A&K Travel Group Ltd., the pioneering travel company owned by Geoffrey Kent and Heritage, has acquired the luxury cruise ships Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. The two ships will resume service in 2023 following extensive refurbishments and will operate under the award-winning “Crystal Cruises” brand, which has also been acquired by A&K Travel Group Ltd.
“I am thrilled to begin this new chapter and to return to an industry that has always held, and will always hold, a special place in my 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 aim was to provide the ultimate experience, pampering guests from around the world with 24-hour butler service and extraordinary culinary experiences. Selling the cruise business that had been in my family for a quarter of a century was a difficult decision, as I knew I would miss this industry dearly. So, when the opportunity arose to acquire Crystal Cruises, it was a no-brainer. Having my amazing friend and inspirational leader, Geoffrey Kent, by my side makes this venture even more enjoyable,” said Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, Co-Chairman of A&K Travel Group Ltd., Crystal Cruises, and Abercrombie & Kent.
“It has been 30 years since the Lefebvre family and I had our first ship together… Manfredi and I have been the best of partners ever since. The idea of combining the unparalleled onboard service for which Crystal Cruises is known, with the extraordinary bespoke experiences that Abercrombie & Kent has been successfully providing to our guests for the past 60 years, fills me with excitement, enthusiasm, and pride,” added Geoffrey Kent, Co-Chairman of A&K Travel Group Ltd. and Crystal Cruises, and Founder, Co-Chairman, and CEO of Abercrombie & Kent.
Crystal Cruises and Abercrombie & Kent will be under the leadership of Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group Ltd., who commented: “My return to luxury cruising after five years is incredibly exciting. It is a tremendous privilege to serve these two amazing brands that have revolutionized the travel industry so many times over the past few decades. Manfredi, Geoffrey, and I look forward to welcoming former Crystal and Abercrombie & Kent guests aboard, as well as those seeking rewarding luxury experiences.”
A&K Travel Group Ltd. has partnered with V.Ships Leisure, the world's leading cruise operator, headquartered in Monaco. With its unique expertise, global reach, and passionate team, V.Ships Leisure was the natural choice.
