In a noteworthy development for the cruise industry, Crystal, renowned for delivering unparalleled cruise experiences, has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the esteemed Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri. This landmark agreement marks the initiation of the construction of two state-of-the-art ships, set to redefine the standards of luxury sea travel.
Unmatched Luxury and Innovation
The forthcoming ships, each boasting a capacity of 690 passengers (based on double occupancy) and a gross tonnage of 61,800, promise an array of amenities and groundbreaking designs to ensure guests experience unmatched comfort and opulence. The design will be spearheaded by eminent architectural firms, including Studio Ibsen, Professor and Architect Adriana Granato, and Studio Gem, headed by Naval Architect Giacomo Mortola and Naval Engineer Lorenzo Mortola. A third international design firm will soon join this prestigious team.
The interiors will feature exquisite marble, Italian fabrics, and natural materials, achieving elegance typically reserved for the finest private residences. A standout feature will be a promenade that spans the entire perimeter of the ships, reminiscent of the popular promenades on Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. This promenade will offer guests breathtaking ocean vistas during strolls.
Culinary Excellence and Entertainment
Crystal’s commitment to culinary excellence continues with various dining options, including Umi Uma, the only Nobu restaurant at sea, and the newly introduced Beefbar. Guests can anticipate an exceptional dining experience featuring a multitude of world-class cuisines. The ships will also house sophisticated entertainment options and a stylish casino offering a variety of gaming choices.
Wellness and Family-Friendly Features
Wellness and relaxation are central to the new ships’ design, with a comprehensive spa and a cutting-edge fitness centre available to all guests. Families travelling with children will appreciate a dedicated area designed to offer engaging activities and secure space for younger passengers.
Luxurious Accommodations and Personalized Service
The new ships will feature all-suite accommodations with private verandas, including a popular single occupancy category with verandas catering to solo travellers. This commitment to guest comfort is further enhanced by maintaining one of the highest crew-to-passenger ratios in the luxury cruise segment, ensuring personalized service and meticulous attention to detail.
Statements from Industry Leaders
Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group, expressed his enthusiasm: “This order is another milestone in the 40 years of productive collaboration between Fincantieri and my family that started with Sitmar Cruises, continued with Silversea, and now is flourishing again with Crystal.”
Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, added, “Our aim is to continue setting a new standard in cruising, offering our guests an unmatched level of service and sophistication. These new ships will receive the same level of attention I have reserved for my own house.”
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri, commented, “This order not only highlights the robust recovery of the cruise sector, in line with our Industrial Plan, but also reaffirms Fincantieri’s leadership, thanks to the operational excellence of our shipyards and the execution quality of our world-class supply chain. We are thrilled to partner with Crystal in our pursuit of innovation and excellence, under the guidance of a shipowner who has always been close to our Group, like Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio.”
Future Prospects
The first ship is expected to be delivered in the Spring of 2028, with the timeline for the second ship’s delivery to be announced later. This announcement follows two years after A&K Travel Group acquired Crystal in 2022, signifying a new era for the cruise line. Under A&K Travel Group’s stewardship, Crystal has been enhancing its offerings at sea and onshore while expanding its fleet to deliver unparalleled experiences to its guests.
In addition to the two ships, Crystal has secured an option to build a third sister ship, scheduled for delivery in 2032.
For more information about Crystal’s new ships or to book an extraordinary itinerary, contact your travel advisor or visit crystalcruises.com.
Written by: Michelle Warner
