who bought crystal cruise line ships

Two Crystal Cruises ships will resume service in 2023 under new owners

After suspending operations earlier this year, Crystal Cruises will set sail again.

A&K Travel Group, owned by Geoffrey Kent of luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent and industrial holding company Heritage, purchased the Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony ships, the companies announced Wednesday.

A&K Travel Group also acquired the Crystal Cruises brand, and following "extensive refurbishment," the vessels will resume operations in 2023, according to a press release . Heritage is chaired by former Silversea Cruises owner Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio.

"The idea of combining the unparalleled onboard service that Crystal Cruises is known for, with the extraordinary tailor-made experiences Abercrombie & Kent has been successfully providing for our guests for the past 60 years, fills me with excitement, enthusiasm and pride," Kent said in the release.

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Crystal Cruises reportedly shut down at least its U.S. operations earlier this year after an arrest warrant had been issued for the Crystal Symphony due to unpaid fuel bills. The cruise line had previously suspended sailings for several months after its parent company, Genting Hong Kong, declared bankruptcy in January.

The cruise line’s website at one point said its ocean cruises would be "paused" through April, but was directing visitors to crystalcruiseclaims.com by March, where passengers who had already paid could file a claim.

A source told USA TODAY in February that U.S. staff had been given termination notices.

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Lefebvre d'Ovidio, who is also co-chairman of A&K Travel Group and Abercrombie & Kent, said when the "opportunity arose to acquire Crystal Cruises, I did not think about it twice," per the release. "Having next to me my incredible friend and inspiring leader Geoffrey Kent makes this venture even more enjoyable," he added.

Heritage did not immediately respond to a request for comment on how operations might change when Crystal Cruises relaunches.

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• Abercrombie and Kent/A&K now owns Crystal Cruises and the ships...

Abercrombie and Kent/A&K now owns Crystal Cruises and the ships Serenity and Symphony

A&K Travel Group Ltd (ultra-luxury travel company owned by Geoffrey JW Kent (1942-born, founder of Abercrombie & Kent Ltd) and Heritage Group (Lefebvre family-owned holding chaired by Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio), acquired the cruise ships Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony .

Both vessels will restart service in 2023 after undergoing extensive drydock refurbishments and will both operate under the Crystal Cruises brand which has also been acquired by A&K.

Crystal' two ocean ships, that were under arrest in Bahamian for 4+ months , were auction-sold on June 16th for a combined USD 128 million. According to Richard Horton, attorney & partner at Alexiou, Knowles & Co, who represented the secured financier of Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, the vessels were sold for US$103M and US$25M, respectively.

Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Co-Chairman of A&K Travel Group, Crystal Cruises, and Abercrombie & Kent said he was thrilled to start that new chapter and to be back in an industry that had always had, and always would have a special place in his heart.

"Thirty-five years ago, my family acquired control of Sitmar Cruises, building three of the first purpose-built cruise ships, and 30 years ago my family pioneered a new way of cruising. Our goal was to deliver the best experience, pampering guests from all over the world with around-the-clock butler service and extraordinary culinary experiences. Selling the cruise business that belonged to my family for a quarter of a century was a difficult decision, as I knew I would miss this industry immensely. Therefore, when the opportunity arose to acquire Crystal Cruises, I did not think about it twice. Having next to me my incredible friend and inspiring leader Geoffrey Kent makes this venture even more enjoyable."

Geoffrey Kent, Co-Chairman of A&K Travel Group and Crystal Cruises, and Founder, Co-Chairman & CEO of Abercrombie & Kent added that even though it seemed like yesterday, 30 years had passed since the Lefebvre family and he had their first ship together.

"Manfredi and I have been best friends and business associates ever since. The idea of combining the unparalleled onboard service that Crystal Cruises is known for, with the extraordinary tailor-made experiences Abercrombie & Kent has been successfully providing for our guests for the past 60 years, fills me with excitement, enthusiasm and pride."

Crystal Cruises and A&K will report to A&K Travel Group's CEO Cristina Levis, who commented that her return to luxury cruising after 5 years brought back many emotions.

"It is an immense privilege to serve these two incredible brands that in the past decades have disrupted the travel industry numerous times. Manfredi, Geoffrey and I look forward to welcoming past Crystal and Abercrombie & Kent guests onboard, as well as those seeking rewarding luxury experiences.”

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Crystal Cruises Is Officially Back — and Just Announced It’s Expanding, With Over-the-top Tours and New Ships

Crystal Serenity has relaunched, with Symphony coming next month — and new ships already in the works.

Crystal Cruises is back on the water — and ready to expand. 

The cruise line, which went bankrupt early last year, was acquired by luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group in June 2022. A&K bought Crystal’s two ocean vessels — Serenity will sail its inaugural journey from Marseille, France, to Lisbon on Monday, July 31, with Symphony following suit on Sept. 1, sailing from Athens to Istanbul.

Today, during a preview sailing for press and travel agents, Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, announced that Crystal plans to expand with four new ships by 2029, including two expedition vessels. The company will start construction on the 650-passenger ocean ship and 220-person expedition ship next year. (Crystal previously offered expedition cruising on Endeavor .) The contracts are not finalized, but Levis said the plans are “quite advanced, particularly for the expedition ship,” which will sail to the Arctic and Antarctica.

It’s worth noting that A&K already has robust Arctic and Antarctic expedition offerings, which sail on Ponant ’s Le Commandant Charcot . “For the foreseeable future, A&K will charter Ponant ships, though over 40 crew members from the former Crystal team will be on board the Ponant voyages,” Levis said. 

For the present, though, the focus is on Serenity and Symphony as Crystal returns to the seas. Both ships were given a hefty refresh before welcoming guests — 80 percent of whom are returning fans — back on board. “We went down to the steel,” Levis said. “We’ve rebuilt the rooms [and public spaces], not just refurbished.”

This summer, both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony will sail the Mediterranean Sea and Northern Europe, to destinations like Istanbul; Santorini, Greece; and the U.K.’s Isle of Man, with fares from $3,800 per guest. Symphony will then sail in Asia, Africa, and Australia this fall and winter, while Serenity will tour the Caribbean.

The fleet isn’t the only thing Crystal plans to expand. Crystal’s senior vice president of global marketing, Jacqueline Barney, confirmed plans to weave A&K land tours into Crystal’s 2025 world cruise . “Imagine, if you have a three-day gap between Guayaquil and let’s say, Lima, being able to jump off and taking an extraordinary A&K expedition to the Galápagos and checking that off the bucket list,” she said. 

Crystal will announce more itineraries for 2025 in the coming months, but you can book 2023 and 2024 sailings at crystalcruises.com .

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A&K Acquires Crystal Cruises — See Its Newly Revamped Ships

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For more than 30 years, the Crystal Cruise brand was well-known for its posh accommodations at sea and exciting itineraries. After a COVID-induced collapse and ensuing bankruptcy in 2022, high-end adventure travel company Abercrombie & Kent acquired the Crystal Cruise brand and its two ocean ships.

Fans were excited and hopeful about the news, wondering what might be in store for the much-loved brand and its two ships Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony . Their wait is almost over, as the line’s relaunch is right around the corner.

Here’s what guests can expect during future sailings.

Reimagined Suites, Spaces, And Dining

Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony recently got extensive glow-ups and refurbishments in Italy; Serenity sails July 31 from Marseille and Symphony departs Athens September 1. Both feature larger suites and veranda rooms including high-end finishes. As a result, guest capacity is lower: the Symphony can accommodate just over 600 people and the Serenity 740. Both ships boast a staff-to-guest ratio of nearly one, ensuring top-notch, nearly bespoke personalized service.

Passengers will have plenty of choice when it comes to world-class dining — there are nine options on board each ship, including UMI UMA, an experience presented by Michelin-star Master Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu). It’s the only partnership the famed chef has with a cruise line and the spot will serve his renowned Japanese dishes with a Peruvian flair.

There are upgraded fitness facilities so guests can stay in top shape while on their sailing, including a new pickleball court on both the Serenity and Symphony . Crystal also promises exciting entertainment and enriching excursions.

“We are excited to now be part of the A&K Travel Group that has had an award-winning legacy of providing travelers with memorable and inspiring adventures for more than 60 years,” said Robyn Fink, director of communication and events for Crystal. “We are working closely with our new sister brand, Abercrombie & Kent, to enhance the Crystal product both on board and through our shore experiences program.”

The Spas Are Showstoppers

When guests board Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony , a freshly redesigned spa concept awaits. Inspired by the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurōra will offer guests on both ships a wellness haven featuring sunrise-inspired signature treatments. A collaboration between Crystal and Tillberg Design of Sweden (TDoS), Aurōra features a dreamy vibe inspired by the Sun’s first morning light. 

“Crystal’s spas have been completely reimagined,” said TDoS Partner & Cruise Design Director Iina Forsblom. “They offer a fresh and welcoming design with new finishes, exquisite materials, and a sophisticated color palette to support the new offerings on board.”

Aurōra will feature the latest technology and treatments through partnerships with British skincare brand ELEMIS and beauty experts Kérastase. Services will include cryo-facials, LED treatments, and of course, hot stone massage and other body treatments. There are also steam, sauna, and relaxation rooms, so you can seamlessly transform those sea days into valuable me-time.

Global Itineraries

Crystal’s new ships will criss-cross the globe, offering a wide range of destinations. Most itineraries aren’t too long, or too short, but just right for a family vacation.  

“The average itinerary length ranges from 8–14 nights,” said Fink. “Planned voyages will travel throughout the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Canada and New England, Alaska, the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.”

Crystal also has its own version of the ever-popular marathon world cruises scheduled in 2024: Serenity departs Miami in January for a 141-night sailing that visits 34 countries with exclusive excursion and entertainment options, including an exclusive palazzo tour in Italy and a Bollywood extravaganza in Mumbai. It’s the first of three such itineraries on the ship next year.

What To Know Before Booking

Crystal offers inclusive service; most dining options are included without an upcharge. Beer, wine, and spirits along with crew gratuities are covered. The casinos on both ships were replaced with lounge areas during the redesign (a big plus in our book!), and unlike some other high-end cruise options, children are welcome on board Crystal, making the line a great option for unforgettable multi-gen travel.

For more cruise content like this, check out these articles:

• 9 Best Alaska Cruise Lines
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Communication done well has always been Erika’s career focus. She’s served as a publicist and PR expert for several non-profit organizations based in St. Louis. Prior to that, she was an Emmy Award–winning television newscast producer.

When she’s not training for her next race or packing for another trip, you’ll find Erika hanging out with her husband, son, and personal zoo, which includes a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, two cats, and a grumpy pygmy hedgehog.

Luxury cruise line Crystal plans to grow fast after restart with new ships

The comeback kid of cruising is about to get bigger fast.

The top executive at ultra-luxury line Crystal on Saturday revealed that the brand planned to unveil four new ships by the end of the decade.

"Our aim is to have four newbuilds by the end of 2029," A&K Travel Group CEO Cristina Levis told travel writers and travel agents early Saturday at a press conference aboard the 740-passenger Crystal Serenity.

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A&K Travel Group is the parent company of Crystal as well as the luxury tour company Abercrombie & Kent.

Crystal has yet to sign a contract for the new ships with a shipyard, but the planning for the new vessels is "quite advanced," according to Levis.

The plan is to start construction on the first two vessels — one a traditional cruise ship and one an expedition ship — by the second quarter of 2024.

"We're working closely with our lenders, with the export credit agencies ... with very talented naval architects and with two ship building companies in Europe," Levis said.

Levis offered relatively few details of what the ships would be like but said two of the vessels would be expedition ships and two traditional ships.

Levis said the expedition ships were being designed to hold about 220 passengers. The traditional ships would hold about 650 passengers, she said.

"We are keeping it small," she noted.

During a question-and-answer session after the announcement, Crystal's senior vice president for hotel operations Bernie Leypold said the four new vessels would have similar amenities to what is found on Crystal's existing ships.

"The idea is to keep consistency within the product," Leypold said. "We cannot tell you exactly the gross tonnage, but the idea is to give you the same spaces, the same restaurants, the same experience."

The announcement comes as Crystal is in the midst of relaunching as a brand.

The iconic luxury cruise company shut down in early 2022 after its parent company at the time, Genting Hong Kong, collapsed. But it's making a comeback this month under new owners led by longtime cruise industry leader Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio.

Lefebvre d'Ovidio and his family for many years owned and ran Silversea Cruises . He sold the company to cruise giant Royal Caribbean Group in two transactions starting in 2018. Lefebvre later bought a controlling stake in A&K Travel Group.

The first of two Crystal ships that Lefebvre's holding company and A&K Travel Group bought from the liquidators of the original Crystal — Crystal Serenity — will sail its first comeback cruise with paying passengers on Monday out of Marseille, France.

Related: Crystal plans an epic, around-the-world cruise for 2024

It's currently on a short pre-comeback "shakedown" voyage — a sort of test sailing — with just company executives, travel agents and media on board.

A second Crystal ship, the 606-passenger Crystal Symphony, will restart operations on Sept. 1.

Both of the vessels underwent massive overhauls in a dry dock in Italy that lasted for months. As part of the overhauls, whole cabin decks were gutted and rebuilt with bigger suites, and some public areas including restaurants were also completely rebuilt.

Levis made the ship-order announcement as Crystal Serenity sailed off the coast of Italy on its way from Naples to Livorno.

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Riverside Cruises Acquires Former Crystal River Fleet

• January 13, 2023

Riverside Luxury Cruises announced the expansion of its river fleet with the acquisition of the former Crystal fleet: MS Bach, MS Ravel, MS Mahler and MS Debussy.

“We are thrilled by the expansion of our fleet to include these storied vessels,” said Gregor Gerlach, founder of Riverside Luxury Cruises. 

“This acquisition allows us to expand our itinerary offerings, showcasing a level of space, personalized service and elegance not found with any other river cruise line.”

Designed and formerly operated by Crystal Cruises, the additional ships will join the Riverside Mozart and start sailings beginning April 2023 on the Danube, according to a company statement.

The Riverside Ravel will include sailings on the Rhône and Saône, offering guests a chance to explore Southern France from Burgundy to Provence. The Riverside Debussy will sail along the Rhine.

Itineraries for the Riverside Bach and Riverside Mahler will be announced later this year for booking. 

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At long last, a cruise ship designed for people who hate cruises

Maybe we should call it a ‘floatel.’ the ritz-carlton’s posh yacht is part of the first generation of hotel brands making the leap from land to sea..

G USTAVIA, St. Barts — While admiring the sleek Ritz-Carlton Evrima sitting in Gustavia Harbor, I concluded that the vessel is a new category of cruising and should have a name that reflects as much.

At its heart, the Evrima is more of a hotel or resort on water than a cruise ship, so maybe it should be called a floatel. How about a boatique hotel? Would you settle for a barge and breakfast? No matter what it’s called — the Ritz-Carlton refers to the ship as a yacht — spending a few days on the Evrima was an experience unlike any I’d previously had on a cruise ship.

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Ritz-Carlton launched its entry into the world of cruising in 2022 after years of false starts and COVID-related delays. I read about its progress carefully because it seemed that while every other ship was getting bigger and more elaborate, Ritz-Carlton, owned by Marriott, was bucking the trend by making theirs smaller and more minimal. It’s also intent on calling its ships yachts. The definition of a yacht is fuzzy enough that the Ritz-Carlton can get away with it, but clearly, it’s about status. And if you’re paying $5,000 for a cruise (my Caribbean cruise was $5,300), telling your friends that you’re yachting seems appropriate.

During my Caribbean jaunt, there were a few times when I heard the crew slip and say “ship” before correcting themselves and saying “yacht.” I couldn’t help but chuckle. The staff of the Evrima did not know a travel writer was on board, and the Globe received no freebies or special treatment. I wanted to experience the Evrima like any other Jane Dough or Milburn Pennybags on the ship — I mean yacht.

No matter what it’s called, the Evrima is a wholly different species from other ships, beginning with the passenger count. It can hold 298 passengers (most small luxury ships carry between 700 to 2,000). My cruise was full, but the ship never felt crowded, and I often wondered if it was really sold out. I never had a problem finding a lounge chair at the pool or getting a table for dinner.

The most striking difference I found between Evrima and other ships was the onboard culture. There were no water slides, casinos, buffets, or Broadway shows. The Evrima is akin to a chic boutique hotel where you’d go to unwind without distractions. It’s designed for Ritz-Carlton loyalists, or folks who want to be in a posh hotel that happens to sail into different ports.

There’s a small infinity pool and hot tubs rather than a giant central swimming pool on the 624-foot yacht. There are even tucked-away areas on outside decks that you can seek out for a bit of privacy. Common areas, such as a main gathering called the Living Room, still felt intimate.

There are excursions off the ship, but when you’re on board, no cruise directors are dragging you to limbo contests or haranguing passengers over the PA about upcoming bingo games. It’s very much a place to escape rather than be pulled into the candy-colored machinations of a big cruise ship.

There’s a fair amount of chatter about the Evrima in online cruise forums, and the biggest complaints are from those who book expecting a full, traditional cruise experience. This will sound odd, but if you’re a regular cruiser who enjoys the flash and action of a ship, or you like your days jammed with nonstop activities planned by others, I’d say to steer clear of the Evrima. There are activities such as wine tastings, gourmet cooking challenges, and mixology classes, but no mini golf or pickleball.

What it lacks in conventional activities, it more than makes up for in an area called the Marina. When the yacht is anchored, the back deck on level three becomes a place to relax in the sun, jump into the water, snorkle, or kayak. It’s unlike any other cruise ship because you’re in relatively shallow water and you have full access to the ocean (depending on conditions). One day when the ship was in a lackluster port, I stayed onboard and hung out at the Marina. I went kayaking and snorkeling right off the back of the ship. It was the most yacht-like experience of the cruise.

I don’t mean to paint the environment on the Evrima as staid or anti-social. I was pulled into multiple birthday celebrations by complete strangers who became close friends by the end of the trip. Several of these celebrations lasted late into the night in the Observation Lounge, which was the venue on the 10th deck that stayed open past midnight. I suppose it didn’t hurt that the staff poured Moët & Chandon champagne like it was water. There’s no upcharge for alcohol (unless you have a taste for $2,500 spirits). There’s also no extra charges for internet or gratuities.

The Evrima is made up entirely of suites, all of them with balconies, that range in size from 300 square feet to 1,091 square feet. Most of the suites, aside from the entry-level Terrace suite, have bathtubs. These are cruise ship rooms that feel like hotel rooms, down to the king beds. Many of those who work in service on the ship come from the hotel world rather than other cruise ships, and their demeanor was just as friendly and professional.

Ritz-Carlton Evrima

• Small, easy-to-navigate ship
• Gourmet food
• Laidback, relaxing atmosphere
• Large suites with beautiful interiors
• Limited onboard activities
• Limited laundry facilities for guests
• Not ideal for families with small children

But people come on ships for the cuisine, and, as you may expect, the food on the Evrima is sophisticated. There are five restaurants (six if you count the bakery at the espresso bar), plus 24-hour room service. As a reporter, it was my duty to try them all. Even at the casual, all-day restaurant, the Pool House, you could get ceviche or a salmon poke bowl. They didn’t just serve burgers, there was a build-your-own-burger.

The Mediterranean-influenced restaurant Mistral offered options such as lobster linguine, several cuts of steak, and grilled octopus. Most passengers I chatted with spent the majority of their dining time at Mistral or Talaat Nam, the sushi restaurant. (I fell deeply in love with the mango sticky rice at Talaat Nam.) The all-purpose restaurant, called the Evrima Room, served breakfast and dinner. I mostly had breakfast here, and primarily for the orange juice, which was freshly squeezed.

The only restaurant on board with an extra charge is called S.E.A. It features a tasting menu and wine pairing created by three-Michelin-star chef Sven Elverfeld. For an additional $289, I enjoyed eight courses (maybe it was nine, it got blurry with the wine). Most were petite portions packed with flavor, such as raw and marinated yellowfin tuna and Japanese wagyu. I felt as if I was eating art for a night.

On the last night of my Caribbean cruise, I decided to ask other passengers their take on the ship. Did they think they had gotten their money’s worth? I went to the Observation Lounge where all the evening’s revelry was taking place, but clearly I was too late for serious answers. Jane, one of the many birthday celebrants, had pulled everyone onto the dance floor. I tried asking: “Was it worth it?” The reply was a champagne-scented chorus of “You are the dancing queen, young and sweet, only 17.”

I took that as a yes.

Christopher Muther can be reached at [email protected] . Follow him @Chris_Muther and Instagram @chris_muther.

Why Royal Caribbean isn't going all in on massive cruise ships despite the wild success of its new Icon of the Seas

• Royal Caribbean International has unveiled a swath of giant cruise ships over the past few years.
• Its CEO said its new world's largest ship, the  Icon of the Seas,  is its "best-selling product" ever.
• But the cruise line doesn't plan on going all in on megaships forever.

Earlier this year, guests at Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay private island were the first to revel at the historic sight of the world's largest cruise ships, Icon of the Seas and Wonder of the Seas, docked side-by-side.

The vessels towered over their communal dock like skyscrapers, casting a dark shadow over their relatively tiny shared pier.

Together, they can accommodate about 19,250 people.

At 1,196 feet long and weighing 248,663 gross tons, the Icon of the Seas is a sight to behold. When it launched in late January, the giant vessel upstaged its eight-foot shorter predecessor, the Wonder of the Seas , as the world's biggest.

At the time, it was no surprise: Every new Royal Caribbean ship seemed to dethrone another Royal Caribbean ship for this title.

But not for long.

The company's smaller ships, important for diverse trips, are aging.

The company is synonymous with its mega vessels. And they've been mega-hits: Michael Bayley, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International, has repeatedly called the Icon of the Seas the "best-selling product" in the company's history.

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Royal Caribbean is set to launch four more megaships by 2028 — representing about a third of its total fleet. So far, most of the megaships' scheduled sailings are in the Caribbean.

The other 21 smaller vessels tend to have more specialized itineraries, Patrick Scholes, the managing director of lodging and leisure-equity research at Truist Securities, told Business Insider.

Given their trimmer sizes, these vessels can operate more sailings outside the Caribbean , which often reel in high fares and customer satisfaction for the company, Jay Schneider, the chief product-innovation officer at Royal Caribbean Group, told reporters in January. Think of the Mediterranean, Alaska, and South Pacific itineraries — the latter are especially important as the cruise line continues to ramp up business in Asia.

But these destination-flexible cruise liners are aging as Royal Caribbean continues to unveil their giant counterparts. The company launched its four oldest Vision-class ships, with a maximum 2,730-guest capacity, between 1996 and 1998.

They're tiny and old compared to the 2-month-old, 7,600-guest Icon of the Seas .

Looking ahead, Royal Caribbean plans to return to the basics: smaller cruise ships.

Despite the cruise line's success with mega-vessels, Schneider said Royal Caribbean is now considering a new class of ships that would start "smaller" — noting that he was "careful to say small, but less-than-large."

"The reality is, families want to go on vacations not just in the Western and Eastern Caribbean where a ship like Icon can get into," Schneider said. "They want to stay with our brand and journey to different destinations that require more versatility in ship size."

Desirable destinations such as French Polynesia and Venice, Italy, have limited visiting cruises , including size restrictions, to curb pollution and overcrowding. But, as Schneider said, small-vessel-enabled specialized itineraries are also important to travelers.

Giant mass-market floating resorts also often attract first-time cruisers, enamored by their family-friendly water parks and Broadway-style shows. But after a few good vacations at sea, these no-longer-new-to-cruising guests might start craving quieter ships or more bespoke itineraries.

"Alaska cruises tend not to be the first-time cruiser," Scholes told BI. "I don't really see Icon of the Seas doing a Norwegian Fjord or Alaska trip."

Plus, "there's probably only so much demand for these giant ships," Scholes said.

Royal Caribbean has already succeeded in the first part: bringing in a swath of new cruisers with its megaships. Now, it has to retain them.

Watch: Inside the world's biggest cruise ship that just set sail

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6 Top Luxury Alaska Cruises for 2024 & Beyond

C ruising to Alaska on a small luxury ship affords a very different experience than sailing through The Great Land on a larger vessel. On a smaller luxury ship, you'll enjoy the expected perks like fewer passengers and more personalized service – but you'll also physically get closer to the boundless wilderness, abundant wildlife, icy blue glaciers and majestic snow-capped mountains that you've waited a lifetime to see.

While the fares to sail on such vessels are quite a bit higher than those of larger cruise providers, the all-inclusive (or mostly all-inclusive) prices typically include all-suite accommodations with balconies, all meals, alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, 24-hour room service, Wi-Fi access, gratuities, welcome bottles of sparkling wine, pillow selection, some shore excursions and butler service. Best of all, you won't feel like you're being nickel-and-dimed while on board. As a special touch, the attentive crew members may even learn your name and memorize your preferred pre-dinner cocktail.

Unlike many mainstream lines, most luxury Alaska cruises do not offer pre- and post-cruise tours to extend your adventure. However, you can plan these experiences on your own through third-party providers.

Alaska Tour & Travel has pre-cruise packages that include visits to Denali National Park & Preserve and the small, quirky Alaska towns of Homer and Talkeetna. You can also see a different side of Alaska via a train ride on the Alaska Railroad, take a national parks tour that includes Kenai Fjords National Park or head northbound to Fairbanks , one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights (if you visit during aurora season, from late August to late April). In addition, the company can plan a self-drive tour from Anchorage to Seward, which includes a stay at a wilderness lodge, helicopter flightseeing over Knik Glacier and guided tours in the parks.

The following luxury cruise lines will ensure you make the most of your voyage in Alaska – one of the most magical destinations on Earth.

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Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises' small luxury ships are designed for adventurers interested in visiting a mix of Alaska's top ports and more rugged, off-the-beaten-track locales. Extended itineraries offer stops in less-visited destinations like the towns of Haines and Wrangell. On board, guests can expect a personalized experience that includes luxurious ocean-view suites with butler service, multiple gourmet dining options, complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, and attentive service with one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the industry.

Base fares for Silversea's 2024 and 2025 Alaska itineraries start at $3,250 per person. If you upgrade to Silversea 's door-to-door fare (which starts at $5,200 per person), you'll receive private chauffeur service from your home to the airport (and back home upon your return) and round-trip flights, with business class upgrades in some destinations.

Silversea also offers immersive pre- and post-cruise land experiences, departing from Seward, Alaska. Highlights include sightseeing flights over Denali National Park & Preserve or into bear country to see Alaska's magnificent grizzly bears. In Vancouver, travelers can take a flightseeing transfer to Victoria to tour the 55-acre Butchart Gardens or board the Rocky Mountaineer for a two-day train ride through the Canadian Rockies.

Silversea's Alaska itineraries extend from May to September, with voyages ranging between seven and 16 days. The line's newest and largest vessel, the 728-passenger Silver Nova , sails its inaugural Alaska season in 2024 along with two smaller ships, Silver Muse (596 guests) and Silver Shadow (392 guests). There are 35 Alaska voyages available in 2024. In 2025, luxury cruisers can hop aboard one of 45 scheduled voyages on either Silver Nova or the 596-guest Silver Moon .

For a seven-day itinerary, consider a sailing from Seward, Alaska, to Vancouver, British Columbia. This voyage cruises the Hubbard Glacier and the Inside Passage and stops in the Alaska towns of Juneau, Skagway, Sitka and Ketchikan. Complimentary excursions in Ketchikan include a tour of Saxman Native Village; a visit to Bonfire Bay Oyster Farm, featuring a sea-to-table oyster tasting; the Alaskan Cultural, Culinary & Lumberjack show; the Alaskan Lodge Adventure & Seafeast and a day as a fisherman aboard the Aleutian Ballard, as seen on Discovery Channel's "The Deadliest Catch." You can also opt for a Selected Shore Excursion (for an additional cost), such as mountain biking or a private fishing trip.

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' elegant Seven Seas Explorer sails the line's Alaska itineraries in 2024 and 2025. The lavish 746-guest ship was coined "The Most Luxurious Ship Ever Built" when it debuted in 2016; among its impressive features are the 3,875-square-foot Regent Suite and a high-end collection of art displayed throughout the ship, including works by Pablo Picasso.

Alaska voyages with Regent in 2024 and 2025 start at $4,799 per person. Upgraded 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares (starting at $5,499 per person) cover elegant all-balcony suite accommodations; round-trip airfare (business class on international flights); a one-night pre-cruise hotel package; free two- or three-night land programs; free unlimited shore excursions; free unlimited beverages (alcoholic and nonalcoholic); complimentary specialty dining; and prepaid gratuities. You'll also receive complimentary airport transfers, unlimited Wi-Fi access and valet laundry service.

Every suite style includes a private balcony, roomy closets and upscale finishes. Concierge Suites (and above) add cozy in-room amenities like cashmere blankets, perfect to bundle up in while you take in the scenery. Meanwhile, Penthouse Suites (and higher) include a private butler who can book excursions, make dinner and spa reservations, unpack your luggage, arrange for a private cocktail soiree in your suite and indulge any other special requests.

Between May and September 2024, Regent sails 22 Alaska voyages. There are 16 Alaska sailings scheduled for the same period in 2025. Itineraries range from seven to 14 nights. For plenty of scenic cruising days, consider a round-trip itinerary from Vancouver departing May 28, 2025. The cruise includes five relaxing days at sea, where you'll enjoy scenic cruising through the Inside Passage (twice), Hubbard Glacier (twice) and Endicott Arm Fjord. Ports of call in Alaska include Wrangell, Juneau , Skagway, Sitka, Seward, Icy Strait (Hoonah) and Ketchikan. You'll also have a full day in Victoria, British Columbia, before returning to Vancouver.

While in Wrangell, consider the Tongass Botanical Forest Walk excursion. Tongass National Forest is the largest national forest in the U.S., with towering old-growth trees and unique flora, fauna and ecosystems. While in the temperate rainforest with your naturalist guide, look for local wildlife like Sitka black-tailed deer, porcupines and birds of prey. Other complimentary excursions at this stop include a round of golf at Muskeg Meadows Golf Course; a canoe trip through Wrangell harbor and nearby islands, and a heritage tour about Tlingit culture and the history of the town.

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Recently relaunched Crystal offers just seven voyages in Alaska aboard Crystal Serenity in July and August 2024. The 740-guest luxury vessel was refurbished in 2023 and features the line's signature top-notch service, elegant interiors and suites, and personal butler service in every room category.

Other perks and amenities include plush bathrobes and Sicily's Ortigia bath products; an impressive passenger-to-crew ratio; prepaid gratuities; complimentary beverages; and outstanding cuisine, including Umi Uma (an exclusive Nobu restaurant at sea, available only on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony ). Guests can also feast on Italian cuisine at Osteria d'Ovidio; book an exclusive dining experience at The Vintage Room; indulge in Parisian cafe-style fare at The Bistro; opt for American cuisine at Waterside Restaurant or take their pick of several other casual indoor and alfresco options.

Cruisers also have their selection of unique shore experiences curated by Crystal's parent company A&K Travel Group, such as a ride on the world's largest zip line in Hoonah (Icy Strait Point); dog sledding and glacier flightseeing in Skagway; fishing and wilderness dining in Ketchikan and the Wildlife Quest and Fin Island Lodge experience in Sitka, boasting a feast of Alaska king crab and wild salmon.

Crystal offers seven- and eight-night round-trip voyages from Vancouver , as well as one-way cruises from Vancouver or Seward, Alaska. Select itineraries – like the July 30, 2024, voyage from Vancouver to Seward – offer a scenic cruising day in the Seymour Narrows in British Columbia. On this sailing, you'll also enjoy a day at sea cruising Hubbard Glacier, as well as stops in Ketchikan, Sitka, Hoonah (Icy Strait), Skagway and Sitka in Alaska. Or, opt for the July 2, 2024, round-trip sailing from Vancouver for three scenic cruising days in the Inside Passage, Endicott Arm and the Seymour Narrows.

The line's Aug. 13, 2024, round-trip sailing from Vancouver features a special guest: Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, the executive chairman of A&K Travel Group. As such, the cruise will include an exclusive gala dinner and other unique experiences. Other special voyages welcome marine biologist and National Geographic photographer Flip Nicklin, who will share personal stories from his extensive career and expert insights about humpback whale habitats and behaviors.

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Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises' 11-day Alaska & the Inside Passage cruise is available on 11 dates during the 2024 season. It sails from Vancouver to Seward (or the reverse) on the 930-passenger Viking Orion . In 2025, the line offers the same itinerary on 22 dates between May and September, split between Viking Orion and its sister ship, the 930-passenger Viking Sea .

Viking's destination-focused itineraries are curated for travelers who are interested in history, science, culture and cuisine, as they feature onboard enrichment like lectures by Viking's resident historians. You'll also find regionally inspired dishes in The Restaurant and special access to unique tours and excursions ashore.

The line's mostly all-inclusive fares cover accommodations in spacious all-veranda staterooms and suites; beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch and dinner; meals at all the dining venues; one shore excursion in every port; free Wi-Fi access; 24-hour specialty teas, coffees and bottled water; complimentary access to The Nordic Spa & Fitness Center; and other upscale amenities.

Voyages traveling northbound from Vancouver include one day of scenic cruising through the Inside Passage before stopping in Ketchikan, Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Icy Strait Point in Alaska. The eighth day of the cruise sails through picturesque Yakutat Bay, which includes the Hubbard Glacier. The ship then calls on Valdez, Alaska, before the trip ends with two days in Seward.

While in Valdez, take an optional tour to explore the incredible scenery surrounding the small fishing town. Viking offers a kayaking trip to see the Valdez Glacier; a scenic cruise through picturesque Prince William Sound to view the Columbia Glacier; a wildlife cruise where you can look for humpback whales, orcas, porpoises, sea otters and bald eagles; a helicopter ride over the area's rugged, icy wilderness; or a UTV adventure through the Chugach Mountains to Mineral Creek Canyon.

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Seabourn Cruise Line

Between May and August 2024, Seabourn Cruise Line will host 20 Alaska voyages aboard the Seabourn Odyssey , before the ship leaves the cruise line in the fall. In 2025, the line offers 27 Alaska sailings on Seabourn Quest. Both yacht-inspired ships accommodate up to 458 guests and feature Seabourn's signature all-inclusive amenities, including luxurious oceanfront suites with verandas; personalized service; complimentary fine wines and premium spirits; complimentary dining; and caviar served throughout the sailing. You'll also have a complimentary W-Fi package and an in-suite minibar stocked with your favorite beverages. Ashore, sign up for exclusive programs like shopping for fresh salmon, halibut and Alaska king crab alongside a Seabourn chef.

Guests booking Seabourn Quest for 2025 will be able to sample the line's new dining concept, Solis. Inspired by destinations in the Mediterranean, the menu features a fresh, modern take on traditional dishes and whimsical cocktails. The restaurant is a collaboration with master chef and culinary partner Anton Egger and senior corporate chef Franck Salein. In addition to dishes like salt-encrusted whole branzino and Tuscan-style steak, guests will also find a wide selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes.

The seven-day Alaska Fjords & Canadian Inside Passage itinerary on May 31, 2024, aboard Seabourn Odyssey, sails from Juneau to Vancouver and includes a day in either Tracy Arm or Endicott Arm, depending on the ice conditions. From there, you can take one of the optional guided excursions: Ventures by Seabourn. These tours are an additional cost but offer opportunities for up-close Zodiac, kayaking or catamaran experiences in the wilderness to see glaciers calving and view local wildlife, such as black bears, mountain goats, seals, wolves and seabirds.

You'll also enjoy many days of scenic cruising on this voyage, and have the opportunity for more optional adventures in Rudyerd Bay (Misty Fjords). The ship makes additional stops in Wrangell, Alaska, and Prince Rupert, British Columbia, before disembarking in Vancouver.

If you want to see stunning Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve, then consider booking the seven-day Alaska Inside Passage & Glacier Bay sailing on May 10, 2024, from Vancouver to Juneau. This itinerary also includes the Seymour Narrows and Snow Pass, cruising Queen Island Sound and the Lynn Canal. There's a stop for Ventures by Seabourn activities like kayaking and Zodiac rides in the Inian Islands. The Alaska ports of call on this voyage are Ketchikan, Sitka, Icy Strait Point and Haines. You'll disembark in Juneau.

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French luxury expedition line PONANT offers 10 Alaska cruises in 2024; itineraries span between seven and 11 nights. Aboard the 264-guest yacht-style Le Soléal, you'll meet up to 10 naturalist experts and guides specializing in geology, history, ornithology or marine or land mammals. Guests can attend onboard lectures and embark on Zodiac landings with the guides.

The ship features elegant staterooms and suites, a library, a spa, a hair salon and a gym. Guests will be treated to movies in the theater, wine tastings and cooking demonstrations throughout the expedition. All fine dining meals, 24-hour room service, an open bar (including an in-room minibar) and complimentary and unlimited Wi-Fi access are covered in the pricing.

Two of PONTANT's eight-night voyages from Vancouver to Sitka are in partnership with Smithsonian Journeys and are curated for English-speaking travelers. Fares for these expeditions include transfers to and from the ship and a shore excursion in each port. On board, you can attend talks and discussions hosted by two Smithsonian Journeys experts: geologist Scott Burns and natural history filmmaker John Grabowska.

On these voyages, there is a sea day after departing Vancouver. You'll cruise through the Johnstone Strait, where you'll have an excellent chance of seeing humpback whales and orcas. After a day spent in the Inside Passage, the ship will call on the village of Metlakatla, Alaska, on the western coast of Annette Island, which is home to the Tsimshians from British Columbia. Other unique Alaska ports of call in this itinerary include the commercial fishing town of Petersburg, the Tlingit village of Kake and the small fishing community of Alfin Cove.

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Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is a U.S. News & World Report contributor and an avid travel adventurer who fell in love with Alaska on her first visit to the state many years ago. She's returned several times both by land and sea to explore the state's vast wilderness and abundant wildlife, and to chase the northern lights in one of the best places on the planet to view them. Pratesi used her extensive knowledge of Alaska and the cruise industry to write this article.

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