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi who brought Beefbar exclusively to Crystal in 2024.   “For us, cooking has always been about sharing emotion, culture and a sense of place,” said Massimiliano Alajmo. “We are very much looking forward to meeting Crystal’s guests in person, exchanging ideas and bringing the spirit of our kitchens to life onboard.”   “This voyage will allow us to share the Alajmo dining experience in a more personal and meaningful way, and that is something truly special which we cannot wait to experience,” added Rafaelle Alajmo.   The sailing from Venice to Athens on 8^th September 2026 calls in Trieste, Dubrovnik, Corfu, Argostoli and Monemvasia with prices from £4,500 per person including all meals and drinks, port taxes and gratuities.   For more information on this exceptional voyage or to book one of Crystal’s sailings, contact your travel advisor, visit crystalcruises.com or call 0808 175 0350.

  Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, had plenty to celebrate on Valentine’s Day thanks to a standout booking by Stuart Dales of The Cruise Specialists, part of the Barrhead Travel Group.   The booking for four guests is for a 2028 voyage and is worth more than £90k.  The significant sale follows the recent announcement of Crystal’s new partnership with the Barrhead Travel Group, marking the beginning of a strengthened relationship between the luxury cruise line and one of the UK’s leading travel retailers. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences, supported by expert advice and outstanding service.   Luke Smith, Vice President, Trade Sales UK & EMEA at Crystal, said: “We are absolutely delighted to see this outstanding booking confirmed so soon after signing a contract with the Barrhead Travel Group. It demonstrates not only the strength of our partnerships with key agents like Stuart Dales, but also the enduring loyalty of our guests, who continue to place their trust in Crystal as we enter this exciting new era. We look forward to building on this momentum and supporting our trade partners in securing many more exceptional Crystal journeys for their clients.”   Russell Adamson, Director of The Cruise Specialists, added: “We are so pleased to have Crystal ‘on board’ as one of our valued supplier partners.  To see such an incredible booking from the get-go is an example of what can be achieved when our talented people and exceptional products come together. We look forward to many more standout sales stories across the coming months and years as our relationship with Crystal continues to grow.”

 

- An extraordinary residential-scale suite elevates life at sea -

  Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, announced today the introduction of the Owner’s Suite aboard Crystal Grace, marking a first for this type of category for a Crystal ocean vessel. Building on last month’s reveal of suite renderings, this residential-scale suite sets a new standard in on board living.   The Owner’s Suite will span 1,950 sq. ft. and feature a 1,965 sq. ft veranda, offering an expansive, refined layout designed for comfort, personalisation and immersive travel.   Key features include:  

• Living room:library, fireplace, custom wool carpets, walnut floors and handcrafted cabinetry. A state-of-the-art Hi-Fi entertainment system covers all interior and exterior areas, allowing guests to enjoy movies or music with exceptional audio. Dual LES touch panels in the living room and bedroom allow music to play across multiple zones or from the ship’s curated playlists.
• Dining area:panoramic ocean views, butler pantry and personalised bar service.
• Master bedroom:king-size bed or twin configuration, large walk-in closets, a recessed in-ceiling television and a custom-made sofa bench converts into a third sleeping accommodation when required.
• Master bath:fully Italian Lasa marble-lined, with a freestanding Jacuzzi and Dyson hairdryer.
• Guest bath:marble-lined.
• Veranda:private whirlpool and shower, outdoor dining area and Hi‑Fi music diffusion for seamless indoor-outdoor living.
• Fitness: guests can cycle in privacy on the Technogym Bike Personal, designed by Antonio Citterio, a sculptural statement that pairs personalised Technogym Coach programming and integrated entertainment with sweeping ocean views, transforming every ride into a refined, immersive experience.
• Design features: precious turquoise quartzite details are embedded in select custom furniture pieces, serving as a material expression of the brand’s signature colour while interiors are further defined by using exceptionally fine fabrics chosen to enhance the residential, tactile and intimate quality of the space.

  Cristina Levis, CEO of AKTG, comments: “We’re introducing a suite that goes beyond expectations. From its elegant interiors to its seamless technology and personalised services, this suite embodies what makes Crystal distinctive: attention to every detail and an elevated way of life at sea.”   The Owner’s Suite complements Crystal Grace’s all-suite, all-veranda design, offering meticulously appointed spaces across every stateroom category.   Crystal Grace is scheduled for delivery in May 2028 and will embark on her inaugural voyage on 11^th June 2028, continuing Crystal’s tradition of exceptional travel experiences defined by design, service and attention to detail.

  Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, has announced the appointment of Michael Young-Richards in the newly-created role of Key Account Manager UK & Eire. Young-Richards, who starts at Crystal on Monday 2^nd February, will be an instrumental addition to the team, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise that will enable the company to further support its trade partners and achieve strategic growth in the UK.   Young-Richards joins from Celebrity Cruises where he most recently spent five years as a strategic account manager, as well as two years as a regional sales manager. He has also held positions with Do Something Different, Kuoni and TUI UK. With eight years’ experience in the cruise industry and nearly 28 years’ experience in travel, Young-Richards has an in-depth understanding of the industry and a proven track record of driving sales growth, enhancing operational efficiency and maximizing profits.   Within his new role Young-Richards will be instrumental in driving trade sales performance and expanding the market presence of Crystal across the UK. Reporting to Luke Smith, Crystal’s Vice President, Trade Sales UK & EMEA, he will be responsible for the strategic plans and performance of a broad portfolio of accounts of varying sizes based across the UK, while also identifying additional revenue opportunities and contributing to the overall success of the UK market.   Luke Smith comments: “Michael joins at an exciting time with Crystal Grace, our first ocean new build for the brand in 25 years going on sale soon, as well as several new agent-first initiatives on the horizon. I’m delighted to welcome him to the team and am confident that his knowledge, experience and impressive track record will prove invaluable as we continue to expand our sales presence within this important market.”   Michael Young-Richards adds: “Having followed Crystal’s journey over the last few years, I am excited to be joining the team and contributing to the ongoing growth of the business. I look forward to reconnecting with travel advisors across the UK and Ireland and working closely with them to unlock new opportunities and drive shared success.”

 

Strong 2025 performance underscores Crystal’s return to form, following major refurbishment, industry recognition and continued investment in product and experiences

  Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences is entering 2026 with strong commercial momentum, high guest satisfaction and renewed confidence from both guests and the global travel advisor community, marking the next chapter in the brand’s carefully considered revival. From a UK perspective, bookings are currently up 67% year on year as of 21^st January 2026.   Following its acquisition by A&K Travel Group in 2022, Crystal has undergone a methodical and highly visible transformation. The brand’s two ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, returned to service in 2023 after extensive multi-million-dollar refurbishments, re-emerging with larger, refined suites, enhanced public spaces and a renewed focus on space, service and sophisticated elegance.   2025 marked Crystal’s second full year of operations, representing an important period of stabilization and growth. During the year, the brand achieved net positive profitability, a foundation that continues to translate into strong demand. Looking ahead to 2026, Crystal enters the year from a position of strength, with bookings tracking ahead of prior years and a clear concentration of demand across its most sought-after itineraries. The 2026 Asia season is sold out, Alaska is approaching capacity and the Mediterranean and Northern Europe continue to perform strongly. Select sailings remain available, particularly on summer and autumn voyages, including in The Americas and Caribbean and Europe and the Mediterranean.   Matias Lira, senior vice president, trade sales – Americas, UK & EMEA, comments: “For more than three decades, Crystal has represented a very particular standard of luxury at sea. What we are seeing now is the result of deliberate investment in the things that matter most to our guests: space, service, thoughtful design and experiences that feel genuinely enriching. The momentum heading into 2026 reflects both the strength of our heritage and the relevance of the Crystal experience today.”   Luke Smith, vice president, trade sales UK & EMEA, adds: “It is great to see the demand for Crystal from the UK market and to see just how much the UK trade are engaging with the product. Our loyal guests and trade partners are so enthusiastic about the forthcoming launch of Crystal Grace and we are excited for the year ahead.”   A refined expression of elevated travel, grounded in heritage   Long regarded as the grand dame of luxury ocean cruising, Crystal offers an experience that feels closer to staying in one of the world’s greatest hotels than a conventional cruise. With one of the highest guest-to-space ratio at sea and nearly one crew member per guest, life onboard is defined by calm sophistication, intuitive service and a sense of being genuinely looked after.   Dining remains a cornerstone of the Crystal experience, with nine restaurants across the fleet, including Umi Uma, the only dining venue at sea by chef Nobu Matsuhisa, the ocean’s only Beefbar in collaboration with visionary restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi, and a specially curated Osteria d’Ovidio menu by three-time Michelin-starred Italian chef Massimiliano and celebrated restaurateur Raffaele Alajmo. Additionally, each vessel offers Le Casino de Monte-Carlo, created in partnership with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. Wellness and enrichment are equally integral, from the Aurōra Spa to Broadway-standard entertainment and thoughtfully curated cultural programming.   Abercrombie & Kent partnership   Crystal’s pioneering partnership with sister brand Abercrombie & Kent, brought to life through the ‘By Abercrombie & Kent’ programme, continues to set the brand apart, extending the experience far beyond the ship. Throughout 2025, Crystal significantly expanded this portfolio of A&K-curated journeys, integrating immersive shore experiences, overland adventures and pre- and post-cruise extensions directly into its itineraries.   Additionally, the brands announced a transformative new chapter for A&K’s Expedition Cruises division through a strategic partnership with Crystal collaborating to deliver A&K's celebrated cultural voyages aboard Crystal's award-winning fleet. The initial August 2026 sailing sold out within weeks and 10 more voyages are scheduled for 2027.   Continued investment and industry recognition   Crystal’s momentum in 2025 was further reinforced by continued investment in the fleet, including a drydock for Crystal Symphony in late 2025, focused on further refining guest suites, public spaces and technical systems to enhance both comfort and sustainability.   The brand’s evolution has also been validated by industry recognition. In 2025, Crystal was named the Top Midsize-Ship Ocean Cruise Line in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, a title the brand held for nearly 30 consecutive years prior to its pause and relaunch.   Looking ahead: Crystal Grace and the future fleet   Crystal’s confidence in its long-term future is underscored by the announcement of Crystal Grace, the brand’s first new ocean ship in 25 years, scheduled for delivery in May 2028. The 650-guest, all-suite vessel will represent a natural evolution of Crystal’s design and service philosophy, with generous public spaces, world-class dining and one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the segment.  Crystal Grace’s 2028 inaugural season is set to go on sale in April 2026.

  Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, has enhanced its partnership with Traveltek with agent partners now able to book via the iSell Connect platform.  This development will make it even easier for agents to sell Crystal and is another step towards Crystal becoming the most trade-friendly ultra-luxury cruise line.   The iSell Connect platform connects to Crystal through Traveltek's Cruise API, which pulls real-time inventory, itineraries, pricing and promotions directly from Crystal's systems, updating throughout the day as bookings come in and inventory changes. Complex cruise booking requirements such as suite categories, dining preferences, special requests and deposit schedules are also available, while the system takes care of booking modifications, documentation and payment tracking automatically.   Luke Smith, vice president, trade sales UK & EMEA, comments: “At Crystal we want to make it as easy and accessible for as many travel agent partners to sell our exceptional cruise holidays, and this enhanced partnership is just another step on the journey to fulfil my pledge to become the most trade friendly ultra luxury cruise line in the market. We are not there yet, but my commitment to considering the trade in every decision we make is unwavering and our incredible trade partners are going to be pivotal to us achieving our goals.”   Hayley West, head of partnerships for Traveltek, adds: “Crystal offers truly exceptional ultra-luxury cruise experiences and this partnership ensures their travel agent partners have the tools to sell those experiences with ease. Our technology takes the complexity out of luxury cruise bookings - agents get instant access to Crystal's full inventory and live pricing and can build detailed quotes instantly. It's about giving agents the same level of service that Crystal provides to their guests, so they can focus on creating exceptional holidays."

 

Featuring an Amazon river journey, a Caribbean circle grand voyage and a springtime sailing in the Azores

  Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, announced today the 2028 winter and spring season itineraries aboard Crystal Serenity. The programme features warm-water sailings across the Caribbean, Central America and the Amazon, followed by a spring transatlantic crossing to the Azores. Guests can enjoy unhurried days in port, regionally inspired excursions and the generous space and serene atmosphere that define Crystal’s exceptional onboard experience. The season concludes in Lisbon, where the ship will enter a scheduled dry dock for enhancements. Crystal Serenity’s itinerary complements the previously announced 2028 World Cruise aboard Crystal Symphony, Treasures of the Tides: A Global Odyssey, which will visit 84 destinations across 39 countries on six continents.   Mario Parodi, Crystal’s vice president of itinerary planning and port and fuel operations, comments: “Our approach to itinerary planning is rooted in a balance of cultural connection, natural beauty and unhurried discovery. These 2028 voyages for Crystal Serenity offer guests meaningful ways to travel, from the heart of the Amazon to the warmth of the Caribbean and the migratory waters of the Azores, while enjoying the generous space and refined ease of our onboard experience.”   Crystal Serenity: January – April 2028 itinerary highlights:  

• January: round-trip sailings from Fort Lauderdale offer a relaxing start to the season and warm-weather coastal exploration. Ports of call include the British Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Mexico, the historic city of Cartagena, Colombia and the colourful Puerto Limon, Costa Rica.
• February: the 25-day Amazon voyage, which begins in January, continues with calls in Manaus and remote river communities, offering opportunities to explore the region’s biodiversity and culture. This voyage may be linked with adjacent sailings to form the Caribbean Circle Grand Voyage, encompassing 14 Caribbean islands and five countries in Central America.
• March: warm-water sailings across Cartagena, Roatán and Belize offer a blend of islands, reefs and quiet bays. The itineraries are paced with thoughtful intervals at sea, creating a gentle balance between coastal exploration and relaxed days on board.
• April: April begins with late-season warm-water sailings calling at Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos and the Dominican Republic, offering a final cadence of beaches, harbours and coastal culture. The month continues with a transatlantic sailing to the Azores, aligned with the spring migration of baleen whales, including blue, fin and, to a lesser extent, sei whales. The voyage concludes in Lisbon, where Crystal Serenitywill enter dry dock for scheduled enhancements.

  Crystal Grace: Inaugural 2028 Season   Crystal Grace will begin her inaugural voyage on 11^th June 2028, sailing from Rome to Venice. She will continue her summer season throughout the Mediterranean before arriving in New York City in September. From there, she will explore the Northeast and Canada and conclude the year with sailings across the Caribbean. Additional details will be announced soon. Crystal Grace’s 2028 inaugural season is scheduled to go on sale in April 2026, with a waitlist opening shortly.

Crystal has unveiled details of new suite designs coming to new ship Crystal Grace, set to debut in May 2028. The ship’s all-suite, all-veranda accommodations have been reimagined with enhanced storage and some boasting expansive wraparound verandas. The 337 suites can accommodate 650 guests at double occupancy. Cristina Levis, CEO of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, said: “From the very beginning of Crystal Grace’s design process we prioritised listening to our guests. Their preferences informed every decision we made.” “These suites reflect a thoughtful evolution of space, comfort and accessibility.” Every suite is attended by a Crystal butler.   Guest Room with Veranda These suites offer 230 sq. ft, featuring a 57 sq. ft. private veranda, a comfortable living area with sofa, a walk-in shower and a built-in closet. There is enhanced storage, including additional overhead compartments. Aquamarine Veranda Suites The majority of accommodations aboard Crystal Grace will be the 333 sq. ft. Aquamarine Veranda Suites. These suites feature a vanity area and a comfortable sofa, with afternoon canapés served daily. Complete with an 85 sq. ft. veranda, select suites are configured with a separate shower and bathtub, while others offer a spacious walk-in shower and walk-in closet. ADA Aquamarine Veranda Suites ADA-equipped Aquamarine Veranda Suites, spanning 341 sq. ft., offer full accessibility throughout the bedroom, bathroom and the 85 sq. ft. veranda. Sapphire Suites Enjoying separate living spaces, the Sapphire Suites offer 461-537 sq. ft. of comfort with 113 sq. ft. verandas, while select suites boast expansive wraparound verandas of 344 sq. ft. Each suite includes separate living and sleeping areas, walk-in closet, dining table and a spacious bathroom.  Junior Penthouse Suites Crystal Grace will offer four midship Junior Penthouse Suites, each spanning 845 sq. ft. with a 227 sq. ft. veranda, these suites feature a walk-in closet, separate living and dining areas, a Jacuzzi bathtub with separate shower and a guest bathroom. Forward on Deck 8, two Junior Penthouse Suites, each 740 sq. ft., boast expansive 602 sq. ft. wraparound verandas and offer the same elevated amenities and curated services. Penthouse Suites The generous 1,232 sq. ft. Penthouse Suites are designed for guests seeking an elevated residential-style retreat. Located midship on deck 6, these suites feature a 659 sq. ft. veranda. Each suite offers two walk-in closets, separate living and dining areas with a study and a custom built-in bar. A Jacuzzi bathtub, separate shower, bidet and guest bathroom complete the luxury accommodations. Guests also enjoy unlimited dining at specialty restaurants and afternoon canapés. Additionally, four Penthouse Suites, 1,220 sq. ft. positioned aft on decks 7 and 9, feature an expansive 982 sq. ft. wraparound veranda.   “One of the features we know our guests will love most is the remarkable amount of open-air space, including expansive wraparound verandas in several suite categories,” said Crystal’s SVP of hotel operations, Bernie Leypold. Crystal Grace is scheduled for delivery on 31 May 2028. The ship will embark on her inaugural voyage on 11 June 2028, following a series of preview sailings. Crystal Grace’s inaugural 2028 season is set to go on sale in April 2026, with waitlist opening soon.

  Crystal, the leader in exceptional cruise experiences, announced today the name of its new ship: Crystal Grace. This is the first ocean new build for the brand in 25 years and under the ownership of AKTG (Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group).   Scheduled for delivery in May 2028, Crystal Grace will embark on her inaugural voyage on 11^th June 2028, following a series of preview sailings. The ship will represent a bold and industry-leading evolution of Crystal’s celebrated heritage, blending innovation, sophistication and timeless style, while signalling the next chapter in Crystal’s journey to redefine luxury at sea.   As part of the launch campaign, the brand created a digital word game shared across all social channels inviting fans to guess the name of the ship themselves before the big reveal.   Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, comments: “Crystal Grace is more than a name; it’s a promise. It reflects the effortless elegance, generous spirit and sense of tranquillity that define the Crystal experience. Crystal Grace is the embodiment of why we were awarded the World’s Best Cruise Line by Travel + Leisure, combining the best food, service, space, entertainment and shore experiences (by Abercrombie & Kent). With this ship, we are honouring our heritage while continuing to evolve for a new generation of guests.”   The name Grace was chosen to reflect the ship’s refined aesthetic, seamless onboard experience and the graceful way in which Crystal ships navigate the world’s most breathtaking destinations.  The 650-passenger (based on double occupancy), 61,800-gross-ton Crystal Grace will offer spacious all-suite accommodations, entertainment and world-class dining including Umi Uma®, the only Nobu restaurant at sea, the only Beefbar at sea and menus designed by the Michelin-starred Italian Alajmo brothers at Osteria d’Ovidio, all included in the voyage price. Guests will be pleased to find a promenade extending the whole ship’s perimeter, perfect for leisurely strolls with stunning ocean views. The ship will still offer one of the highest crew-to-passenger ratios in this segment, ensuring the personalised service and attention to detail that has made Crystal an award-winning brand for more than three decades.   On land, Abercrombie & Kent will curate a series of exceptional land experiences and events across the world, powered by its network of integrated DMCs: Crystal is the only cruise line with this global, in-house capability.   Details of Crystal Grace’s suite categories will be announced in December, with additional news on the inaugural voyages, design features and new onboard offerings unveiled in the coming months.   For more details and to sign up for updates, please visit https://www.crystalcruises.com/grace. Her inaugural 2028 season is set to go on sale in April 2026, with the waitlist opening soon.

 

A holistic celebration of balance, vitality and tranquillity at sea aboard Crystal Symphony

  Crystal today announced its third annual Wellness at Sea® retreat voyages aboard Crystal Symphony, sailing August 2026 during National Wellness Month. The retreats offer guests a holistic journey of movement, mindfulness and culinary nourishment in the refined surroundings of one of the world’s most exceptional ships. The first sailing runs from 17^th to 24^th August from Vancouver to San Diego, followed immediately by a second voyage from 24^th August to 5^th September from San Diego to Guayaquil, Ecuador.  Guests may book either individually or combine both back-to-back for a continuous Pacific wellness journey.   Leading the programme once again is Dalila Roglieri, Crystal’s wellness ambassador and registered nutritionist, who has been instrumental in shaping the programme’s philosophy since its inception. Roglieri, whose expertise bridges nutrition science and Mediterranean lifestyle principles, will be joined by returning specialists Jenni Demus, yoga and mental well-being specialist; Mandi Appelberg, fitness and yoga specialist; and Magnus Appelberg, cold exposure expert, somatic therapist and yoga and meditation teacher. The team will also welcome Chef Abbie Gellman, MS, RD, CDN, a nationally recognised culinary nutrition authority, author and director of Teaching Kitchen and Culinary Medicine at SBH Health System in New York.   Guests will be guided through a series of immersive Wellness at Sea sessions including yoga and meditation, sound baths, functional training, and breathwork and mind-reset classes such as Wake Me Up Breath and Master Your Mind. The voyage also features a two-day detox at sea, encouraging digital mindfulness and deep restoration.   The programme will once again include an educational focus on longevity science, with lectures exploring key topics such as aging well, maintaining a sharp mind and a strong, vital body and understanding the healing and harmful effects of emotions on the heart and health.   Culinary offerings take centre stage with an expanded variety of plant-rich dishes crafted exclusively for the Wellness at Sea retreats. All recipes are created by Crystal’s culinary team under Roglieri’s guidance in nutrition science, highlighting flavour and nourishment in perfect harmony. Guests can enjoy hands-on wellness cuisine workshops and culinary demonstrations led by Gellman and Roglieri, blending nutritional insight with the art of gastronomy, as well as individual nutrition consultations and blind tasting sessions designed to engage all the senses. Daily offerings include wellness-focused juices and smoothies, nutritious toasts, soups, appetisers, dips, main courses and desserts. This innovative culinary approach earned Crystal recognition in the Women’s Health 2025 Travel Awards for Best Healthy Food.   Further complementing the wellness programming, Crystal will offer pickleball instruction led by an onboard coach. Classes are available for all levels, offering guests a fun and social way to stay active at sea.   Dalila Roglieri, Crystal’s wellness ambassador, comments: “These voyages represent wellness at its most complete, where every sunrise, every movement and every meal becomes part of a greater harmony. It’s an invitation to reconnect with yourself and the world, surrounded by the exceptional elements that define Crystal.”   The 2026 Wellness at Sea retreat voyages are now open for booking on crystalcruises.com. Details of the 2027 Wellness Retreat will be announced in the coming months.