Two years after the Genting insolvency and the takeover by A&K Travel, the shipping company Crystal Cruises has reached an agreement with the Fincantieri shipyard to build two new cruise ships.
The first of the two all-suite ships is scheduled for delivery in spring 2028, with the date for the second yet to be announced. The order includes an option for a third ship, which could be delivered in 2032.
The identical ships will have a size of 61,800 GT and offer space for 690 passengers. With this order, the company is fulfilling the promise it made a year ago: At that time, CEO Cristina Lewis announced her intention to have four ships built within six years.
Crystal order shows recovery in the cruise industry
“This order is another milestone in the 40 years of productive cooperation between Fincantieri and my family,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, CEO of the A&K Travel Group, which acquired Crystal Cruises two years ago. The cruise line, which was founded by Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) in 1988, previously belonged to the Genting Group before filing for bankruptcy.
For Fincantieri CEO Pierroberte Folgiero, the order is a clear sign that the cruise industry is recovering. He is “thrilled to be working with Crystal.” The shipyard also recently announced plans to build two more cruise ships for Viking Cruises.
“Our goal is to continue to set high standards in cruising and provide our guests with an unsurpassed level of service,” said Lewis. “These new ships will receive the same attention I devote to my own home.”
According to a statement from Crystal Cruises, the cruise ships will be equipped with luxury furnishings, including marble and high-quality fabrics that are usually found in “upscale private residences”. The focus will be on wellness and relaxation. The new ships will also feature the circular promenade, which is popular with passengers and has already been installed on the “Crystal Symphony” and “Crystal Serenity”.
