Crystal Cruises Has New Owners! – Cruise Maven

When the news broke in January 2022 that Genting Hong Kong, the entrepreneurs of luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises submitted for individual bankruptcy, the destiny of Crystal Cruises was mysterious. 

Aside from its river ships in Europe, new expedition ships, a jet plane, as well as options for a 3-person submarine, the most important main of this substantially-cherished cruise line were its two cruise ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.  

Then the pandemic hit and no one particular was cruising.  Genting Hong Kong was overextended.  Personal bankruptcy appeared to be the only way out of credit card debt. 

Because of to unpaid gas costs, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony were being sidelined (as in apprehended) mid-cruise and escorted to the Bahamas. The two ships have been idle in the Bahamas for 5 months, till this announcement today….

Crystal Cruises New House owners are A&K Journey Group

Knowledgeable travelers know A&K as Abercrombie and Kent, the well-set up luxury travel firm.  Formally recognised as A&K Travel Group Ltd., the experience-searching for vacation corporation is owned by Geoffrey Kent and Heritage, the industrial keeping business chaired by Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio. 

Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, a several generations’ Monegasque (Monaco spouse and children descendent) was founder and previous owner of Silversea Cruises and his family’s development of Sitmar Cruises. 

Collectively, the two businesses are the new owners of luxurious cruise vessels Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.  

Can the New House owners Retain the Title Crystal Cruises? 

More superior news! Yes! A&K Vacation Group have obtained legal rights to hold the identify, “Crystal Cruises”.  Both ships are scheduled for intensive refurbishment and expected to return to company in 2023.  

Linked:  My Crystal Serenity Evaluation

What Crystal Cruises’ New House owners are Saying

From Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, “I am thrilled to start off this new chapter and to be back in an marketplace that has generally had, and usually will have a distinctive position in my coronary heart. 30-5 several years ago, my loved ones acquired control of Sitmar Cruises, making three of the initial intent-created cruise ships, and 30 many years back my loved ones pioneered a new way of cruising.

Our target was to produce the greatest encounter, pampering company from all above the world with around-the-clock butler services and incredible culinary ordeals. Providing the cruise business that belonged to my family members for a quarter of a century was a tricky final decision, as I realized I would miss out on this sector immensely.

For that reason, when the opportunity arose to get Crystal Cruises, I did not feel about it twice. Having up coming to me my unbelievable close friend and inspiring chief Geoffrey Kent will make this undertaking even much more pleasing,” continued Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Co-Chairman of A&K Vacation Group Ltd., Crystal Cruises and Abercrombie & Kent.

Geoffrey Kent, Co-Chairman of A&K Travel Team Ltd. and Crystal Cruises, and Founder, Co-Chairman and CEO of Abercrombie & Kent ongoing to convey his enjoyment. “Even nevertheless it appears to be like yesterday, 30 years have handed considering that the Lefebvre spouse and children and I had our 1st ship together…Manfredi and I have been very best buddies and organization associates ever considering the fact that.

The plan of combining the unparalleled onboard provider that Crystal Cruises is identified for, with the remarkable tailor-designed experiences Abercrombie & Kent has been effectively providing for our guests for the earlier 60 a long time, fills me with exhilaration, enthusiasm and pleasure,” included Kent.

Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Team Ltd. will guide the two travel providers, Crystal Cruises and Abercrombie & Kent.  She reiterated the excitement by indicating, “My return to luxurious cruising soon after five several years delivers back again so quite a few emotions. It is an enormous privilege to provide these two outstanding brand names that in the previous many years have disrupted the journey business quite a few situations. Manfredi, Geoffrey and I glimpse ahead to welcoming previous Crystal and Abercrombie & Kent attendees onboard, as effectively as these searching for fulfilling luxury activities.”

Who Will Manage Crystal Cruises?

Centered in Monaco, A&K Vacation Team Ltd. has partnered with V.Ships Leisure, the world’s top cruise ship supervisor.  With their unique encounter, world wide scale and passionate team, V.Ships Leisure was the organic choice to handle the two ships.

Stay tuned for a lot more facts on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony as more refurbishment particulars are announced.  

Sherry Laskin

I’m the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler cruising the planet on waves and wheels, gathering recipes together the way.  I hope my posts and images entertain, advise and inspire you to journey the globe with no flying.  Choose a breath…stop for a regional food and a glass of wine along the way.