Crystal Cruises, the luxury small-ship cruise brand that nearly sank as its previous owner went bankrupt in 2022, is back in business under its new owners, and has big plans to expand.
The new Crystal, owned by Abercrombie and Kent, bought the name and the two ocean-going ships of the brand when Genting Hong Kong failed. The two ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony were sent for a full makeover, and just started cruises last week.
The new company is planning to build on the loyalty of past passengers, many of whom cruised with the company repeatedly. Other than the refresh, passengers will find few changes; even the crew is 80% composed of employees from the old Crystal.
Meanwhile, the company has announced it is ordering two more ocean cruisers and two expedition-type ships, which will triple the fleet size. It is in negotiations with shipbuilders now, and expects to have all in service by 2029. The ocean ships will have room for about 650 passengers, similar to the two already in service; the expedition ships will take about 220.
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