Crystal Cruises brand and two ships acquired by A&K Travel Group Ltd
Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will continue to operate under the Crystal Cruises name
The Crystal Cruises brand and two of the line’s vessels have been acquired by A&K Travel Group Ltd.
The company has bought Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, which will resume service in 2023 after undergoing “extensive refurbishment”. They will continue to operate under the Crystal Cruises brand and A&K Travel Group Ltd. has partnered with Monaco-based cruise ship manager V.Ships Leisure.
Geoffrey Kent, co-chairman of A&K Travel Group Ltd. and Crystal Cruises, and founder, co-chairman and CEO of Abercrombie & Kent said: “The idea of combining the unparalleled onboard service that Crystal Cruises is known for, with the extraordinary tailor-made experiences Abercrombie & Kent has been successfully providing for our guests for the past 60 years, fills me with excitement, enthusiasm and pride.”
Crystal Cruises and Abercrombie & Kent will report to Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group Ltd., who said: “The acquisition of Crystal has been extremely challenging but the satisfaction of having this jewel in our family is the best payoff for all the hard work and efforts of the A&K team. Ad maiora Crystal Cruises!”
Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, co-chairman of A&K Travel Group Ltd., Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal Cruises, said he was “thrilled”, and was returning to an industry that “has always had, and always will have a special place in my heart.” He explained that his family acquired Sitmar Cruises 35 years ago, building three of the first purpose-built cruise ships.
“Our goal was to deliver the best experience, pampering guests from all over the world with around-the-clock butler service and extraordinary culinary experiences. Selling the cruise business that belonged to my family for a quarter of a century was a difficult decision, as I knew I would miss this industry immensely. Therefore, when the opportunity arose to acquire Crystal Cruises, I did not think about it twice. Having next to me my incredible friend and inspiring leader Geoffrey Kent makes this venture even more enjoyable.”
Read more: Silversea Cruises is reportedly set to acquire former Crystal Cruises vessel Crystal Endeavor, according to Cruise Industry News.
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