Crystal has unveiled a very special themed voyage featuring three-Michelin-starred chef Massimiliano Alajmo and his brother and restaurateur partner, Raffaele Alajmo. They will join him aboard the Crystal Serenity for an exclusive cruise between Venice and Athens, from September 8 to 15, 2026.
This seven-night cruise will offer guests the opportunity to discover the culinary artistry, gastronomic heritage, and innovation that characterize the Alajmo dining experience, while celebrating Crystal's legacy of culinary excellence at sea.
During the trip, passengers will have exclusive access to the Alajmo brothers through an intimate program of activities, including a question-and-answer session, a book signing, and a guided wine tasting featuring a selection from their renowned wineries. This experience will be led by wine expert Giovanni Alajmo, representing the next generation of the family.
In addition, exclusive host dinners will be offered at Osteria d'Ovidio and The Vintage Room, personally overseen by Massimiliano and Raffaele Alajmo. These dining experiences will be available to book through My Account starting March 12, providing a unique opportunity to discover the Alajmo family's culinary philosophy in an ultra-luxurious setting.
“Crystal’s culinary program has always been based on authenticity, gastronomic craftsmanship, and meaningful collaborations with some of the world’s most respected chefs. Following the successful menu revamp at Osteria d’Ovidio, this voyage was the next natural step: bringing Massimiliano, Raffaele, and Giovanni onboard to interact directly with our guests and further elevate the experience through personal stories, wine, and gastronomy,” said Gunter Lorenz, Vice President of Food and Beverage at Crystal.
The relationship with the Alajmo brothers has become a cornerstone of Crystal's culinary identity. In 2025, they collaborated with the company's chefs to introduce new and updated menus at Osteria d'Ovidio aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, reflecting the contemporary elegance, seasonal focus, and technical mastery that have characterized their restaurants for decades.
These new developments further reinforced Crystal's reputation for offering Michelin-level dining experiences at sea, alongside collaborations with leading figures in international cuisine such as chef Nobu Matsuhisa, with the only Nobu restaurant at sea, and renowned restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi, who brought Beefbar exclusively to Crystal ships in 2024.
“For us, cooking has always been a way to share emotion, culture, and the spirit of a place,” said Massimiliano Alajmo. “We are very excited to meet Crystal’s guests in person, exchange ideas, and bring the spirit of our cuisines on board.”.
For his part, Raffaele Alajmo added: “This trip will allow us to share the Alajmo gastronomic experience in a more personal and meaningful way, something truly special that we are looking forward to experiencing.”.
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
