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Cruise line’s Asia season is already sold out
Luxury cruise operator Crystal Cruises has reported a strong start to 2026, with bookings “tracking ahead” of previous years as demand surges for its most sought-after itineraries.
The line’s 2026 Asia season is already sold out and its Alaska voyages are nearing capacity, while sailings in the Mediterranean and Northern Europe are also performing well, the line said in a statement. Limited availability remains for select departures across the Caribbean, Europe, Mediterranean and the Americas this summer and autumn.
In December, Crystal opened bookings for its 2026 Wellness at Sea retreats aboard Crystal Symphony, launching in August 2026.
The company’s partnership with sister brand Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) – featuring curated journeys and immersive shore experiences – continues to drive strong demand, with the first A&K sailing selling out within weeks and prompting the addition of 10 more departures for 2027.
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Matias Lira, Senior Vice President, Trade Sales – Americas, UK & EMEA at Crystal, attributed the momentum to investments “in the things that matter most to our guests – space, service, thoughtful design and experiences that feel genuinely enriching", he said.
Following its acquisition by A&K in 2022, Crystal invested US$170 million to refurbish its two ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. The upgrades introduced larger suites, elevated public areas and enhanced décor. In late 2025, Crystal Symphony entered dry dock for further enhancements, including upgraded suites, refreshed public spaces and sustainability-focused systems designed to increase comfort and efficiency.
Looking ahead, Crystal is preparing to welcome a new addition to its fleet. Due for delivery in May 2028, Crystal Grace will be the brand’s first new ocean-going ship in 25 years. The 650-guest all-suite vessel will boast one of the industry’s highest crew-to-guest ratios, with its inaugural season going on sale this April.
Onboard, dining remains central to the Crystal experience. Across its fleet, guests can enjoy nine distinct venues, including Umi Uma – the only restaurant at sea by renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa – alongside Beefbar, created in partnership with restaurateur Riccardo Giraudi, and Osteria d’Ovidio, which features a menu curated by acclaimed chef Massimiliano Alajmo and restaurateur Raffaele Alajmo.
In recognition of its continued excellence, Crystal was named the Top Midsize-Ship Ocean Cruise Line in the 2025 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, reclaiming a title it held for nearly three decades prior to its relaunch.
For more information, visit crystalcruises.ae and www.crystalcruises.ae/peace-of-mind-promise. For reservations, call 8000 6512079 (UAE) or +357 26 205 216 (outside of the UAE), or email crystal@luxurycruiseportfolio.com. For travel trade partnerships, contact Head of GCC Sales Daniel Essex on dan@luxurycruiseportfolio.com
Supporting the growth of the cruise industry, Connections Cruise Arabia will return to Dubai in the UAE in 2026, following the success of the inaugural edition in 2025. The two-day event, taking place from 28 to 29 September, will welcome more than 500 travel trade professionals from across the global cruise ecosystem. To register your interest in attending, contact Connections.