Travel Associates’ inaugural Luxury Cruise Event lured more than 500 keen-to-book cruisers to the Hyatt Regency Sydney last Sunday, with crowds amassing at the doors to the Grand Ballroom eagerly awaiting for the doors to open at 10am.

Crystal has released its schedule of voyages for the first half of 2026, with bookings now officially open. After spending the first part of 2026 in Africa and Asia, including options zeroed in on Japan’s cherry blossom season, Crystal Symphony will return to the US for an Alaska season, followed by Canada and East Coast sailings, ending the year in the Caribbean.

Crystal has revealed a new collaboration with world-renowned chef Massimiliano and Raffaele Alajmo. Massimiliano, the youngest chef ever to be awarded three Michelin stars, and Raffaele, his equally talented brother and co-owner of their celebrated restaurants, will bring their unparalleled expertise to specialty dining venue Osteria d’Ovidio on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.

Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group has secured and signed a definitive financing agreement for up to US$500 million to fund its continued expansion of its Abercrombie & Kent global travel business.

Crystal has unveiled a new state-of-the-art booking engine, designed to streamline and enhance the booking experience for travel advisors. Going live today, Crystal says the new platform offers unparalleled ease of use, advanced features and support tailored to meet the needs of today’s travel professionals.

For early-bookers keen to secure their preferred itineraries, dates and suites with Crystal, the cruise line has revealed its timeline of release of inventory on its highly anticipated 2026 itineraries, as a prelude to the official launch. The advanced notification aims to provide “ample advanced noticed” for guests to plan their next voyage, Crystal said.

Crystal has scheduled two special sailings dedicated to wellness, promising guests unparalleled journeys of rejuvenation and self-discovery. Set to sail aboard Crystal Symphony from 1–14 December 2024, and 14–23 December 2024, these new retreats bring together a group of industry experts who have curated specialised programming in the categories of healthy aging, functional nutrition, fitness, mental wellbeing and body and mind detox.

Crystal and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri have signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for two ships set to “redefine high-end travel on the seas”. The 690-passenger, 61,800-gross-ton ships will feature a host of amenities and innovative designs. Interior design will feature the most precious marbles, Italian fabrics and natural materials, offering a level of research and sophistication typically reserved for high-end private residential properties.

Crystal has announced a new collaboration with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM), a leader in the world of entertainment and gaming, to host the first and only Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea. Crystal Symphony will have a casino reintroduced during the Chairmen’s Cruise departing from Venice on 14 November, and on Crystal Serenity this December.

Crystal has offered a first glimpse of its new menus that will be available at Beefbar. The partnership between Crystal and the world-renowned restaurant was revealed in February. It will see Beefbar take to the seas for the first time on board both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity.

Crystal has announced “significant advancements” in its global reservations and trade sales operations including the Asia Pacific team exclusively based in the Melbourne regional headquarters.

Crystal has unveiled three new departures in the Mediterranean in May/June 2025 aboard Crystal Serenity.