Crystal Cruises to Launch Refundable Deposit

The new owner of Crystal Cruises announced intentions to allow passengers to pay “a small $500 deposit” to choose their preferred suite.

A&K Travel Group, controlled by Geoffrey Kent and Heritage Group, announced last month that it had acquired two ocean-going Crystal Cruises ships as well as the Crystal Cruises name.

The itineraries for the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, which are scheduled to enter service in 2023 following a significant overhaul, will take “some time,” according to A&K Chief Executive Cristina Levis.

She did, however, clarify that after A&K releases the revised ship itineraries, travelers would be able to make a $500 per suite refundable deposit.

Said Levis: “Travel advisors and their clients have been asking when they can book their next Crystal cruise. Our plan is to soon offer the opportunity to make an ‘Open Booking’ with a nominal $500 per suite refundable deposit.

“When the new deck plans, itineraries and pricing are complete, these Open Bookings will be given the first opportunity to select the voyage and suite category of their choice.”

Levis emphasised that the management of Abercrombie & Kent and Silversea Cruises had given the new owners of the Crystal brand and ocean ships a track record of “integrity” and “excellence.” Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, a former founder of Silversea, is the head of the private equity firm Heritage Group.

“We recognise that we must rebuild trust and confidence and expect to soon communicate about goodwill initiatives for 2023 sailings,”  Levis added.

She continued by stating that A&K was “dedicated” to reviving “the most opulent” cruise brand and that the business planned to hire former Crystal Cruises employees.

“We are reaching out to invite them back and are confident many will return,” she said.