Certainly, the biggest cruise news of the week was the announcement by A&K Travel Group Ltd.—owned by Geoffrey Kent and Heritage (the industrial holding company chaired by Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio)—that it has acquired both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.
After an extensive refurbishment, the two ships will resume sailing in 2023 under the “Crystal Cruises” brand name, also acquired by A&K Travel Group Ltd. Earlier this year, Crystal Cruises had ceased sailing and closed its U.S. offices, given parent Genting Hong Kong's financial issues.
Separately, Carnival Cruise Line is partnering with sister Carnival Corporation brand, Costa Cruises, to create a new concept for Carnival’s North American guests. "Costa by Carnival" will debut in spring 2023 with Costa Venezia joining the Carnival fleet and sailing from New York City. Costa Firenze will arrive in spring 2024 to sail from Long Beach. CA.
Helping ease the travel journey for travelers heading overseas to board a cruise, more governments are ditching pandemic-era entry and testing requirements. For example, South Africa has ended all COVID-19 related restrictions.
Ship Developments
The industry's fleet continues to expand. Viking’s new 930-passenger Viking Saturn was “floated out” last week. Scheduled to debut in April 2023, the ship will operate Mediterranean and Northern Europe itineraries.
Unfortunately, a metalworkers strike in Spain’s Cantabria region has disrupted the "finishing process" for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's first yacht, Evrima, Now the ship's inaugural cruise, according to our sister publication Luxury Travel Advisor, has been rescheduled for August 31, 2022 from Athens (Pireaus), Greece.
Also, in the continuing saga of Havila Capella, the new Norwegian coastal cruise ship, Havila Kystruten, has received the needed Norwegian Maritime Directorate certifications to operate the vessel. Havila Capella is now fully insured and can restart operations along Norway’s coast. Previously,the ship's insurers had terminated their coverage due to E.U. sanctions against GTLK Asia. The company also filed a U.K. court case to force a change in Havila Capella’s ownership.
Cruise Product News
Product-wise, Luxury Travel Advisor also reported on Silversea Cruises' new dining options for its new ultra-luxury ship, Silver Nova, which launches in 2023.
Quark Expeditions is adding hiking and trekking options in polar regions.
In a nod to inclusivity, AmaWaterways will offer a new “A Soulful Epicurean Experience on the River,” paired with its “Colors of Provence” river cruise on August 24, 2023 from Arles to Lyon, France. A new three-night post-cruise land package in Paris also will commemorate the city’s Black history, heritage and culture.
With the new Tom Hanks film “Elvis” now showing in theaters,Tauck made a timely announcement last week. It added a private after-hours tour of the the late singer’s Graceland home and grounds in Memphis, TN. That's for guests booked on Tauck's “Life on the Mississippi” itinerary which includes a cruise on American Duchess, an American Queen Voyages' vessel.