Culture Discovery Cruises
A Crystal luxury cruise ship under way at sea
Ultra-Luxury Cruise Line

Crystal

A storied name in luxury cruising, rebuilt from the keel up and sailing again.

The line

A revered name, reborn

Crystal was, for decades, one of the most decorated names in luxury cruising. When the original company wound down in 2022, its two ships found a new home with A&K Travel Group, the owner of Abercrombie & Kent, and returned to service in the summer of 2023.

Both ships came back after a substantial rebuild at Fincantieri in Trieste. Guest counts were lowered, suites were enlarged and the number of butler-serviced accommodations grew, so the line came back more spacious and more personal than before.

The result is a gracious, well-traveled style of ultra-luxury, all-suite and largely inclusive, that carries the Crystal heritage while feeling freshly made.

Style
Ultra-luxury
Fleet
2 ships
Guests
606 and 740
Fares
Largely inclusive
Sails to
Worldwide
Relaunched
2023
In a word

Crystal came back smaller than it left, and that was the point: fewer guests, larger suites, and service that has time for all of them.

A refined Crystal suite with a private ocean view

All-suite living, rebuilt for space

The 2023 rebuild reworked both ships around fewer, larger accommodations. Crystal Serenity now carries 740 guests and Crystal Symphony 606, and the great majority of guests sail in suites, with butler service across a growing share of categories.

New room types were added in the refit, from single ocean-view rooms to junior penthouse suites, and the interiors were brought fully up to date. It is a more spacious ship than the one that left service, and it feels it.

An elegant Crystal restaurant set for dinner

Gracious dining and easy days at sea

Dining has long been a Crystal signature, with a spread of restaurants across cuisines and open, unhurried seating. The fare is largely inclusive, so wines, spirits and gratuities are handled and the day belongs to you.

Onboard life keeps the polished, sociable feel that built the name, with live music, a spa and generous public rooms. The mood is refined without being stiff, more country club at sea than grand hotel.

The pool deck aboard a Crystal ship on a clear day

Two ships, a world of itineraries

With two mid-size ships, Crystal ranges widely, from Mediterranean and Northern European summers to the Caribbean, and on to longer voyages that trace much of the globe. Ports are chosen for depth rather than checklist speed.

The relaunched line has also leaned on its sister brand Abercrombie & Kent for shoreside experiences. We help you match the right ship, suite and season to the voyage you have in mind.

Since Crystal sails the Italian coast, it is easy to add a week in the Tuscan countryside before or after your cruise.

Booking Crystal with CDV

Why book through us

Exclusive Crystal value

Group amenities and onboard credit on Crystal sailings that you will not find booking direct.

Combinable offers

Our exclusive value can usually be layered with Crystal's current promotions, plus full loyalty credit.

Luxury specialists

Advisors who know the two ships suite by suite and match the right category and voyage to you.

Seamless land and sea

Because we run our own tours ashore, we make it easy to add a CDV land tour where your voyage begins or ends.

Pair your voyage with a land tour

Sail the Mediterranean, then stay a while in Tuscany

Many Crystal summers work through the Mediterranean, with calls along the Italian coast. Add a week in the Tuscan countryside with Culture Discovery and you turn a beautiful voyage into an immersion in the food, wine and villages of the region.

Frequently asked questions

What is Crystal known for?

Crystal is known as a long-decorated ultra-luxury line, now relaunched with an all-suite, largely inclusive experience. Highlights include spacious accommodations with butler service across many categories, gracious multi-restaurant dining, and a refined but sociable atmosphere.

Is Crystal still operating?

Yes. After the original company ceased operations in 2022, A&K Travel Group acquired the two ships and the brand and returned Crystal to service in the summer of 2023, following a major rebuild of both vessels.

Who owns Crystal now?

Crystal is owned by A&K Travel Group, the parent of the luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent. The two brands are operated as sister companies, and Crystal has drawn on A&K for shoreside experiences.

How many ships does Crystal have?

Crystal operates two ships: Crystal Serenity, which carries 740 guests, and Crystal Symphony, which carries 606 guests. Both were extensively rebuilt at Fincantieri in Trieste before returning to service in 2023.

What is included in a Crystal fare?

Crystal fares are largely inclusive, typically covering dining across the ship, wines and spirits, gratuities and more, with butler service on many accommodations. The exact inclusions vary by voyage and category, which is one thing we confirm for you before you book.

What is the dress code on Crystal?

Crystal leans elegant, with a mix of smart-casual and dressier evenings depending on the voyage. The overall tone is refined but relaxed, and we can tell you what to expect for your specific itinerary.

Who is Crystal for?

Crystal suits travelers who want a spacious, all-suite, largely inclusive luxury experience with polished, personal service. It appeals to well-traveled guests who value gracious dining and destination depth over big-ship entertainment.

How much does a Crystal cruise cost?

Fares vary widely by ship, suite category, season and voyage length, and because so much is included the headline number is not directly comparable to a mainstream cruise fare. Rather than quote a misleading range, we price your specific voyage and secure the best available CDV value. Request a complimentary quote and we will lay out the real numbers.

Ready to sail with Crystal?

Complimentary quote, exclusive CDV value, and a specialist who plans it around you.