Crystal Cruises, launched in 1990 by Japan’s NYK Group, faced bankruptcy and was sold to Genting Hong Kong. However, after Genting’s collapse, the brand was rescued by Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio and his A&K Travel Group. They bought the two existing ships and the brand name through auction in 2022.
The company currently operates two cruise ships:
• Crystal Symphony (built in 1995, 51,000 gross tons)
• Crystal Serenade (built in 2003, 68,870 gross tons)
Crystal is now planning to introduce a third ship, continuing to focus on ultra-luxury travel. The new ships will each be 61,800 gross tons and are designed to offer premium experiences, including all-suite accommodations, private verandas, and single-occupancy suites.
These new ships will have a 690-passenger capacity with one of the highest passenger-to-crew ratios in the industry. They will include amenities like open promenade decks, dining options such as Umi Uma, and the first-ever casino partnerships with Casino de Monte-Carlo. The Crystal Symphony will feature its casino starting this month, while the Crystal Serenity will add it next month.
Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri has been a key partner in Crystal’s fleet expansion, continuing a strong year with notable orders from Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Corporation, and Viking. Crystal’s latest order falls within Fincantieri’s large category of cruise ships (ranging from €500 million to €1 billion).
• The first new Crystal ship is set for delivery in the second quarter of 2028.
• The second ship’s delivery timing is still undetermined, while the third ship is set to be delivered by 2032.
Crystal’s order of its third ship marks a significant milestone, continuing the legacy of innovation and luxury within the cruising industry. This marks another chapter in a 40-year collaboration between Fincantieri and the Lefebvre family, dating back to the creation of Sitmar Cruises and the success of Silversea Cruises.
