Cruise & Cruise Line

Crystal Serenity Returns to Service Under New Owner A&K Travel Group

Image: The newly reimagined Crystal Serenity cruise ship (Photo Credit: Crystal)
Image: The newly reimagined Crystal Serenity cruise ship (Photo Credit: Crystal)
Theresa Norton
by Theresa Norton
Last updated: 2:50 PM ET, Mon July 31, 2023

Crystal Cruises officially relaunched on July 31 as part of A&K Travel Group, when the 740-guest Crystal Serenity set sail following a multi-million-dollar refurbishment from Marseille, France. Its fleetmate, Crystal Symphony, is undergoing renovations and scheduled to resume service from Athens on Sept. 1.

“Crystal has been recognized for decades for exceptional experiences, and we are excited to welcome guests back onboard for its new gilded era,” said A&K Travel Group CEO Cristina Levis. “In just one year, we’ve been able to revitalize the ships, a feat nearly unheard of in the cruise industry. It is an honor to be signaling this new chapter better than ever and right on schedule, all while retaining 80 percent of Crystal’s beloved crew on board.”

After the first voyage, Crystal Serenity will sail towards Northern Europe, including the U.K., Ireland, and Iceland. The ship then travels to the Americas as far north as Canada and as far south as Cartagena, Colombia, before beginning the 125-night 2024 World Cruise, which sails from San Diego or Miami.

There are two new guest room categories – the Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite and Single Guest Room with Ocean View; the latter category can be booked without a single supplement.

Crystal Serenity Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite

The new Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite on Crystal Serenity. (Photo Credit: Crystal Cruises)

The Junior Crystal Penthouse Suite measures up to 645 square feet and includes separate dining and living areas looking onto a private veranda, also accompanied by butler service. The Single Guest Room with Ocean View measures up to 215 square feet and has butler service.

Crystal Serenity has 11 dining options, including 24-hour in-suite dining service. Among them are Umi Uma by Master Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu), Italian cuisine at Osteria D’Ovidio and the poolside Trident Grill for burgers, melts, salads and more.

Levis also announced that the brand is working with their advisors, lenders and export credit agents with hopes of signing a memorandum of agreement with two European shipbuilders for four new ships in the next six years – two classic ships and two expedition vessels.A&K Travel Group Ltd. is the travel company owned by Geoffrey Kent and Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio’s holding company. It acquired the luxury cruise vessels on June 22, 2022.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Headline: Learn about the New Riviera Travel River CruisesWednesday, August 12, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
If you haven't sold or sailed on Riviera over the past two years then you haven't experienced the new...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...
Upcoming Webinar
Experiential and Adventure WebinarTuesday, August 11, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse in the virtual studios on August 11 for the...
Upcoming Webinar
Headline: Learn about the New Riviera Travel River CruisesWednesday, August 12, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
If you haven't sold or sailed on Riviera over the past two years then you haven't experienced the new...
Upcoming Webinar
New Orleans: Timeless Traditions & Nonstop CultureThursday, August 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Learn about New Orleans from the New Orleans experts. During the presentation, you'll hear about...