The convergence of two titans in luxury travel has arrived, promising to transform how discerning globetrotters experience the world’s most coveted destinations. Crystal’s new “By Abercrombie & Kent” program represents far more than another cruise excursion offering – it’s a complete reimagining of what it means to explore the world in style.
A partnership born from excellence
When A&K Travel Group acquired Crystal in 2022, it wasn’t merely a business transaction – it was the marriage of two legendary brands that have spent decades perfecting the art of exceptional travel. Crystal has dominated the luxury cruise space for over 30 years, while Abercrombie & Kent has been pioneering authentic, immersive travel experiences for six decades. Together, they’re creating something entirely unprecedented in the cruise industry.
The newly launched program seamlessly blends Crystal’s award-winning onboard hospitality with A&K’s unparalleled destination expertise and exclusive access to the world’s most extraordinary experiences.
Beyond the ship’s boundaries
What sets this partnership apart is its revolutionary approach to itinerary design. Rather than confining guests to traditional shore excursions, the program offers three distinct ways to explore:
Overland adventures allow the most adventurous passengers to disembark mid-voyage and rejoin the ship at subsequent ports. Imagine leaving your floating sanctuary in Beijing to explore Tiananmen Square, wander through the Forbidden City, and stand atop the Great Wall at its most scenic vantage point – all before rejoining Crystal Serenity or Symphony days later with stories that will last a lifetime.
Pre and post-cruise extensions transform your voyage into a comprehensive journey of discovery. These aren’t afterthoughts tacked onto your cruise – they’re carefully curated adventures that complement and enhance your time at sea. Picture beginning your Mediterranean cruise with truffle hunting in Tuscany, staying in an 11th-century castle, and exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, or ending your Asian voyage walking among the mystical temples of Angkor Wat, made famous by “Tomb Raider.”
The program’s crown jewels include some of the world’s most iconic experiences: tracking lions in Kenya’s Masai Mara, marveling at the intricate beauty of the Taj Mahal, exploring the red heart of Australia at Uluru, and discovering the secrets of the Serengeti.
The A&K advantage
What transforms these experiences from standard tourism to truly extraordinary adventures is A&K’s unmatched global infrastructure. With more than 3,000 staff across 65 offices in 40 countries, every detail is orchestrated by local experts who understand their destinations intimately. Private charter flights, handpicked accommodations, and exclusive access to sites most visitors never see – it’s this level of insider knowledge and logistical mastery that has made A&K the gold standard in luxury travel.
The company’s exclusive Sanctuary portfolio in Africa underscores founder Geoffrey Kent’s philosophy: adventure by day, luxury by night. Whether you’re on safari in the Serengeti or exploring ancient temples in Cambodia, you’ll return each evening to accommodations that rival the world’s finest hotels.
Floating palaces reimagined
The Crystal vessels themselves have been transformed to match this elevated experience. Both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony now feature larger, updated suites with artisanal finishes and an almost one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio – ensuring the level of bespoke service that makes luxury cruisers feel perfectly at home.
Onboard, guests can dine at Umi Uma – the only restaurant at sea by Michelin-rated chef Nobu – or relish exceptional cuisine at Beefbar, the ocean’s only outpost of Riccardo Giraudi’s acclaimed restaurant empire. The ships also feature cutting-edge wellness facilities at the Aurōra Spa and Broadway-caliber entertainment.
The new standard for luxury travel
This isn’t simply about adding more options to a cruise itinerary – it’s about creating a new category of travel entirely. As Cristina Levis, CEO of A&K Travel Group, explains, they’re “redefining what a luxury cruise experience can be” by combining Crystal’s exceptional onboard hospitality with A&K’s unparalleled destination expertise.
For passengers who have grown accustomed to choosing between the convenience and luxury of a cruise or the authentic, immersive experiences of a land-based adventure, this program eliminates that compromise entirely. You can have both – and experience them at a level of quality that only these two industry leaders could deliver.
The By Abercrombie & Kent experiences are now available for booking across Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony sailings through 2026, with adventures available for intimate small groups or individuals seeking the ultimate in curated exploration.
For discerning passengers who refuse to settle for ordinary experiences, this partnership represents something that’s been missing from the luxury cruise landscape: the perfect marriage of comfort and adventure, accessibility and authenticity, relaxation and discovery. It’s not just a new way to travel – it’s travel elevated to an art form.
Visit the Crystal website for more information.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
