Crystal Sets Dates for First New Build in 25 Years

Crystal has announced two key milestone dates in the construction of the first of two new ships for the brand. Scheduled for delivery in May 2028, this will mark Crystal’s first new build in 25 years and the first under the ownership of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group.

The ship’s steel cutting will take place in May 2026, with the keel laying occurring in December 2026.

A New Era Begins

“Behind the scenes, our teams have been working diligently on every element of this extraordinary project—from design and craftsmanship to technical innovation. These milestones represent more than construction progress; they are a testament to our shared commitment with Fincantieri to deliver the most exceptional ship at sea, on schedule and with an unparalleled attention to detail,” said Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group. 

The name of the new ship will be announced shortly, with details on her inaugural voyages and new suite categories to follow by the end of the year. Her inaugural 2028 season is set to go on sale next spring, with the waitlist opening in advance. 

The new vessel will be the first entirely conceived and built under the stewardship of A&K Travel Group, which acquired the Crystal brand in 2022 and has since relaunched Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony after extensive refurbishments.

Crystal secured financing to support the construction of its next two luxury cruise ships this past summer. The two new ships will each measure 61,800 gross tons and accommodate approximately 650 guests, offering all-suite accommodations with private verandas. They will also include solo traveler-friendly categories and high crew-to-passenger ratios, hallmarks of the Crystal brand.

Experiences with A&K

Crystal expanded its luxury cruise offering with a new program, By Abercrombie & Kent, that pairs its onboard hospitality with curated land experiences from A&K. The new program, now available for booking on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony itineraries through 2026, aims to immerse travelers more deeply in destinations through multi-day overland journeys and pre- and post-cruise extensions.

For more information, visit crystalcruises.com.