Crystal has finalized financing for two new luxury yachts, marking a significant milestone in its fleet expansion. The financing comes from a SACE-backed credit line, a type of export financing in which the Italian Export Credit Agency (SACE) provides financial support.
Both ships will carry approximately 650 passengers, with a gross tonnage of 61,800 tons, and are intended to "represent the next generation of luxury cruise ships.".
Construction, by Fincantieri, has continued as planned, with the delivery of the first ship scheduled for May 2028, and the second following the established timeline.
Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, CEO of Crystal's parent company, A&K Travel Group, commented: “Securing this funding represents a decisive step in Crystal's expansion and demonstrates the market's strong confidence in our strategy.
We appreciate the trust placed in us by our banking partners, led by Citibank (London branch), along with Banco Santander, CaixaBank (UK branch), Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, and BPER Banca. The support of this consortium validates our position in the ultra-luxury cruise segment
AKTG CEO Cristina Levis added: “The SACE-backed financing was made possible thanks to the dedicated support of key Italian financial institutions. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Italian Export Credit Agency (SACE), under the leadership of its Managing Director Alessandra Ricci and Team Leader Mariano Di Biagio, for their strategic partnership.”
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