Slow luxury is the focus of five new itineraries from the A&K x Crystal Cruises partnership, the first of 10 itineraries that will make up its 2027 collection.
Originally intended as a collection of five voyages in total, it has been expanded due to strong demand for its now sold-out inaugural sailing.
The August 2026 A&K x Crystal Cruises pilot voyage which sold out within weeks is an exclusive 12-day journey through Italy, Greece, and the Balkans. Starting with a two-night stay at Rome’s Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Hotel, it includes a nine-night sailing aboard Crystal Serenity to iconic ports including Sorrento, Syracuse, Corfu, Kotor, Zadar, and Ravenna.
“The overwhelming demand for our 2026 pilot voyage demonstrated something extraordinary,” said Fernando Delgado, Chief Product Officer at A&K Travel Group. “Guests instantly connected with the combination of A&K’s deep cultural expertise and Crystal’s unparalleled onboard atmosphere.
“That success gave us the momentum to expand into 2027 with even more departures, more destinations and more opportunities for travellers to experience cultural exploration with both brands at their very best.”
The five follow-up voyages take a similar tack, having been been designed for travellers with a desire to savour the journey, combining slow, immersive exploration with world-class amenities and personalised service.
Each one begins with a two-night stay at a luxury hotel chosen by A&K, giving guests time to absorb the destination before boarding by connecting deeply with local culture, cuisine, and landscapes – an approach that is built on further in each port.
The cruises feature nearly one staff member per guest, including dedicated butler service, and solo travellers enjoy Aquamarine Veranda Suites with no single supplement.
Cultural immersion remains at the heart of the itineraries. Travellers enjoy exclusive access to landmarks such as the Picasso Museum in Barcelona after hours and the Prince of Monaco’s private car collection. Shore excursions are carefully curated with A&K’s network of local specialists, providing meaningful engagement with each community and its traditions.
Guests can explore hidden vineyards in Venice, learn to cook paella in Valencia, taste Bordeaux wines and oysters fresh from Arcachon, or hike Canada’s rugged coastline while observing whales and northern gannet colonies.
The 2027 A&K x Crystal Cruises collection so far includes: A Voyage Around Italy (May 9–20, from $35,965 ) explores Venice, Croatia, Malta, and Rome; The Insider’s Mediterranean (May 25–June 3, from $33,980 ) spans Malta, Sardinia, Tunisia, and Spain; Europe’s Culinary Atlantic Coast (June 26–July 9, from $42,085 ) visits Portugal, Spain, France, and England; Autumn in New York and Canada (Sept 8–21, from $34,435 ) combines Manhattan with Canada’s Atlantic coast; and French Riviera to Lisbon (Oct 6–18, from $39,025 ) sails Monaco, Italy, Corsica, Spain, and Portugal with exclusive palace and museum access.
