ABERCROMBIE & Kent MD Australia, Debra Fox, has hailed the overnight news revealing the acquisition of Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony by the company, saying “this further investment and expansion by A&K in delivering exceptional guest experiences is more outstanding news for both our trade partners and guests”.
The deal’s revelation followed an auction last week in which the ships were sold by the administrators of the collapsed Genting Hong Kong to an at the time unknown buyer for US$103 million (Serenity) and US$25 million (Symphony).
It’s now been confirmed that A&K Travel Group, the parent company of Abercrombie & Kent owned by Geoffrey Kent and former Silversea Chairman Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, has also acquired the Crystal Cruises brand, with plans to relaunch operations in 2023.
Both ships will undergo a refurbishment, and Crystal will report alongside A&K to Cristina Levis, former Silversea Expeditions President who is CEO of A&K Travel Group Limited.
Geoffrey Kent will chair Crystal alongside d’Ovidio, and said “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”.
Levis said the acquisition of Crystal had been challenging, but “the satisfaction of having this jewel in our family is the best payoff for all the hard work and efforts of the A&K team”.
She said the group looked forward to welcoming past Crystal and A&K guests onboard, as well as any clients seeking “rewarding luxury experiences”.
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Source: traveldaily