Cruise on Crystal This Summer: The Return of an Iconic Brand

With a brand relaunch coming this summer, cruisers will once again be able to cruise on Crystal! Since January of last year, Crystal Cruises’ ships have been out of commission following hardships endured during the Covid-19 pandemic. But now, you will again be able to enjoy the personalized service, exquisite dining, spacious suites, and immersive entertainment of a Crystal cruise, all enhanced by new management and refurbished ships. With almost as much staff as there are passengers on each ship, there really is no better cruise experience when it comes to personalized service, and the seas have not been the same since these standout ships have been benched.

The Rebirth of Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises is back in business with a new look and an even greater commitment to absolutely unmatched excellence at sea. The small cruise line and its two current ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, have faced much uncertainty over the past few years, culminating in the insolvency of their parent company, Genting Hong Kong. In June of last year, it was announced that A&K Travel Group, which owns the luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent, had acquired the brand and its two ships. The ships have been completely refurbished, and cruisers will once again be able to cruise on Crystal when they relaunch this summer!

When and Where You Can Cruise on Crystal

The first sailing of the refurbished ships will be on Crystal Serenity departing on July 31 from Marseille, France. This first voyage will be a 12-day Mediterranean cruise to Lisbon, stopping in Italy, Monaco, France, Spain, and Portugal. The extensive itinerary on this first trip out will include stops at Barcelona, Cartagena, Malaga, Portimao, Portofino, and Corsica, making for an epic inaugural expedition fitting of the Crystal Cruises brand.

Not to be outdone, Crystal Symphony will depart for its own relaunch on a 7-Day Mediterranean cruise out of Athens on September 1st. This itinerary will include stops at Santorini, Patmos, and Kos, Greece, before heading to Izmir and Istanbul in Turkey. Although these first sailings will be confined to the Mediterranean, future voyages will branch out to destinations all over the globe. Soon you will be able to cruise on Crystal to favorite cruise destinations like the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, and Canada/New England.

Related: Mediterranean Cruises: Top Ports to Explore

What’s New with Crystal Cruises

One of the biggest changes made by the extensive refurbishments is an emphasis on increased space for guests. That means bigger suites and less guests on each ship, so you will have more space to spread out and relax. Lowering the maximum number of guests also increases the guest-to-staff ratio to almost 1:1, providing service far above what you will get on other cruise lines. The decor has also been improved, with marble quarried from Italy, modern furnishings, and fine cotton linens, offering you maximum luxury when you cruise on Crystal.

In addition to the aesthetic upgrades, both ships feature nine dining options and six bars, so passengers will have ample options to experience unique cuisine whenever they cruise on Crystal. Both of the onboard spa and the gym have been fully refurbished as well, and paddle tennis and pickleball will be hosted on the Wimbledon courts of both ships. Furthermore, new ownership also means a refreshed take on entertainment and events planning in addition to the outstanding shore experiences provided by Crystal Cruises.

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If you’re ready to check out discount Crystal cruises departing this summer, visit Cruises.com — we can help you book the smart way! We give you our exclusive bonus offers and all qualifying Crystal offers, plus all of the cruise line loyalty program benefits. Request a consultation with a luxury cruise concierge online at Cruises.com or call 1-888-999-3271 today.