Crystal Cruises Review (UK): The Relaunched Line, Its Ships and Who It Suits

What happened to Crystal Cruises?

Crystal launched in 1988 and built its name on large-for-luxury ships with a lot of space per guest, refined service and long world cruises. In 2015 its Japanese owner, NYK, sold the line to Genting Hong Kong.

Under Genting, Crystal expanded fast into river cruising, a polar expedition ship and even air travel. Then the pandemic hit. In January 2022 Genting Hong Kong became insolvent and Crystal suspended operations. Its assets were split up:

• The river ships went to a new operator, Riverside Luxury Cruises.
• The expedition ship, Crystal Endeavor, went to Silversea.
• The brand and the two ocean ships were bought at auction by A&K Travel Group, the parent of the safari and tour company Abercrombie & Kent. A&K paid about $25 million for Crystal Symphony and about $103 million for Crystal Serenity.

A&K relaunched the line simply as Crystal. Crystal Serenity resumed sailing on 31 July 2023 from Marseille, and Crystal Symphony on 1 September 2023 from Athens.

So if you read an older review describing Crystal's river cruises, its expedition yacht or the original 2016-era fleet, it describes a different company. This guide covers Crystal as it operates in 2026.

The ships today

Ship	Guests after the 2023 relaunch	Notes
Crystal Serenity	about 740 (previously about 1,080)	Larger of the two; refitted in a drydock in autumn 2026
Crystal Symphony	about 606	Refreshed again in 2025

The headline change at relaunch was fewer guests on the same ships. A&K removed or combined cabins, so both ships now have more space and more crew per guest than in the Genting era. Many cabins were turned into larger suites with verandas.

New ships on order

Crystal has ordered new all-suite ships from Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard in Italy:

• Crystal Grace: about 62,000 gross tonnes, around 650 guests, every suite with a veranda. Due in 2028, with keel-laying planned for December 2026.
• Two more sister ships are planned for later. Published dates differ, so treat any specific year as provisional.

Earlier talk of new expedition ships has been dropped.

Itineraries

Crystal sails worldwide, with a strong focus on:

• the Mediterranean and Northern Europe in summer, which is useful for UK travellers on a short flight;
• transatlantic crossings and Caribbean voyages in winter;
• long voyages and world cruises, which have always been a Crystal signature.

Most sailings are fly-cruises for UK guests. Check the current schedule for any calls at or departures from UK ports.

What's included

Crystal positions itself as an all-inclusive luxury line. Fares typically bundle:

• gratuities;
• most drinks, including fine wines and spirits;
• speciality dining;
• Wi-Fi.

However, inclusions have been adjusted since the relaunch. Check exactly what your fare covers before you compare it with Silversea, Regent Seven Seas or Seabourn. Shore excursions and spa treatments generally cost extra.

Who Crystal suits and who it doesn't

A good fit if you:

• want ultra-luxury service and lots of space per guest on a ship of about 600 to 750 guests;
• like long voyages, world cruise segments or classic transatlantic crossings;
• value a quiet, grown-up atmosphere with traditional dining.

Probably not for you if you:

• want brand-new hardware now (Crystal Grace arrives in 2028);
• are looking for river or expedition cruising, which Crystal no longer offers;
• are travelling with young children or want big-ship attractions;
• are budget-focused. Crystal is priced alongside the top luxury lines.

How Crystal compares

• Versus Silversea and Regent Seven Seas: all three are top-tier and highly inclusive. Silversea and Regent have larger, newer fleets and more itinerary choice. Crystal's selling points are its spacious relaunched ships and its long-voyage heritage.
• Versus Seabourn: Seabourn's ships are smaller and newer, and it also runs expedition ships, which Crystal no longer does.
• Versus Azamara or Oceania: those lines cost less and include less. Crystal is a step up in service and in what the fare covers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Crystal Cruises still exist?

Yes. After its former parent's collapse in 2022, the brand was bought by A&K Travel Group and relaunched as Crystal in 2023. It currently sails two ocean ships.

Who owns Crystal now?

A&K Travel Group, the company behind Abercrombie & Kent.

Does Crystal still do river cruises?

No. The former Crystal river ships went to a different company, Riverside Luxury Cruises, in 2022.

What happened to Crystal Endeavor?

The expedition ship was sold to Silversea and now sails under that brand.

Is Crystal building new ships?

Yes. Crystal Grace, an all-suite ship of about 650 guests, is under construction in Italy and due in 2028, with two more planned later.

Written and checked by Craig Geswindt, Founder and Editor, My Cruise Advisor. This is an independent guide based on Crystal's published information and industry reporting. It is not a sponsored review. Details last checked 13 November 2026. Ships, fares and inclusions change, so confirm with Crystal or your travel agent before booking.