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18 Months After Bankruptcy, This Luxury Cruise Line Is Sailing Again

In 2022, crystal cruises went belly up. now, two of the original ocean ships are back on the high seas—with some enticing upgrades..

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Travelers can relax at sea in the new Aurora spa onboard the reborn Crystal ships.

Courtesy of Crystal

After declaring bankruptcy in 2022 , what was once Crystal Cruises is back on the high seas with a new look, an abbreviated name, and plans for rapid growth. The cruise line was acquired by the luxury, small-group tour operator Abercrombie & Kent (A&K), which rechristened the brand as simply “ Crystal .”

During the restructuring, Crystal sold off five river ships—which have been resurrected by the new river cruise line Riverside Luxury Cruises —and an expedition vessel, and it currently operates two of its original ships, the 740-passenger Crystal Serenity and the 606-passenger Crystal Symphony . However, Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, said Crystal plans to order two new classic ships and two expedition vessels over the next six years.

“We have ambitious growth plans for Crystal and are proud of what we have accomplished with the relaunch of Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony in just under a year following the purchase of the brand,” Levis said. “We are now thrilled to formally announce that we will grow our fleet and continue to offer the most exceptional cruising experiences in the industry.”

The two vessels, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity , are just the beginning for the reincarnated Crystal brand.

Crystal Serenity is currently on its maiden voyage under the new ownership: a 12-night Mediterranean sailing that started in Marseille, France, and will end in Lisbon, Portugal. The ship will operate mainly in the United Kingdom and Iceland in August before heading to Canada and New England for September and then onward to the Caribbean for winter. In the spring, the ship will embark on a 141-day around-the-world cruise, starting and ending in Miami and visiting 69 ports across 29 countries, including Colombia, New Zealand, Egypt, and Italy.

Crystal Symphony , meanwhile, will restart operations on September 1, with a sailing from Athens to Istanbul. Afterward, it’s off to Asia, Australia, and New Zealand for the rest of 2023 and into early 2024.

Both ships have undergone a series of upgrades since the previous line went under; the main one is the expansion of the size of staterooms and suites. By merging smaller guest rooms into larger suites with living room and bedroom areas, Crystal has decreased the capacity of Serenity from 1,080 guests to 740. The renovations resulted in two new room categories: Junior Crystal Penthouse Suites measure 806 square feet and include separate bedroom, living, and dining areas, 1.5 baths, a walk-in closet, and a balcony, while the Single Guest Room with Ocean View category includes a single bed and a small living area within its 215 square feet. Best of all, it serves as a great option for solo travelers, who no longer need to pay a single supplement for a double room.

A new veranda suite on the updated Crystal ocean ships.

Photo by Amanda Julca/Crystal

Levis said these new categories helped increase the availability of the popular Sapphire Suite category, which measures 537 square feet and has separate sitting and sleeping areas, a walk-in closet, a balcony, and a bathroom with a rainfall shower and dual marble vanities.

In addition to room refreshes, Crystal has revamped some public spaces, the spa, and the fitness area, which now includes in-demand pickleball courts, and passengers will find a new look in the onboard restaurants, including northern Italian fine-dining spot Osteria D’Ovidio and Umi Uma, the only concept at sea for Nobu chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa.

The Umi Uma restaurant on the Crystal Symphony is overseen by Nobu chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa.

It’s worth noting that A&K also contracts ships from Ponant, a luxury French cruise company, for sailings to the Arctic and Antarctic regions. According to Levis, “When it comes to cruising, the companies will continue to operate as separate entities, with Crystal being a part of the A&K Travel Group family. Abercrombie & Kent will continue to charter Ponant ships for their expedition sailings.”

Crystal will announce itineraries for 2025 in the coming months (which, according to a Crystal spokesperson, will incorporate more A&K land expeditions), but there are still sailings available for booking in 2023 and 2024 on crystalcruises.com . Fares start at $3,800 per person, based on double occupancy.

Crystal Cruises: here's what went wrong — and what happens next

• Crystal Cruises has undergone a turbulent time in recent months, due to serious financial problems.
• The latest turn of events led to the operator shutting its US offices and letting workers go .
• Insider rounded up the key developments of the past few months — and explored what happens next.

Crystal Cruises recently shut down its US operations and let its employees go.

It was the latest in a series of unfortunate events for the company in recent months. 

So, what led to Crystal Cruises' demise? 

Earlier this month, reports emerged that Crystal Cruises was issued with an arrest warrant in relation to a $1.2 million unpaid fuel bill owed by its parent company, Genting Hong Kong.

In January, two of its ships  — Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity — diverted to the Bahamas with hundreds of passengers on board to escape the warrant but were ultimately arrested by authorities. 

At the time of both ships' arrest, only crew members were on board. Both Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity disembarked passengers on the island of Bimini before their seizure. 

The diversions also came in the wake of Crystal Cruises' pending liquidation of Genting Hong Kong, which was announced on January 19. It reported a record loss of $1.7 billion in 2020 as the pandemic wiped out tourism.

Related stories

In an announcement made to the crew, a recording of  which was posted to Twitter , the captain of the Crystal Symphony said the seizure was "unfortunate" but "actually quite expected."

He added that: "As bad as it sounds it's actually quite a good thing to happen." 

What happens to the company now? 

Vessel management company V.Ships will become the new managing firm, one captain told his crew. This is according to a recording of his message posted to Twitter by Crew Center, a website run by former crew members. 

In the recording, the captain said: "Unfortunately, this is the end of Crystal Cruises." He added: "We don't know what's going to happen in the future."

According to the company website , Crystal Cruises said it has suspended voyages for its Ocean and Expedition ships through April 2022. 

The company also said it has paused its call center until further notice. 

What does this mean for passengers' bookings? 

Its website states that Crystal Cruises "continues to process refunds as quickly as possible. However, there are delays from the credit card processors as they are receiving a very high volume of refund requests." 

Laziza Lambert, director of strategic communications and public affairs for Cruise Lines International Association,  told USA Today that cruise-line-specific refund policies can be found in booking contracts, which are available from travel advisory firms and cruise lines themselves. 

Watch: The rise and fall of the cruise industry

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Crystal Cruises Temporarily Suspends Operations — What to Know

The cruise line's parent company has reportedly filed for bankruptcy.

Crystal Cruises has suspended operations for all of its cruise ships until the spring after its parent company has moved to restructure its debt.

The luxury cruise line will pause all ocean sailings through at least April 29 and pause all river sailings through at least the end of May, according to the company . All ships that are currently sailing — the Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony in the Caribbean, and the Crystal Endeavor in Antarctica — will finish out their current voyages before the suspension.

The move comes after Crystal's parent company, Genting Hong Kong, filed for bankruptcy, Cruise Critic reported.

"This was an extremely difficult decision but a prudent one given the current business environment and recent developments with our parent company, Genting Hong Kong," Jack Anderson, Crystal's president, said in a statement. "Crystal has been synonymous with luxury cruising for more than 30 years and we look forward to welcoming back our valued guests when we resume operations. We wish to thank our guests and travel advisors for their incredible support during these ongoing challenging times."

According to Bloomberg, the company has asked the Supreme Court of Bermuda to appoint provisional liquidators to negotiate a debt restructuring.

Cruisers who are scheduled to board a ship during the pause will automatically receive a full refund of the cruise fare, according to Crystal. Those who paid for their cruise with a future cruise credit will receive the full value of that returned to their Crystal Society profile account.

Crystal is the latest cruise line to cancel sailings in the last few weeks as the omicron variant has led to surges in coronavirus cases around the world. Earlier this week, Celebrity Cruises paused voyages and Royal Caribbean canceled more sailings. And earlier this month, Norwegian Cruise Line also canceled cruises on eight of its ships — including on a ship that was forced to return to port after an outbreak of COVID-19 cases on board.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has made its guidance optional for cruise lines , has warned people against boarding a cruise ship at the moment, regardless of their vaccination status.

Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram .

Crystal Cruises Is Going Out of Business, How to Get a Refund

Crystal Cruises is winding up operations and going out of business. What happens to customer deposits and how can people get a refund?

Feb. 17 2022, Published 11:18 a.m. ET

The COVID-19 pandemic was a near-death experience for the global travel and leisure sector. As countries across the world imposed lockdown measures, including shutting down their borders, the tourism sector took a massive hit. Is Crystal Cruises going out of business?

While the hospitality sector has been recovering and air traffic has been gradually increasing, the cruise sector has been a weak link. Luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises is winding up operations and going out of business. Customers who had paid in advance for a cruise want to know what happens to their deposits.

The cruise industry struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The cruise industry went through a lot of pain during the COVID-19 pandemic. While lockdowns meant that companies' revenues dried up, they still needed to meet fixed costs like interest payments and employee salaries. Cruise companies reported negligible revenues in the last three quarters of 2020.

In the third quarter of 2020, Royal Caribbean posted revenues of -$33.7 million. It's unusual for a company to post negative revenues but the anomaly was due to consumer cancelations and penalties.

The industry still isn't out of the woods and Norwegian Cruise Line Holding expects that it lost between $4.4 billion and $4.6 billion in 2021, which is even higher than its 2020 loss of $4 billion.

Crystal Cruises was one of the top luxury cruise companies.

Crystal Cruises was a top awarded luxury cruise company that was in business for over three decades. The company is owned by Genting Hong Kong, which talked about liquidation in its regulatory filings in January.

While Crystal Cruises has been facing challenges for quite some time now, it reached a tipping point this month. Earlier in February, U.S. authorities seized two of the company’s ships over unpaid fuel bills of $4.6 billion. Crystal Cruises also shut its U.S. office and laid off the remaining employees in the country.

Former Crystal Cruises president Jack Anderson rues the fact that the parent company didn't come forward to help them amid its own financial troubles. Speaking with Bloomberg, he said, “Ultimately, we ended up with a bank account of zero.”

Crystal Cruises’ website is still active.

Crystal Cruises’ website doesn't mention that it's going out of business but says that it has closed the customer contact center. According to the website, people who want to contact the company should send an e-mail.

What happens to your deposits?

Many customers paid advance money to Crystal Cruises for their travel. Michael Moecker & Associates was appointed by a Florida court to collect creditors' claims. Among the claimants are the employees, customers, vendors, and travel advisors.

Anderson estimates that 75 percent–80 percent of the customers paid by credit card and card companies hold an estimated $100 million of money due to Crystal Cruises. The U.S. Maritime Commission has advised customers with claims on Crystal Cruises to contact their respective credit card companies , which would be an easier way to get the refunds.

If you paid for your travel in cash, it would be difficult to get the money. Even if you get the money back, it might not be the full amount. If you have a credit voucher that was issued against previous cancelations, you wouldn't be eligible for any refunds.

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Crystal Cruises customers hoping to get their money back after the insolvent luxury operator’s sudden collapse may be out of luck.

The cruise line, which drew scrutiny earlier this month after two of its luxury vessels were seized by authorities in the Bahamas , owes more than $100 million in customer deposits and down payments, according to former Crystal Cruises president Jack Anderson.

Customers who paid for an upcoming cruise by credit card have the best chance of recovering their money, Anderson told Bloomberg on Wednesday. Refunds for those who paid for their trips in cash will be more difficult to obtain.

Meanwhile, Crystal Cruises customers who received a credit for a future voyage due to the cancellation of a trip during the COVID-19 pandemic — when many cruise lines were shut down — won’t receive any compensation at all. Travel agents who facilitated the sales will also have a hard, if not impossible, time recovering their commissions.

In a separate interview with Seatrade Cruise News , Anderson estimated that up to 80% of customers affected by the collapse had paid by credit card.

Crystal Cruises shuttered its US operations , closed its offices and laid off remaining employees effective Feb. 11.

The shutdown occurred just days after US Marshals seized two of Crystal Cruises’  luxury ships — Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony — in the Bahamas over $4.6 million in unpaid fuel bills. Hundreds of passengers were reportedly stranded during the incident.

A perennially top-rated cruise line, Crystal Cruises encountered financial difficulties in recent years.

Its parent company, Genting Hong Kong, indicated in a January filing that it would work with provisional liquidators to pursue a restructuring of the company. The company reported major losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anderson told Bloomberg that Genting Hong Kong had “effectively washed their hands of Crystal” during its own financial struggles. The former president said Crystal Cruises had no cash remaining on hand by the time it shut down for good.

“Ultimately, we ended up with a bank account of zero,” he told the outlet.

Crystal Cruises’ website was still operational at the time of publication. The site displays the same message it has shown for days, noting that it “continues to process refunds as quickly as possible, however, there are delays from the credit card processors as they are receiving a very high volume of refund requests.”

V.Ships, a ship management firm, has taken control of three of Crystal Cruises’ vessels, including the two ships that were seized in the Bahamas.

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After takeover, Crystal is back in Florida with a revamped cruise ship

• Richard Tribou Orlando Sentinel (TNS)

Crystal Cruises’ future was up in the air when its ships were seized and it declared bankruptcy in 2022. But a new owner bought its two ocean-going vessels, which combined went under $170 million makeovers, and they are sailing again trying to win back its luxury sailing clientele.

New owners Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group renamed the line simply Crystal, and one of its ships, Crystal Serenity, made its way to PortMiami this month to begin a winter sailing season of the Caribbean.

“It’s great to be back in Miami. It’s been a while,” said Capt. Birger Vorland at an event on Nov. 2 at the port. “We had faith. We knew we were going to be back. … We have a fairly drastically redesigned ship here in many areas. Still same old captain though.”

He said he is among 80% of former crew that returned to sailing when the ships came back into service over the summer.

“In the time that we have been out of service, it was a little stressful for everybody,” he said. “We had faithful guests who saw their home away from home suddenly disappearing and maybe it wouldn’t come back, but for us that work there, we were kind of unsure too.”

He said people would ask him if the makeover meant the signature service and feel for the ship were changing.

“It totally blew me away, so I said, ‘Listen, it’s the same, just better,’” he said.

That includes several of the suites and cabins getting complete renovations with more contemporary designs and two new categories catering to solo travelers.

Part of the line’s allure is its dining selection, including the partnership with Chef Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa and his venue Umi Uma, a mix of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. It’s among 11 options along with fine Italian venue Osteria D’Ovidio, The Vintage Room that features wine pairings from a large onboard cellar and family-style dining with tapas-style offerings at Tastes Kitchen & Bar.

The new spa on board is called Aurōra, with an illuminated fiber-optic starlight ceiling adding to the ambience.

“Rebuilding Crystal has been a challenging but rewarding endeavor,” said CEO Cristina Levis. “We’ve invested in revitalizing our ships and are committed to keeping our loyal guests as excited about the brand as ever.”

Serenity, which was built in 2003, and 1995′s Crystal Symphony, pave the way for Crystal’s plans to build new two new ocean cruise ships and two new expedition vessels.

“The effort to rebuild a brand always comes with challenges,” Levis said. “One of the most significant aspects is continuing to build our guest confidence and loyalty. We’ve invested a considerable amount of money, time and effort in communicating our commitment to excellence and exceptional experiences while demonstrating tangible improvements.”

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For now, the older ships look to bring back what had been a loyal customer base while having to compete with new cruise lines in the luxury market like Explora Journeys, Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons, along with new ships from existing brands like Regent Seven Seas, Silversea Cruises and Seabourn.

“The company has to navigate the competitive, industry landscape with new ships joining each year, ensuring that our offerings continue to attract discerning travelers looking for the most exceptional experience while exploring all corners of the globe,” Levis said.

Part of that is sailing out of Miami this year, but shifting to Port Everglades in 2024. And also pulling on the expertise of Abercrombie & Kent with its land-based tours to enhance its destination offerings.

“Crystal has exciting plans for Florida in the future. Our 2025 itineraries were recently announced, with our ‘World Cruise’ leaving from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale along with many other voyages with South Florida turnaround days,” she said noting more than 17 voyages departing from the port stating in November 2024.

“We see Florida as a strategic hub that allows us to offer a wide range of itineraries and cater to the diverse preferences of our guests,” she said. “Crystal is committed to expanding presences in Florida as the state continues to be a top destination for cruise departures.”

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A rip current statement in effect for Coastal Broward and Coastal Miami Dade Regions

Crystal cruises may be shutting down operations.

David Dwork , Digital Journalist

MIAMI – The popular cruise line Crystal Cruises may be going out of business.

The Miami-based luxury cruise line has reportedly closed it is offices in the United States and fired some of its employees.

U.S. Marshals recently seized two Crystal ships in the Bahamas because the company owed millions of dollars in unpaid fuel bills.

Those ships had sailed from South Florida.

The company has been struggling financially due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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2nd cruise ship remains in bahamas over lawsuit, cruise diverted to bahamas after arrest warrant issued for crystal symphony.

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David Dwork joined the WPLG Local 10 News team in August 2019. Born and raised in Miami-Dade County, David has covered South Florida sports since 2007.

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Crystal Cruises says it's 'not going out of business,' still processing refunds

Update : Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

One of the world's best-known luxury cruise lines, Crystal Cruises , tried to assuage customer fears about its viability late Thursday by issuing a statement saying it wasn't on the brink of shutting down.

"It is important to understand that the company is not going out of business," the Miam i-based line said in the statement. 'Whatever option our parent company pursues, it will allow Crystal to operate its business."

Talk of a possible collapse of Crystal Cruises was swirling on Thursday among travel agents and cruisers after the line's parent company, Hong Kong -based Genting Hong Kong, disclosed that it had stopped making payments to creditors . The company is contending with a sharp loss of revenue due to the coronavirus crisis .

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's new cruise newsletter.

The announcement came two days after the company missed a 3.7 million euro payment of fees related to the construction of certain ships.

The payment was due from subsidiaries of the company related to new vessels, and the failure to pay the fees puts the subsidiaries into default, the company said.

Cruise industry publication Cruise Week on Thursday reported that the Genting Hong Kong announcement had spooked travel agents who sell Crystal voyages.

Related: How to book a cruise with points and miles

"This could be the catalyst for agents and their clients to think twice about putting down deposits or final payments" for Crystal trips, it quoted one top travel seller as saying.

Travel agents and their customers also expressed worries about refunds they were owed for canceled sailings, given Genting Hong Kong had stopped paying its creditors.

But in its statement, Crystal suggested refunds for canceled cruises continued to be processed.

"We have always been committed to honoring our contractual obligations with guests and travel partners, including the processing of refunds," the line said.

The Points Guy has received a significant number of complaints from readers in recent months about Crystal Cruises not sending them refunds for canceled trips.

"It's been 135 days, and we have still had no resolution (i.e., refund), or any contact from Crystal Cruises," one reader, Phyllis Sims of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, wrote us several days ago.

Related: 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly

Sims and three of her friends canceled a Crystal sailing on March 25 and are owed thousands of dollars from the line. The line initially promised a refund within 90 days.

"We are not fans of a business using our money as a zero-interest loan, even with the pandemic," Sims said. "And we are just as troubled by the lack of communication from Crystal Cruises."

Sims said her in-house Crystal travel advisor had not responded to any of her queries about the refund. She said she was so fed up she just filed a dispute about the charges with American Express. She used The Platinum Card® from American Express to make the booking.

In contrast to Crystal, American Express has been "amazing" in its response, she said.

A spokesperson for Crystal Cruises, Susan Robison, has told The Points Guy on multiple occasions that the line continues to process refunds as fast as it can but has struggled with the sheer volume of refund requests.

"We have canceled hundreds of cruises and provided tens of millions of dollars of refunds," Robison said recently. "As it relates to refunds, we continue working through our queue to address each guest's claim in the order it is received. This is a manual process and, where our reservation and payment systems can handle a normal refund environment efficiently and smoothly, they were not designed to handle this volume in such a short period of time."

Genting Hong Kong is the parent company of Crystal Cruises as well as two Asia -based cruise lines: Dream Cruises and Star Cruises. It also owns the Werften shipyard in Germany , where the first expedition ship for Crystal Cruises currently is under construction. In addition, it's a joint venture partner in Resorts World Manila in the Philippines.

Related: Cruise executives say they are in no rush to return to service

In announcing that it had stopped making payments to creditors, the company said it hoped to negotiate a restructuring of its debt with the creditors. The company owed creditors nearly $3.4 billion as of July 31.

"The company's remaining available cash will be reserved to maintain critical services for the group's operations, while the company will endeavor to negotiate a holistic debt restructuring solution," Genting Hong Kong said in a statement late Wednesday to the Hong Kong stock exchange.

The company did not say how much cash it still had on hand.

In its statement, the company said it had been trying to raise more money, but "there is currently a lack of certainty as to the outcome of the fundraising exercise."

Cruise lines have been hit hard financially in recent months as they have temporarily shut down operations due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Crystal recently canceled all sailings through early January 2021. The line hasn't operated cruise departures since March, nor has Genting Hong Kong's Star Cruises division. The company's Dream Cruises brand has recently resumed short sailings out of Taiwan with a single vessel, the 1,856-passenger Explorer Dream. The voyages only are open to Taiwanese travelers.

Four small cruise lines already have gone out of business due to the coronavirus shutdown.

Additional resources for cruisers during the coronavirus outbreak:

• When will cruising resume? A line-by-line guide
• Why you shouldn't expect bargain-basement cruise deals anytime soon
• How to cancel or postpone a cruise due to coronavirus
• Some of the year's hottest new ships could be delayed
• Stream these 13 movies, television shows to get your cruise ship fix

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Crystal Cruises: Parent Company ‘Not Going Out of Business’

Crystal Endeavor will now debut sometime in 2021. Photo: Crystal. 

After news broke last week that Genting Hong Kong, a resort and cruise conglomerate that owns a number of companies, was having financial troubles, Crystal Cruises, one of the companies owned by Genting, issued a statement that despite the trouble, the company is not going out of business.

“It is important to understand that the company is not going out of business. Whatever option our parent company pursues, it will allow Crystal to operate its business,” Crystal said in a statement. “Whatever option our parent company pursues, it will allow Crystal to operate its business.”

Genting Hong Kong, which also owns Dream Cruises, Star Cruises, Resorts World Manila, and more, has reportedly suspended payments to creditors as it tries to restructure to try and deal with the continuing fallout from COVID-19.

Crystal, which currently has all voyages suspended through the end of 2020, said that despite the news from Genting, it is “working with government and health authorities in our key markets to resume sailing when it is safe to do so and we look forward to welcoming our guests back on board at that time.”

“We have always been committed to honoring our contractual obligations with guests and travel partners, including the processing of refunds.”

Even with the reassurance, Crystal did say that COVID-19 has forced it to delay some new builds—earlier in the pandemic, Crystal announced that Crystal Endeavor, its upcoming expedition yacht, will be delayed about a year because of issues at the MV WERFTEN shipyard stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The ship will debut sometime in 2021 after first being expected to enter service sometime in 2020.

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The ship will officially sail starting in April 2025. 

News and notes from A&K’s 100 Club Event, including what's coming from the brand. 

Muckermann is departing Silversea Cruises after 14 years "to pursue other opportunities."

AmaWaterways has postponed operations on the Magdalena River until early next year.

The first, all-new, ship will join the fleet in Dec. 2025. The second in Dec. 2026.

The company also revealed its first-ever 59-day "Ultimate Europe Cruise & Land Journey." 

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Unparalleled choice, including the only Nobu restaurant at sea, dining aboard Crystal is an unforgettable experience.

OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINMENT

From Broadway shows and comedy, to live music and lectures, we have a world of options to keep you amused.

Together, let’s make it happen.

Are you ready to become exceptional at sea? Start your travel adventures with Crystal today.

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Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony now sail to 281 destinations in 112 countries. Where will you go next?

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Search our selection of the world’s most iconic and unusual destinations and find your dream voyage.

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In it for the long-haul? Join us on one of our World Cruises and travel the world in style.

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If you crave deep exploration, our Grand Journeys offer an immersive travel experience.

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"Crystal is back in all its glory. And even if they won’t describe themselves as luxurious, their guests almost certainly will"

- Condé Nast Traveller

“What Crystal Symphony is – and what makes it so special – is something less tangible. It’s the same reason a Patek Philippe watch is desirable, or an Hermès bag: it offers timeless elegance that is continually appealing to those who appreciate both style and value. Crystal just happens to offer both of those things in spades.”

- Cruise Critic

"The real star of the show, however, is Crystal’s exceptional dining, anchored by the only Nobu restaurant at sea, Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa Restaurant and Sushi Bar, which can be found on both ships."

Explore our two beautifully reimagined ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, and discover a world of timeless elegance at sea.

DINING ONBOARD

Crystal offers endless choices to suit every taste and mood.

UMI UMA BY NOBU MATSUHISA

Lose yourself in the beautiful décor and signature dishes of Chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

OSTERIA D'OVIDIO

Named for our owner, this restaurant specializes in show-stopping Italian fine dining.

WATERSIDE RESTAURANT

Enjoy fine-dining with a daily changing menu surrounded by sweeping ocean views.

THE VINTAGE ROOM

A gourmet food and wine pairing restaurant that offers some of the best vintages at sea.

Indulge in delicious patisseries and light bites in this spacious, airy café.

TRIDENT GRILL

Our pool restaurant and grill is the perfect spot for relaxed dining.

TASTES KITCHEN & BAR

Sumptuous, regionally inspired tapas-style cuisine for sophisticated, casual dining.

SCOOPS ICE CREAM BAR

Choose from innovative flavors or traditional delights in our Italian gelateria.

MARKETPLACE

This buffet-style restaurant features a vast array of choices for those who like a little of everything.

SPA AND FITNESS

Elevate your journey with holistic wellness tailored to you. Our onboard fitness facilities offer invigorating workouts using state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, while our beautiful Aurōra spa will leave you relaxed and renewed with a comprehensive range of revitalizing treatments.

EXPLORE OUR SPA

Soak up the health benefits or just steal a moment to relax with a purifying sauna.

FITNESS CENTER

Work up a sweat in our gym, equipped with the latest facilities, personalized training, and group classes.

Soak up the sunshine in style, then go for a refreshing dip on our beautiful pool deck.

From pickleball and paddle tennis, to golf practice and dance classes, our ships offer a host of activities from dawn to dusk.

SUITES & GUEST ROOMS

Our suites and guest rooms artfully pair comfort with the exceptionally elegant design. Elevated details, contemporary craftsmanship, and artisanal finishing embody modern refinement, while the spacious layouts maximize in-room relaxation.

CRYSTAL SERENITY - CRYSTAL PENTHOUSE SUITE

CHOOSE A COMPLIMENTARY BROCHURE AND BEGIN YOUR EXCEPTIONAL JOURNEY.

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More From Forbes

Take a break from the classic mint julep with 12 unique cocktails perfect for kentucky derby viewing.

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A woman wearing a festive hat and drinking a Mint Julep looks on prior to the 141st running of the ... [+] Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 2, 2015 in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most exciting annual events in the sports world, inspiring grand viewing parties decked out with fabulous fascinators and lots of fun cocktails.

While the mint julep is the most classic of cocktails to imbibe while watching the race, there are some other really fun libations to try for anyone looking to switch things up a bit!

Crystal Signature Manhattan

Crystal Signature Manhattan at Avenue Saloon, onboard Crystal.

At Avenue Saloon , onboard upscale cruise line Crystal, the Crystal Signature Manhattan features Woodford Reserve Bourbon (rested in an American Oak container for minimum of two weeks), Antica Carpano Vermouth, Cynar Amaro, Angostura bitters and, for garnish, a Morello cherry. Vice president of food and beverage operations Günter Lorenz says: “Our Classic Manhattan stands as a testament to the enduring allure of classic cocktails. It's a simple yet refined recipe, featuring high-quality bourbon (a must for your Kentucky Derby celebration!), sweet vermouth, and Angostura bitters, has stood the test of time, preserving the elegance and sophistication of a bygone era. Whether enjoyed in its traditional form or as one of the many captivating Manhattan variations, this iconic drink continues to be a symbol of timeless style and taste. Raise your glass with this Classic Manhattan, while watching the Kentucky Derby. Just like the iconic sporting event, this is a cocktail that transcends generations and remains as relevant and delightful as ever.”

Jersey Julep

Jersey Julep at Philadelphia-based Bank & Bourbon.

At Philadelphia-based Bank & Bourbon , the Jersey Julep is made with Applejack Brandy, Rittenhouse Rye, a dash of Benedictine Liqueur, mint, and housemade pear syrup. “Cheer on your favorite breed while enjoying this classic drink with a Mid-Atlantic twist,” said Brandon Bruce, beverage manager.

Rosemary Grapefruit Spritz

Rosemary Grapefruit Spritz at Board & You Bistro in New Albany, Indiana.

Found at Board & You Bistro in New Albany, Indiana, just across the Ohio River from the Derby City of Louisville, this spritz marries Ketel One Grapefruit & Rose Vodka with Make & Muddle's 3 Herb Gracious Grapefruit Mixer. It is topped with prosecco and garnished with fresh rosemary and a grapefruit wheel for a refreshing, herbal spritz. “Not all Derby Cocktails are created equal and not all of them need to be juleps! We firmly believe you should drink what you love! This spritz is perfect for brunch or afternoons at the track and they batch beautifully,” said Jennifer Brian of Make & Muddle Mixers.

Huawei s Pura 70 Ultra Beats iPhone With Pioneering New Feature

The juan soto trade has helped both the yankees and the san diego padres, four reportedly hurt after army horses run loose through central london, kentucky peach.

Kentucky Peach at The Hamilton Hotel Alpharetta.

At The Hamilton Hotel Alpharetta , this cocktail is made with Piggyback 6-year Rye, peach puree, and lemon bitters. “Our Kentucky Peach puts a Georgia spin on a traditional Kentucky Derby cocktail by blending Georgia's prized peaches with bold Rye, accented by a splash of lemon and a hint of bitters,” said Amber Edwards, general manager of The Hamilton Hotel Alpharetta.

Bourbon & Boujee

Bourbon & Boujee at Mowry & Cotton at The Phoenician.

At Mowry & Cotton at The Phoenician in Scottsdale, this is a twist on a bourbon classic, made with Copper City bourbon, Carpano Antica Formula vermouth, barrel-aged bitters and both maple and brown sugar syrup for a sweet addition. ”The upcoming Kentucky Derby is the perfect excuse to branch out and try a new drink. With smooth notes, hints of sweetness and an elegant finish, the Bourbon & Boujee’s delicious flavor profile will set the scene for a memorable derby day,” said bartender Raul Lopez.

Pink Cucumber

Pink Cucumber at Olive & Finch in Denver, Colorado.

At Olive & Finch in Denver, Colorado, this drink is made with gin, lime, rose syrup and cucumber. “An ode to the juleps and Pimm's cups of yesteryear, the Pink Cucumber carries on the tradition of the delightful trackside sipper. With sublime flavors of rose and cucumber, it will put you in the mood to don your most fabulous sun hat and cheer your favorite steer,” said Mary Nguyen, founder of Olive & Finch.

Chipotle-Passionfruit Mint Julep

Chipotle-Passionfruit Mint Julep at The Galt House Hotel’s Down One Bourbon Bar.

At Louisville-based The Galt House Hotel ’s Down One Bourbon Bar, this cocktail is made with Four Roses bourbon, chinola passionfruit liqueur, smokey chipotle syrup, mint and soda water. The Chipotle-Passionfruit Mint Julep is a great variation for julep-enthusiasts. “Down One Bourbon Bar serves as the hub for all things Derby and the Chipotle-Passionfruit Mint Julep delivers the classic mint notes of the traditional beverage with just the right amount of heat from the chipotle syrup. This cocktail keeps the tried-and-true bases of the julep with an added kick that can’t be found elsewhere,” said bartender Frances Leary.

Peachy Keen

Peachy Keen at Atomic Cowboy.

Found at Atomic Cowboy locations throughout Colorado and Kansas City, this cocktail is made with Deep Eddy's sweet tea vodka, peach vodka, house-made sweet tea and lemonade. Garnished with a lemon wheel. ""Our Peachy Keen is that drink that feels like an endless summer. Made with our house-made sweet tea, it's a perfect Southern-inspired cocktail for switching things up this Derby Day," said Drew Shader, founder of Atomic Cowboy.

Run For Your Money

Run For Your Money at Zona Blanca.

At Washington State-based Zona Blanca , this cocktail is made with smoky Del Maguey Pechuga Mezcal and honey syrup, with lemon and mint adding a refreshing twist. The cocktail is finished off with house Tepaché bitters and Angostura bitters. “Creating this cocktail was a nod to the thrill and tradition of the Kentucky Derby. There are so many exciting components to this cocktail, from the smoky addition of Del Maguey Pechuga Mezcal to the sweetness of the honey syrup lemon mint! ‘Run For Your Money’ is a celebration in a glass,” said Dominic Rage, Zona Blanca’s bar manager.

Hesperis at Kosmos.

Found at Kosmos in Massachusetts, this cocktail is made with bourbon, orange marmalade, lemon juice, tonic water, and simple syrup. "Brand new on our Spring menu, our Hesperis is the perfect way to celebrate any Kentucky Derby festivities. Combine bourbon, tonic water, lemon juice, orange marmalade, and simple syrup (if using) in an old-fashioned glass filled with ice. Stir until the marmalade is well mixed. Taste and adjust the sweetness as desired. Garnish with a lemon wedge or orange peels in syrup,” said Stavros Petropulos, general manager and co-owner at Kosmos.

Spicy Hibiscus Margarita

Spicy Hibiscus Margarita at West End Tavern in Boulder, Colorado.

At West End Tavern in Boulder, Colorado, this cocktail is made with Seedlip non-alcoholic spirit, hibiscus tea, blonde agave syrup, fresh juice from Florida limes and New Mexico chile and baking spice. "Why should mint juleps (and boozy drinks in general) have all the fun at Derby parties? Here's something fun and festive that screams spring and sun hats without screaming booze,” said Jeremy Rich, West End Tavern’s general manager.

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Princess Cruises' Star Princess ship delayed, 9 sailings canceled

Travelers will have to wait longer than planned to sail on Princess Cruises’ upcoming ship.

The delivery of Star Princess, which was set to debut next summer, will be pushed back by about two months. The cruise line said the delay was a “mutual” decision with shipbuilder Fincantieri.

“Following a comprehensive review of the remaining construction milestones, both parties have elected to adjust the ship's delivery date from July 29, 2025 to September 26, 2025, which will result in the cancellation of the nine inaugural sailings,” Princess said in a news release .

Guests whose cruises are impacted will be able to rebook on any Princess ship and, depending on which sailing they pick, receive future cruise and onboard credits. They will also be able to opt for a full refund of their fare instead.

“Despite our collective dedication and relentless pursuit to deliver the ship in late July, it has become evident that additional time is required to ensure the Star Princess is delivered to the highest standards expected by our guests,” Princess Cruises President John Padgett said in the release.

Your cruise was canceled: Now what?

The ship’s new inaugural itineraries will include 11 and seven-day Mediterranean cruises on Oct. 4 and 15, 2025, respectively. Those will be followed by a two-week transatlantic voyage to Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Oct. 22, 2025.

Those sailings will be available to book on April 30.

Star Princess will be the second in the line’s Sphere Class. Sister ship Sun Princess was also delayed ahead of its launch earlier this year, with Princess citing “additional technical work” needed at the shipyard.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

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