Crystal Symphony will re-enter Australian waters tomorrow, with the reborn luxury ship scheduled to dock in Fremantle (Perth).  The ship returned to service in mid-2023 following a multi-million dollar make-over, under the leadership of A&K Travel Group.

Crystal has unlocked its 2025 Grand Journeys collection that will unlock northern Europe’s famous white summer nights to exploring Africa and Asia’s diverse cultures and countries. With reduced passenger capacity and nearly one staff member per guest, the downsized and revitalised Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony offer larger, redesigned suites, award-winning specialty dining restaurants and restorative public spaces that enhance passengers’ experiences.

Crystal has released details of its 2025 itineraries onboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, with the new program to encompass 112 countries and 281 ports. Following the brand’s acquisition by the A&K Travel Group, Crystal is poised to offer travellers new opportunities for exploration and cultural immersion – both on and off the ship.

Crystal Symphony officially re-entered service last Friday night following an extensive multi-million dollar refurbishment after being purchased by A&K Travel Group. Departing on its inaugural voyage from Athens, the vessel which now accommodates 606 guests, joins sister ship Crystal Serenity in an exciting new chapter for the renowned brand.

Crystal’s 2025 World Cruise aboard Crystal Serenity has opened for reservations. Departing on 7 January, the 123-night voyage will sail from Fort Lauderdale to Barcelona, visiting 64 destinations in 31 countries and including 17 overnights.

The makeover of Crystal by A&K Travel Group has placed increased focus on the luxury of space at sea, with the reborn cruise line proud to boast it now offers an industry-leading space-to-guest ratio in social areas on its two ships.

A&K Travel Group is forecasting Australia and the Asia Pacific region will be the reborn Crystal’s third-largest source market, and may go even higher.

Crystal has confirmed the recreation of around half-a-dozen new roles in the Asia Pacific region, mostly in Australia, to support the ultra-luxury cruise line’s ambitious growth strategy, and to support the travel trade.

The first voyage of the re-born Crystal Cruises, now under the ownership of A&K Travel Group, departed from the Venice port of Marghera yesterday afternoon, sailing to Dubrovnik. Onboard Crystal Serenity for a series of three-night shakedown voyages before the official re-launch (on 31 July from Marseille, France) are a number of key travel partners and media from around the world – including LATTE – from Australia.

Crystal has appointed Dalila Roglieri to the newly created role of Head Nutritionist, strengthening the brand’s culinary prowess and ability to provide an individualised approach to wellbeing. Roglieri has an extensive professional background in nutrition and a passion for fitness. Her recruitment underscores Crystal’s dedication to providing guests with a holistic and exceptional wellness experience.

A&K Travel Group are excited to welcome back Crystal to the market, with both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity cruising Australia and New Zealand in the 2023/24 cruise season. Crystal reimagined includes:

A&K Travel Group (AKTG) has revealed the next stage in its plan to strategically align its business under a new centralised leadership team. The changes build on the ‘One A&K’ strategy that will connect and synergise its markets and brands by establishing new global roles connecting both A&K and Crystal across the world.