Crystal: A culinary journey with the Alajmo Brothers


Crystal has announced an exclusive culinary-themed voyage with three-Michelin-star chef Massimiliano Alajmo and his renowned brother, restaurateur and business partner, Raffaele.

The Alajmo brothers, visionaries of three-Michelin-star cuisine, will join Crystal Serenity for a voyage from Venice to Athens from September 8 to 15, 2026. This exclusive seven-night cruise will offer a taste of Crystal’s world-class cuisine and showcase the artistry, tradition, and innovation that define the Alajmo culinary experience.

During the cruise, guests will be able to immerse themselves in a variety of experiences, including an exclusive program featuring a meet-and-greet with the Alajmo brothers, a Q&A session with autographs, and a tasting of carefully selected wines. This wine tasting will be led by the Alajmo family’s wine expert, Giovanni Alajmo. Another unique opportunity will be the chance, starting March 12, to book exclusive dinners at Osteria d’Ovidio and La Vintage Room, offering a first-hand experience of the Alajmo philosophy in an ultra-luxury setting.

Osteria d’Ovidio, named after owner Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, specializes in exceptional Italian cuisine. Reservations are required, and seating is limited per cruise. La Vintage Room offers dinners paired with the ship’s extensive onboard wine cellar. This intimate and innovative concept provides guests with education in both wine and cuisine, giving them a privileged insight into the art of oenology. In addition to tastings and daytime discussions, guests can enjoy a variety of private lunches and dinners themed around wine, created in collaboration with the Head Sommelier.

AKTG’s (Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group) $170 million investment in 2022 proved highly successful for the two ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. It enabled the cruise line to enhance and provide unparalleled access to onboard services worldwide, thanks to redesigned ships featuring larger, refurbished suites with handcrafted finishes and nearly one crew member per guest.

Crystal has been connected with the Alajmo brothers since 2025, when they collaborated with Crystal’s chefs to introduce new menus, reimagined at Osteria d’Ovidio and served aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. For the Alajmo brothers, cooking has always been a way to share emotion, culture, and a sense of place. This particular cruise will allow them to share their culinary experience in an even more personal and meaningful way.

Gunter Lorenz, Vice President of Food & Beverage at Crystal, emphasized that their culinary program has always been founded on authenticity, craftsmanship, and partnerships with the world’s most esteemed chefs. With this special cruise, Massimiliano, Raffaele, and Giovanni Alajmo will be on board to engage directly with guests, enhancing the experience through personal storytelling, wine, and cuisine.

Crystal’s long-standing tradition of culinary excellence at sea is reflected in modern elegance, seasonal ingredients, and exceptional technical mastery. Its Michelin-level culinary experiences, along with outstanding collaborations, including chef Nobu Matsuhisa with the only Nobu restaurant at sea and renowned restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi with Beefbar, celebrate the high standards and quality that define Crystal.

Stay tuned to Cruising Journal for updates and the latest news from the world of cruising.

Lucia Angeli

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