Crystal has taken another important step in its development journey with the announcement that the contract for the construction of its third next-generation ocean ship by Fincantieri has become effective.
The project is part of the option exercised in 2024 and forms a key element of the brand’s expansion plan, which already includes Crystal Grace, currently under construction at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard and scheduled to debut in 2028, as well as a second sister ship expected to enter service in May 2031. The delivery of the new vessel is planned for 2034 and represents further confirmation of the company’s commitment to investing in the future of luxury cruising.
The three new ships will represent a new generation of Crystal vessels, preserving the elements that have made the brand internationally recognised: highly personalised service, refined environments, generous spaces and a deeply immersive travel experience.
The third ship will accommodate approximately 650 guests based on double occupancy and will measure around 62,000 gross tons. Like her future sister ships, she will offer exclusively accommodations with private verandas, including spacious upper-category suites and new cabin types designed to meet the evolving preferences of modern luxury travellers, including those choosing to travel solo.
Every aspect of the design will focus on comfort and spacious living, with interiors created to establish a privileged connection with the sea. The experience will be further enhanced by one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the luxury cruise segment, a fundamental element of Crystal’s philosophy.
The new vessel will combine the charm of timeless elegance with contemporary solutions, featuring indoor and outdoor spaces designed to deliver a natural and understated luxury experience. Among the most anticipated features will be a sweeping wraparound promenade inspired by the iconic outdoor walkways aboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, along with new open-air areas dedicated to relaxation, socialising and enjoying the surrounding scenery.
Special attention will also be dedicated to gastronomy: outdoor restaurant terraces will allow guests to enjoy al fresco dining experiences accompanied by spectacular ocean views and an atmosphere perfectly aligned with life at sea.
“Seeing Crystal Grace move from a vision into reality has been tremendously exciting. Today’s announcement demonstrates our complete confidence in Crystal’s future. This third ship confirms our commitment to the brand and to our guests, who continue to inspire us to raise the standards of luxury cruising worldwide,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Executive Chairman of A&K Travel Group.
Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, highlighted how the market response to Crystal Grace has exceeded expectations, confirming the growing demand for authentic and exclusive travel experiences. According to Levis, each new ship represents an opportunity to build on Crystal’s heritage while continuing to evolve the brand’s offering to meet the expectations of a new generation of luxury travellers.
Fincantieri also emphasised the importance of the collaboration with Crystal and A&K Travel Group. Luigi Matarazzo, General Manager of Fincantieri’s Merchant Ships Division, stated that the effectiveness of the contract signed in 2024 confirms the strength of the partnership and the shared commitment to innovation, design excellence and construction quality.
The announcement comes at a particularly positive moment for Crystal, following the recent steel-cutting ceremony for Crystal Grace, the opening of bookings for her inaugural 2028 season and the continued strong demand for the company’s international itineraries.
Since the brand’s relaunch under the ownership of A&K Travel Group in 2022, Crystal has entered a new phase of development, investing in the refurbishment of its existing ships and strengthening its identity within the luxury cruise sector.
The ships Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony have undergone a major $170 million refurbishment programme, introducing larger suites, artisanal finishes, personalised services and almost one crew member per guest.
The culinary offering remains one of the company’s key strengths, featuring exclusive experiences such as Umi Uma, the restaurant created by renowned chef Nobu (Nobuyuki Matsuhisa), the first Beefbar at sea, developed in collaboration with Riccardo Giraudi, and the Osteria d’Ovidio menu created by chefs Massimiliano and Raffaele Alajmo.
On board, guests can also enjoy the first Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea, created through a partnership with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, the wellness-focused Aurōra Spa, and internationally acclaimed entertainment programmes.
With this new generation of ships on the horizon, Crystal aims to further consolidate its position among the leading names in ultra-luxury cruising, combining tradition, innovation and an increasingly personalised service experience.
Giorgia Lombardo
