Luxury cruise line Crystal has confirmed two key milestones in the construction of its first new ship in a quarter of a century, marking an exciting new era for the brand under Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG) ownership.
The new vessel, scheduled for delivery in May 2028, represents Crystal’s return to shipbuilding after 25 years.
The steel cutting ceremony – traditionally the first step in the construction process – will take place in May 2026, followed by the keel laying in December 2026 at Fincantieri’s shipyard.
These milestones officially launch the next chapter in the company’s storied legacy and its commitment to redefining the standard for luxury at sea.
“Behind the scenes, our teams have been working diligently on every element of this extraordinary project – from design and craftsmanship to technical innovation,”
“These milestones represent more than construction progress; they are a testament to our shared commitment with Fincantieri to deliver the most exceptional ship at sea, on schedule and with an unparalleled attention to detail.”
Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group.
The name of the ship will be revealed soon, with additional details about inaugural voyages and new suite categories expected by the end of the year.
The inaugural 2028 season will go on sale in spring 2026, with a waitlist opening beforehand.
A New Era for a Legendary Luxury Brand
Crystal’s announcement marks a significant step in the continued revitalisation of the brand since it was acquired by Abercrombie & Kent in 2022.
The acquisition included the line’s two existing vessels, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, both of which were extensively refurbished and relaunched under the banner “Exceptional at Sea.”
For over three decades, Crystal has been synonymous with award-winning voyages, personalised service, and elevated design.
Now, with support from its parent company, the cruise line is building on that heritage to reimagine modern luxury cruising.
Today’s Crystal ships feature:
- Spacious suites with artisanal finishes and almost a one-to-one guest-to-crew ratio
- Exclusive partnerships, including the first Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea in collaboration with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM)
- World-class dining, featuring Umi Uma® by Michelin-starred chef Nobu Matsuhisa and the only Beefbar at sea, curated by restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi
- Comprehensive wellness offerings at the Aurōra Spa
- Broadway-standard entertainment and immersive shore excursions via Abercrombie & Kent’s renowned global network
With its newbuild project now officially underway, Crystal is reaffirming its place among the top tier of luxury cruise lines, combining artisanal design, bespoke itineraries, and a focus on authentic travel experiences.
This is definitely one to keep your eye on if you want to enjoy luxury cruising at its finest!
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
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